Chapter 1: Introduction
Upon his entry, Dave found himself standing aghast in the foyer, a labyrinth of plush carpets, golden sconces, and glistening marble. The air reeked of expensive perfume mingled with traces of sweat and spilled wine. The grand staircase leading up to the second floor was draped in colorful streamers, remnants of a raucous celebration. Discarded shoes and crumpled napkins littered the polished wood floors. The very walls themselves seemed to echo the cacophony of laughter, music, and shouts that had filled the mansion earlier.
Dave, his face rigid with anger, took a deep breath before calling out to Sasha. His voice boomed through the house like thunder, "Sasha!"
After a few moments, a door creaked open, revealing a petite figure clad in nothing but a towel. Long, golden locks tumbled down her back, framing a face with piercing blue eyes that darted nervously back and forth. Her lips quivered, and she clutched the towel tightly around her body. "Hi, Mr. Dave," she stammered softly.
"I didn't think you'd be home so soon. It was just a little gathering to unwind."
Dave's jaw tightened, his gaze piercing through her as he stepped closer. "A 'little gathering'? I find it hard to believe that you would invite people over without my permission." His voice trembled with suppressed rage. "And what am I supposed to make of the mess this place is in?"
Sasha bit her lip, her eyes darting around nervously. "I-I tried to clean up some, but everyone got carried away.
..," Sasha mumbled under her breath, averting her gaze from Dave's stern expression. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks; not from embarrassment, but from the anger simmering inside her. She knew that if she lost control, she might end up doing something reckless.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Dave suddenly grabbed her arm, pulling her close. His warm breath washed over her face as he leaned in. "You're lucky I don't fire you right now," he growled low enough for Sasha to hear.