✍🏻 Story by : Seraph
𓂃🖊 Edited by : Violet

Thirteen Years Ago – America

It was a bright, sunny day in Congressman Leyton’s residence.

Maids dusted furniture, butlers carried trays, the routine of the household flowing as usual—except for one detail.

Every servant’s eyes followed the head butler, as he walked down the hall with a stranger in tow.

The man behind him was tall, broad-shouldered, almost intimidating, his stern presence enough to make whispers spark.

“Oh my… he looks scary,” one maid whispered.

“Really?” her friend leaned closer, eyes sparkling. “I think he’s handsome… don’t you?”

The first maid shot her a look that said plainly: Are you out of your mind?

At the far end of the hall, the head butler stopped at a polished wooden door. 

He motioned for the stranger to wait, then knocked.

“Sir, the new employee is here,” he announced.

From inside came the reply: “Come in, Walter.”

The office smelled faintly of cigars and leather. 

Congressman Leyton sat at his desk, his wife Ann beside him, their six-year-old son perched on her lap.

“Mr. Leyton,” Walter said, bowing his head slightly. “This is the man I mentioned.”

Leyton tossed aside his papers and gave the stranger a long, measuring stare.

“Your name?”

The man opened his mouth, but Walter quickly answered:
“Daiki Ohara.”

Daiki blinked, confused. Isn't he allowed to speak for himself here?

Leyton’s eyes narrowed. “Have you worked anywhere before?”

Again Walter spoke before Daiki could.
“No, sir. This is his first job in America.”

Leyton’s irritation showed. “Why are you answering for him? Doesn’t he have a tongue?”

Walter straightened stiffly. “Forgive me, sir. He… doesn’t speak English very well.”

A smirk tugged at Leyton’s lips. “Doesn’t speak English?"

He shot Daiki a cold stare then added, mockingly, “Then how am I supposed to communicate with him—by signs?”

Walter clenched his jaw. “A bodyguard doesn’t need words, sir. His strength is what matters.”

But Leyton leaned back, unimpressed. “I don’t hire men I can’t speak to. Fire him.”

Walter’s jaw clenched.

“But, sir…” He knew pressing further was useless. 

This wouldn’t be the first man discarded here, and it wouldn’t be the last.

Walter’s fists curled, but he forced himself to bow. “As you wish.”

He turned to Daiki, his voice low. “Come.”

They had barely taken a step when Leyton’s sharp voice cut through the room:
“Wait.”

Walter froze.

“Dean’s maid quit yesterday, didn’t she?”

“…Excuse me, sir?” Walter frowned, puzzled, not knowing what that had to do with the conversation.

Leyton rose, his tone sharp and mocking. 

“Give him to Dean. Let him play with him if he wants.”

Daiki didn’t fully grasp every word, but the cruel tone told him enough—it wasn’t kindness. 

The glance at Walter beside him confirmed it.

Walter’s fists curled tight at his sides, his blood boiling. A human being—treated like a toy?

“But, sir—that—”

“It’s decided.” Leyton’s smile gleamed cold and cruel, each movement calculated to intimidate.

“Take him to Dean’s room until we hire a new maid.”

Leyton sat back on his chair, legs crossed, playing with his fingernail without a care. 

“Tell me, Walter… how many have quit this month?”

Walter’s voice was tight. “…Eight, sir.”

“Eight? Hah! Unbelievable.” Leyton shook his head, feigning outrage. 

But his eyes glittered with something darker, almost amused. “And why is that?”

Walter hesitated. His gaze flicked toward Ann, who kept her head lowered, silent as stone.

He hated saying it in front of Daiki—but refusing would mean losing his own job.

“One broke her leg chasing Dean down the stairs. Another was struck by flying plates—shards cut her face. Another—”

Daiki’s weak English picked up only fragments: broken… injury… blood.
It was enough to knot unease deep in his chest.

Leyton waved a dismissive hand. “That’s enough. Go.”

Walter bowed stiffly. “Yes, sir.”

Once the door shut behind them, Walter’s composure cracked. 

His muttered curses burned under his breath, too low for anyone to hear.

Daiki followed in silence. But inside, a weight grew heavier.

Something about this house was wrong. Very wrong.

To Be Continued....