"Miss Mikhailov, Mr. Volkov is waiting for you in the dining room," she said, stepping back to let Sera pass.

Sera just nodded, her stomach twisting as she followed the maid down those long, creepy mansion hallways. It was so quiet, she could feel the tension. Every step echoed, like the house was alive and watching her.

When they reached the dining room, the maid opened the door and gestured for Sera to enter. The room was grand, with a table long enough to seat twenty people. At the head sat Dimitri Volkov, sipping coffee and flipping through a stack of papers. His sharp suit looked effortless and his presence filled the room, even though he hadn't acknowledged her yet.

Sera hesitated in the doorway. She felt small, like an ant standing before a lion.

"Because we have a lot of work to do."

"But you're late," Dimitri said, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. The weight of his words made her flinch.

"I'm sorry," she murmured, stepping further into the room.

He finally glanced up, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. "You'll find that I don't tolerate lateness, Miss Mikhailov. When I say a time, I expect you to be there."

"Yes," she whispered, lowering her gaze.

He gestured to the chair opposite him. "Sit."

She obeyed, her hands fidgeting in her lap as she waited for him to speak. The silence between them was suffocating and she could feel his eyes studying her every move.

"You'll begin your work today," Dimitri said, setting his papers aside. "You're to assist the maids with cleaning, cooking and anything else I require. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes," Sera replied, her voice barely audible.

He leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Good. Because failure is not an option."

His words sent a chill down her spine. There was no room for mistakes here, no room for weakness. She had to survive, no matter what.

The rest of the day was brutal. Those maids, bless their hearts, didn't pull any punches explaining her chores. She scrubbed floors till her knees screamed, polished silverware till her arms felt like they weighed a ton and carried food trays without spilling a thing. Every job was a test and messing up meant Dimitri fury.

By the time evening came, Sera was exhausted. Her hands were red and raw from scrubbing and her muscles screamed in protest as she dragged herself back to her room. But even as she lay down, her mind refused to rest. The image of Dimitri cold eyes haunted her, a constant reminder of the danger she was in.

○●○

Weeks flew by, and Sera got into a routine. Mornings were cleaning, afternoons kitchen help, and evenings delivering food to Dimitri office. He barely talked, but, his presence was suffocating, like a dark cloud.

One evening, as she brought his dinner tray to the office, she hesitated outside the door. The muffled sound of voices reached her ears, low and tense. She knew she shouldn't eavesdrop, but curiosity got the better of her.

"I don't care what it takes," Dimitri voice growled. "I want that file and I want it now."

Another man voice replied, quieter but equally firm. "It's not that simple, boss. The old man has eyes everywhere. If we make a move, it could backfire."

Then it got quiet and Sera held her breath, listening real hard.

"Then find a way," Dimitri said, his tone deadly. "I'm not losing everything because of him."

Sera stepped back, her heart pounding. She didn't know what they were talking about, but the intensity in Dimitri voice sent a shiver down her spine. Whatever it was, it was dangerous.

She knocked softly on the door and the voices stopped abruptly.

"Enter," Dimitri called, his voice calm once again.

Sera pushed the door open, her hands trembling as she carried the tray inside. Dimitri was all by himself, his face a blank slate as he watched her put the tray down.

"Is there anything else you need?" she asked, keeping her gaze on the floor.

"No," he said curtly. "You can go."

She nodded quickly and left the room, her heart still racing. Whatever Dimitri was involved in, it was clear that his world was far more dangerous than she had imagined.

○●○

That night, in bed, Sera couldn't sleep. Dimitri was powerful, but he had enemies and she was stuck in the middle.

Her life was a scary mess, everything getting worse, but even then, she still had hope. She'd get through this. She had to.

For her grandmother. For herself.

For a future without that Dimitri Volkov.

○●○

The next week was a mess, both inside and outside the mansion. Rain lashed against the windows as thunder rumbled in the distance. Sera worked tirelessly, her body aching from the endless tasks Dimitri assigned her. It seemed he was testing her limits, pushing her to see how much she could endure.

One evening, as she carried a pile of freshly folded laundry up the stairs, she slipped on the wet floor and fell hard, the laundry scattering around her. Pain shot through her arm and tears sprang to her eyes.

Before she could gather herself, Dimitri appeared at the top of the stairs, his expression dark.

"What happened?" he demanded, his voice sharp.

"I'm sorry," Sera stammered, struggling to pick up the linens. "I slipped-"

"Enough," He snapped and practically flew down the stairs. He grabbed her arm, his grip firm but not cruel and pulled her to her feet.

"Be more careful," he said, his tone softer now. "I don't have time to deal with your mistakes."

Sera nodded, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. But as she looked up at him, she saw something unexpected in his eyes something that wasn't anger.

It was concern.

The moment passed quickly and Dimitri released her arm, his expression hardening once more.

"Get back to work," he said, turning and walking away.

Sera watched him leave, her heart racing. For the first time, she wondered if Dimitri Volkov was more than just that cold, ruthless man everyone saw.