ra froze mid-step, a chill running down her spine, wondering if she''d misheard. But there was no mistaking the way Jackson closed the distance between them, his voice low and threatening just for her ears.


    "You''re staying put, or else I''ll make your life hell. Not even Dn can save you from me," he warned, his eyes dark and menacing, the kind you''d expect from someone who ran in Dn''s circles.


    ra frozen in ce, a bitter taste rising in her throat. Thankfully, Dn stepped in, his voice calm yet firm, "Jackson, it''s time for you to head home."


    Ignoring him, Jackson leaned in closer, whispering, "If I find out you''ve left, next time we meet, I''ll make sure you can''t walk away."


    What the heck! This guy was relentless! ra wanted to snap back, maybe even flip him the bird, but her courage failed her. Instead, she forced a smile and hurried over to Dn.


    "Mr. Dn, let me stay and help out. I''m really good at these things!" she pleaded, weighing the embarrassment against the stakes of her safety.


    Jackson seemed content with herpliance, waving a hand as he left. "Dn, I''m off. Got to find someone to keep mepany tonight," he said.


    Dn remained silent until Jackson was out of sight, then turned to ra. "You should head home too."


    She shook her head, desperation in her eyes. "Mr. Dn, I''m really good at taking care of people. Please, let me stay."


    She felt the heat of embarrassment rise, cursing Jackson inwardly for a


    thousandth time. Dn paused in his wheelchair, giving her a thoughtful look. "Did he threaten you?"


    "No, no, it''s my choice to stay," she insisted. With Dn, she sensed a kindness.


    Kneeling beside him, she ced her hands gently on his knees. "I''m great at massages too. I could help you rx, and maybe you''d even fall asleep. Just think about giving me a small raise, I''m a bit short on cash these days."


    At her words, Dn chuckled, a deep, genuineugh that made his chest shake a little. ''He looks even more handsome when heughs,'' ra thought, suddenly shy and avoiding his gaze.


    With a light-hearted tone, Dn maneuvered his wheelchair towards the elevator, "Alright, you can stay."


    ra sighed in relief, trailing behind him. His routine was predictable; he headed to his study to tackle some paperwork. ra stayed quiet, simply pouring him water when needed.


    As the clock geared eleven, she found herself nodding off in a chair


    nearby. The rustle of paper brought


    her back to the present. Dn noticed her drooping eyelids and suggested gently, "If you''re tired, go get some rest."


    She hadn''t even thought about where she''d sleep. Rumor had it Dn hadn''t had


    a woman around in ages, yet here she was.


    "Mr. Dn, I can stay up," she offered, though the sleepiness was evident.


    He raised an eyebrow, noticing her struggle, and headed out. She followed quickly, "Are you off to bed?"


    "Yeah," he replied simply.


    His master bedroom was dark and imposing with a sense of understated power. ra watched him fetch pajamas from the closet and head to the bathroom, dearly intending to shower.


    She''s worried about his leg, but hesitated. "Just be careful, alright? I''ll get some warm milk for you."


    Dn paused at the bathroom door, the bright light casting a golden halo around him. ra gave him a reassuring smile. "What''s up?"


    He said nothing, just turned and went into the bathroom. ra made her way to the kitchen, and as she warmed some milk, a voice startled her, "Who''s there?"


    Turning, she saw a housekeeper, her gaze curious but friendly. "Ms. ra?"


    Caught off guard, ra nodded. "Yes, I didn''t think anyone would recognize me."


    The housekeeper''s face softened with a smile. "Of course I do, but it''s been a while since you visited. I thought you might nevere back."


    ra was taken aback. Had she been here before? Perhaps there was a mix-up? She didn''t correct the housekeeper, just as the microwave beeped.


    As she turned to leave with the milk, the housekeeper added, "He keeps to


    himself, but he cares about you, Ms. ra. Don''t hold it against him."


    Feeling awkward, ra was even more convinced there''d been a mix-up, maybe with someone named Shelly. She nodded politely. "I understand."