FOUR

Cassa's POV

My eyes narrowed as I scanned the list of tasks I was expected to perform. They were duties I had never imagined myself doing, akin to that of a servant, or worse, a prisoner serving her captor! I fought the urge to crumple the paper in my hand, my nails digging into my palm as I suppressed my frustration.

The Mayor had departed for town, leaving two men to guard me. At the bottom of the smooth, finely printed paper, it stated that the rules would take effect once I was fully recovered. Bitterness welled up inside me, and I let out an exaggerated sigh.

Pushing myself up from the divan, I approached the stairs but hesitated. An idea struck me—I would explore the house to familiarize myself with my surroundings.

It was already noon when I had entered the room, my legs aching from the walk. The house was sprawling, second only to a mansion, and I nearly lost my way if not for Carter, one of the guards, accompanying me. I carried a paper bag delivered by the Mayor's driver ten minutes prior, containing my lunch.

Taking a seat, I inspected the contents of the bag—a Tupperware filled with rice, sautéed vegetables, and fried chicken, accompanied by fresh juice in a water bottle. Despite my circumstances, the food was nutritious and surprisingly delicious.

After finishing my meal, I placed the container on the round table and glanced out the window for a moment before heading to the bathroom. I noticed that the clothing I wore was all brand new, a stark contrast to my previous attire. I made a mental note to inquire about my belongings, including my phone, when I next saw the Mayor.

In the mirror, I observed the changes in my body, the decline in my condition evident. Despite this, I resolved to make the most of my situation.

In the pleasant afternoon, I found myself sitting on the garden swing, gently swaying as I admired the plants. I had watered them earlier and decided to take a well-deserved rest. However, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease regarding Sabrina's absence. It had been almost a week since I last saw her. How was she faring after encountering the strange shape-shifting woman? I couldn't help but worry.

Sabrina's absence meant that I had been left to my own devices. The Mayor hadn't been home, and the driver had been the one delivering my meals. Yesterday, Doctor Adam had visited me for the final time, informing me that I was well enough to resume my normal activities. Yet, I couldn't find it in myself to be pleased—it only meant that I would soon be expected to undertake the tasks outlined in the list.

"I never imagined myself working as a maid. Yet, here I am," I muttered bitterly, laughing sardonically at the turn of events.

As Carter approached, I turned to him. "The Mayor is waiting for you in the library."

"He's here?" I asked, surprised. I hadn't noticed the arrival of a car. "What does he want to discuss with me?"

"I'm not sure, Ma'am. He simply instructed me to inform you," he replied.

"Thank you," I said, rising from the swing and making my way toward the back door of the kitchen. It took me a moment to reach the library.

I was about to knock when I heard the Mayor's voice from within. "Come inside."

I took a deep breath, turned the doorknob, and pushed the door open. The man sat at the desk, his hair unkempt, and his polo shirt sleeves rolled up, revealing his muscular forearm with veins visible beneath the skin. He held a folder in his hand, his thick brows furrowed as his eyes scanned the paper in front of him, not bothering to acknowledge my presence.

I hesitated at the door for a moment before stepping into the room. Bookshelves lined three walls, filled with books of various genres, while piles of books cluttered the top of the furniture behind the desk, creating a chaotic sight. The air carried a mix of scents—newly printed books, old paper, and a hint of musk from the man himself. The air conditioning kept the room cool without dampening the pages of the books.

"Sit down," Julius commanded without looking up.

I took a seat in front of the desk. "Why am I here?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

He lowered the folder, opened the desk drawer, and pulled out a familiar DSLR camera. My heart skipped a beat. Could it be mine? Julius glanced at me before placing the camera on the table. My eyes were drawn to it, confirming it was indeed the DSLR that once belonged to my mother. It showed signs of wear, and my eyebrows raised when I saw my mother's name engraved on the grip. It was unmistakably hers.

"I thought you broke this one..."

He touched the camera. "You're talented at photography, just like your mother, Patricia."

"It seems like you knew my mother?" I searched his eyes and my memories, trying to recall any mention of the Montalvo family by Mama.

"My mom used to hire Patricia for events requiring a photographer. She was the best," Julius explained, pushing the camera toward me. "I was joking when I said I destroyed it."

I took the DSLR, turning it on. "I replaced the memory card, and there's nothing on it," he added.

I placed the camera in my lap and asked, "What about my phone?"

"You don't need a phone," he replied, catching me off guard.

"But I need it to call my father, grandparents, and friends. They're worried sick about me," I argued, longing to hear their voices.

"I've spoken to your father and grandfather. They understand that you're working under me. Your grandfather was in Cagayan de Oro last week. They're aware of the situation," Julius said, his tone firm.

I clenched the fabric of my jeans, meeting his gaze head-on. "And my friends? Does this mean I can't see my family?"

His smile faded, and he rested his elbow on the desk, clasping his hands. "That's right. Unless you want to put them in danger."

"Why would meeting them endanger them? You have the photo, but what more do you need for my freedom?" My voice trembled, and I fought to hold back tears.

Julius sighed, his thumbs tapping against each other as he looked at me. "The problem is, even if you hand over the photo and delete it, the man you photographed is a ruthless Alpha. He'll stop at nothing to kill you, and he doesn't play by the rules. You've tangled with the wrong person."

"So, you're saying it's pointless for me to hand over the photo and erase it?"

Julius nodded solemnly.

I inhaled sharply. "Would it satisfy him if he killed me?"

Julius shook his head. "He'll kill the townspeople next, thinking they know his secret."

"So, if you're out there, he'll still kill you. Once he's done, the oath will be broken, and it'll be the end of this town," he explained, folding the envelope.

Fear mirrored in my eyes, leaving me speechless.

"It's not that bad living like this. It's a win-win situation, after all."

A win-win situation? It didn't feel that way for me. Not the life I envisioned. The dreams I had, the goals I wanted to achieve—were they all gone? How could I live like this, feeling trapped, without freedom? It was hard to accept.