Nick kept trying to reach Sara, but every time he did, he ran into a solid wall he couldn't break through. Even though he was technically her owner, it felt impossible to truly connect with her.
But Nick was no stranger to her distance. Back in school, she had never truly let him in. Despite everything, he had always felt drawn to that beautiful girl who never seemed to notice him.
Years later, she belonged to him—but nothing had changed. Sara remained closed off, just like before. Still, Nick refused to give up. He was persistent. He wasn't a cruel master, nor harsh. On the contrary, he was attentive to Sara's needs and never harmed her.
And Sara appreciated that—deeply. But she still couldn't give him what he truly wanted: her love.
They were in the library, both reading their favorite books while the rain poured outside. But at some point, Nick set his book down and moved closer to Sara. He was bored, and without considering what Sara might want, he wrapped his arms around her, becoming affectionate and warm.
The dark-haired girl froze instantly, a wave of discomfort surging through her.
"Sara, I'm bored. Let's do something else," Nick murmured.
Sara said nothing, didn't move. She simply kept reading.
"Please, Sara," he whispered, stroking her silky black hair, gently touching her arm, her back.
When his hand neared her chest, her breathing became irregular. The book slipped from her hands to the floor. Still, she didn't speak or react. She just silently wished for it all to end quickly.
The memories of what she had endured at The Perfect Girls agency flooded her mind, tormenting her. But Nick didn't know. She had never told him. The shame she felt was too heavy.
Eventually, his touch became too much to bear, and she sat up abruptly, pulling away from him. Her breaths came in short gasps, and tears threatened to spill from her eyes.
"Sara? What's wrong?"
"N-Nothing… it's nothing…"
Nick moved to embrace her again, trying to calm her down. But Sara stepped back once more. Her body was drenched in sweat.
Nick said nothing more. He didn't try to touch her again. Instead, he remained kind and patient.
"Hey," he said gently. "It's alright. Here, have this." He offered her a glass of champagne. "It might help."
Sara accepted the drink, sipping slowly. She couldn't stand to be touched that way—not after everything she had been through. She kept taking deep breaths, but they didn't soothe her.
"Sara, I just want to help you," Nick said quietly. "Please… just tell me what's going on."
"It's nothing, really… just… nothing."
Tears streamed silently down her face. Nick gently embraced her again—this time like a brother, not a lover. This time, she didn't resist. She accepted the hug and sobbed quietly into his chest. Her pain was so palpable that Nick felt utterly useless.
"Sara, please… if you don't tell me, I won't be able to help you. And that's all I want—to help you. As your friend."
"You're… you're my owner, Nick," Sara said, wiping her tears.
"No, I'm not. You don't belong to anyone. You're a person, not an object. Tell me, Sara… what's happening?"
Just as she was about to speak, one of the household staff passed by the doorway. His expression was severe. Sara saw him—and her heart nearly stopped.
She recognized him instantly. He was one of the guards who had tormented her at the agency.
Fear rushed through her, and she turned her gaze away.
"Nothing. Nothing's wrong," she said quickly, her voice tight with pain.
Nick felt crushed all over again. Desperate.
"If nothing's wrong, then you won't mind coming to my room, right?"
"…What?"
"Come on," he said, taking her gently by the wrist and leading her to his bedroom. "We'll have some privacy… and I can spend time with you properly. Sara, I like you. I've always liked you."
Without waiting for a reply, he embraced her again and leaned in to kiss her. This time, Sara didn't resist.
And inside, she screamed.
Nick… no… if only you knew what I've been through… I can't speak, or… or they'll kill me…