Isabelle watched the man standing in their living room. An eerie silence filled the air as he looked around, a demeaning look on his face. He was about six feet tall, and really big. Although he couldn't see her, she didn't think she had ever seen someone so scary. Although his face didn't resemble the look of a beast as anyone would say so. She could say he even looked quite handsome for a man in his profession.

When he punched the glass table and it broke, she was shocked that a man could do that in anger. "I want her," he stated, looking at her.

Isabelle was speechless for a moment. What could he possibly want from her? She knew for sure that he knew they didn't have enough money. And even if he wanted her, a handsome man like him could get any girl he wanted. Prettier and sexier girls for that matter.

"I'll provide her food and a roof over her head as long as..," he looked at her then, his eyes burning with something she didn't recognize. "You'll be my maid."

She didn't agree at all. Even her father was not in favor. But she remembered what the man had spoken earlier. How would you like to die, Mr. Cross? Her father had told her what kind of man he was. But he didn't tell her everything. Like why did they call him Boss? Why did he always have bodyguards and a black tinted car?

Her father tried his best to not get her in trouble as well but it was too late. She had to interfere. Isabelle wouldn't risk her father's life. She would do anything to save him.

"Take me instead, Boss," her father pleaded. "This is my fault. I should be the one to carry the burden."

The handsome stranger stood up, looking down at him with fierce eyes. "I have no use for an old man like you."

Isabelle quickly rushed to her father. "Papa, it's alright. We made a bargain and it's only right that we keep it. Even if it's not in our favor."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Her father sighed. "You're right."

"It's time to go, Miss Cross," the man interrupted. "My offer only stands now and I have other matters to attend to."

Isabelle couldn't help but glare at him, her hands turning to fists. "Yes, sir. I'll just say goodbye." Then she turned to hug her father. Isabelle hugged him tight. Who knew that at this moment she'd be leaving her father? She didn't even have the chance to treasure her last moments with him.

"Don't forget to call me, Isabelle," her father reminded.

"I won't forget, Papa."

With one last farewell, Isabelle faced the man. She tried her best to remain brave. There was nothing she wouldn't do just to keep her father from danger. Even if that meant putting hers in trouble. Isabelle left her home with sadness in her eyes.

"Are we leaving, Boss?" a bodyguard asked as soon as they got out of the front door together.

The man they called Boss nodded his head and they opened the back door. Isabelle was shocked to see him sitting beside her on the backseat. With a nervous feeling, she looked up at his side face. Even in that angle, he looked handsome. Who knew a man like him could be this cold and mean? Perhaps she should stop judging people based on their appearance.

"Wait a minute, how can I make sure you won't do any harm to me?" she questioned, putting on a fierce face.

"You have my word, Miss Cross. No harm can ever come to you as long as I live."

Isabelle assumed he was a man of his word. It was obvious from the way he talked and in the way he dressed himself. "What about the payment? How much will you pay me?"

"Let me think.. How much I'll pay you depends on your performance as my personal maid. Since you owe me more than half a million dollars, you'll have to work hard. If you'll strictly follow my rules and please me, I'll pay you a generous amount."

Please him? Isabelle thought. What exactly did he want her to do? She wasn't used to this kind of treatment but she was a kind girl and she wanted to do what was right. Still, that wouldn't excuse the way he was treating her. Just because they owed him money didn't mean he could treat her like this.

"So if I'll pay you 50 per day of work," he continued, "you'll be working for me your whole life."

Shocked, she looked at him speechless. "Wait, what?!"

"But like I said.. That depends on your performance." He looked at her then, his brown eyes drowning her in. "You should rest first. The ride will be long. We'll talk more when we get there."

Rest? She couldn't even relax with him beside her! She thought it was kind of ironic. "Where exactly are we going?" she asked finally.

There was a moment of silence before he said, "Where you belong."