S*X Contract With Invalid Mafia Boss

Chapter 19

The studio was my sanctuary, a place where Luca’s presence couldn’t suffocate me. As I closed the laptop, Ethan’s encouraging words echoed in my mind.

His warmth, his energy—it was like a balm for my weary soul. For the first time in a long while, I felt... lighter. I stepped into the hallway, still smiling faintly, only to find the maid standing there with her usual tray. She hesitated when she saw me, her body tensing as if bracing for an attack. I froze, my chest tightening. I had been cruel to her, lashing out like a cornered animal because she was the only one I could.

The shame hit me like a wave. But just before she could skitter away, I I reached out and grabbed her hand, "wait. I need to tell you something," I said noticing how she froze under my hold and gaze.

"I already did the dishes and I've made breakfast, I just came up to ask if you still want it or if you want lunch instead but if you don't, it's fine, I will make both ready at your time.

I'm sorry if I've upset you in any way today," she said and my heart hurt at the sight of her rambling on out of fear for me.

This was a part of me I'd wanted to leave back in America so I did the one thing I never did back then, I apologized.

“No, it's not you who should be sorry," she looked up at me like I was drunk, but I didn't let it deter me, "I’m sorry,” I blurted out my sincere apology I hoped that she'd accept it.

She blinked, her eyes widening. “Miss?” “I... I shouldn’t have treated you that way,” I said, my voice soft but firm.

“It wasn’t right. You didn’t deserve it.” For a moment, she looked at me as though I’d grown a second head. Then her expression softened.

“Thank you, Miss Christine. That... means a lot.” I smiled, relieved.

“Let’s start fresh. Maybe we can have dinner together tonight?” Her jaw nearly dropped. “Dinner? With me?” “Yes.” I laughed at her incredulous tone, feeling a spark of something I hadn’t felt in months—human connection. “You’ve put up with me for long enough. It’s the least I can do.”

The tension between us dissolved, and for the first time, I saw her smile. “Thank you, Miss Christine. I’d like that.” As she turned to leave, I hesitated. “Wait—when did Luca leave?” She stopped, glancing over her shoulder.

“Early this morning. He seemed to be in a hurry.” I nodded, a strange mix of relief and disappointment settling in my chest.

“Thank you.” By the time evening rolled around, the dining room felt less like a gilded cage and more like a cozy refuge.

The maid—whose name I learned was Sofia—chatted hesitantly at first, but soon we were laughing and sharing stories like old friends. It was the first time in months I felt... normal.

“You’ve really changed, Miss Christine,” Sofia said, her voice filled with awe.

I nodded, my smile fading slightly.

“I’m trying. I don’t want to be that person anymore.”

She reached out, patting my hand. “You’re doing well. Don’t stop.” Her words warmed me, but as we ate, my eyes kept flicking to the clock. But as the clock ticked on and the night stretched into silence, I found myself glancing at the door.

Was I… waiting for him? The realization sent a chill through me, and I quickly shook it off.

No, I wasn’t waiting. I was simply… curious. Still, when Luca didn’t return that night, the house felt colder, emptier.

And I hated myself for noticing. “Are you waiting for someone?” Sofia asked, her tone teasing. I startled, nearly dropping my fork.

“No! I was just... wondering when Luca might come back.” "I don't think boss is coming home today," she said and as much as I didn't want that to be true I nodded.

While Luca came and left as he pleaded, he never came after midnight or so late. But I still had thirty minutes to confirm if he was coming or not.

After dinner, I decided to pass the time in a more... productive way. The walls of this mansion were beginning to close in on me again, and the urge to escape burned in my chest. I waited until Sofia retired for the night, then slipped out into the garden.

The cool night air kissed my skin, and for a moment, I felt free. That is, until I reached the edge of the property and saw the first guard.

“Miss Christine,” he said, stepping forward, his tone polite but firm.

“You shouldn’t be out here.” I forced a smile, trying to play innocent.

“Just getting some air.” He didn’t budge.

I sighed, turning back toward the house. But as soon as he disappeared from sight, I made another attempt, this time toward the back gate.

Two guards this time.

“Miss Christine,” one of them said, his voice tinged with amusement.

I glared at him, my frustration boiling over. “Do you people ever sleep?” They exchanged a look but didn’t respond.

By the time I stumbled back into the house, my hair a mess and my legs sore, I was too exhausted to do anything but collapse onto the couch. Sofia found me there in the morning, her expression a mix of amusement and concern.

“Rough night?” “You have no idea,” I muttered, rubbing my temples. But as I sat there, catching my breath, I realized something.

Even with all my failed attempts, for the first time in a long while, I felt alive. So as I went to bed to finally retire for the night, I hoped I'd have the same dream and have him magically by my side in the morning.