-Sloane Pierce:
The morning air was crisp, sharp against my skin as I followed my usual routine with mechanical precision. Breakfast, a quick jog, a shower, a check of my schedule, and then out the door to catch the bus.
My bag felt heavier than usual, not because of weight but because of anticipation. Today was the day I would step into the world I had just legally bound myself to—a world ruled by Roxy Delgado and her family.
I glanced down at the small card in my hand, the address of the Delgado residence, and let out a slow, measured sigh.
Patience, I told myself. Just a few months. Pay off the loans, cover the debts, survive this, and I’d return to my own work, to my real life, the surgeries I loved, the patients I wanted to help on my terms.
The thought was comforting, but it didn’t erase the flutter of anxiety pressing at my chest.
The bus ride felt unusually long. Each stop brought me closer to that gilded world, closer to the house I had imagined a hundred times since signing the papers.
When the bus finally stopped and I stepped off, I walked the short distance to the driveway, letting my eyes trace the street numbers carefully.
It was... colossal.
My jaw dropped. The house wasn’t just a large suburban home—it was a mansion. Towering gates, manicured hedges, and polished stone pathways that led up to a grand entrance.
The neighborhood screamed wealth, power, and untouchable status. Guards stood like statues at the gate, their presence immediately commanding respect—and fear. I hesitated, double-checking the address one last time, then slowly approached the guards.
"Good morning," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral, professional. "I’m doctor Sloane Pierce. I’m here to start my... assignment with Ms. Delgado."
The taller guard looked me over, his eyes sharp but not unfriendly. "Ms. Pierce. You’re expected. ID and verification, please."
I handed over my ID, trying not to feel the heat rising to my cheeks. After a brief scan, he nodded and waved me through. "Drive slowly. Welcome to the Delgado estate."
I swallowed, stepping onto the perfectly paved driveway, my shoes clicking against the stone as I walked.
The mansion’s grandeur struck me in ways that words could barely capture. White columns framed the enormous front door, intricate wrought-iron railings curled around balconies, and every window gleamed as though polished by angels.
A sweeping lawn stretched out on either side, dotted with fountains and ornate statues. It was a palace. Surely this couldn’t be just a family home... but it was. It had to be.
The door opened almost instantly before I could even knock.
A maid, impeccably dressed, greeted me with a polite nod. "Dr. Pierce? Welcome. Can I get you anything to drink before you start?"
I blinked at her, slightly thrown off by her professionalism and the soft lilt in her voice. "Water... just water, please."
She tilted her head, an almost imperceptible smile playing on her lips, and handed me a tall, sleek glass bottle of water.
I frowned slightly, noting the logo embossed on the glass. Expensive. Ridiculously expensive.
I took it anyway, grateful for the hydration, and followed her into the living room, where the furniture looked like it had been imported from Europe, each piece polished and placed with careful precision.
I settled into a chair, trying to maintain my usual professional posture, scanning the space. The floors gleamed, the walls were adorned with framed art that cost more than my apartment, and every surface was immaculate.
I let out a slow breath, realizing that every detail screamed power, wealth, and influence—the kind of place where every corner had a story, a history, and probably secrets I didn’t want to know.
It didn’t take long before two of Roxy’s brothers arrived.
"Dr. Pierce, thank you for coming, I’m Mateo and he’s Kyle. I’m prtty sure you remember we’re Roxy’s brothers," Mateo said. "We appreciate your... cooperation."
I forced a tight smile, keeping my tone professional. "With pleasure," I said, careful not to let any irritation or sarcasm slip through.
After all, I wasn’t here to start a fight—I was here to do a job I hadn’t wanted in the first place, under circumstances I hadn’t chosen.
Kyle’s gaze lingered on me for a moment, almost appraisingly, before he said, "We’ll lead you to Roxy’s room. When you’re ready, you can begin. We’ll be going back to the house after that."
I nodded, rising gracefully and following them down the wide hallway. The scale of the house was dizzying.
Each corridor opened into another massive space, and the walls were lined with photographs, some old, some recent, showing a family that looked terrifyingly cohesive, unbreakable, and unyielding. I reminded myself to stay professional, to treat this as any other assignment, even if the environment screamed otherwise.
Finally, we reached a room. I paused just outside the door, letting my fingers brush the handle lightly.
The air was warm, faintly scented with flowers and some cleaner I couldn’t identify. Inside, I could hear the faint hum of a fan, and glimpses of the sun filtering through tall curtains.
"This is it," Mateo said softly. "We’ll leave you to start when you’re ready."
"Understood," I replied, my voice steady. I watched as they turned and walked back down the hall, leaving me standing there, staring at the door that separated me from the chaos, obsession, and unrelenting energy of Roxy Delgado.
I hesitated for just a fraction of a second, collecting myself, before finally stepping forward. My hand found its way toward the door, the door that I am sure it costs more than my left kidney.
I hesitated again as my knuckled came in contact with the door, knocking, not too hard but enough for however is inside to be able to hear the sound of the knock.
Only a couple of second later, I heard the voice, her voice « Come in. »