Chapter 1 - A Sister's Plan
Lila
Damien... seriously. You can't live like this anymore. Hire someone. Just a few hours a day. Cleaning, cooking, whatever. But get someone!
Damien responds while lying on the sofa, arms crossed:
Damien
I don't need anyone.
Lila
Two years, Damien. Two years stuck in this apartment, dishes rotting, trash piling up. I'm not asking. I'm telling you-get help!
Damien sighs, pinches bridge of nose.
Damien
Fine... a few hours. Only cleaning and cooking. Nothing else.
Lila
Perfect. Don't mess this up.
10:00 AM - Vivienne arrives
Vivienne stepped in, chestnut hair catching the light, blouse black and fitted, pencil skirt hugging her hips. Her heels clicked softly on the hardwood floor.
Vivienne smiling politely.
Vivienne
Good morning! I'm Vivienne, here for the cleaning job?
Damien arms crossed, green eyes sharp.
Damien
Kitchen is yours. Start there. Don't make a mess.
Vivienne bent to pick up a pan, brushing lightly against his arm. Damien stiffened, looking away quickly.
Vivienne
Okay... focus. Just clean.
She moved efficiently, humming softly. Damien's gaze followed her hair over shoulders, curves of her waist, the blush on her cheecks.
Damien
Trash before lunch. Upstairs bedroom is off-limits.
Vivienne set the table, simple pasta and grilled chicken.
Vivienne smiling faintly:
They ate in silence at first, the tension in the air thick. Damien noticed the subtle rise and fall of her chest, the way her fingers brushed the plate.
Damien
“What's happening to me? She's just supposed to clean.”
Vivienne reached for a napkin; her hand brushed Damien's. Heat surged through him.
Vivienne
“Why does he seem so tense?”
Their eyes met for a moment. She smiled faintly, unaware of the effect she had.
Damien
“God... I haven't felt this in years.”
By late afternoon, the kitchen and living room were tidy. Vivienne wiped her hands on a cloth, smiling softly.
Vivienne
It's... looking better in here, isn't it?
Damien
“Her presence... It's intoxicating.”
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