Chapter One: Adele - A Terrifying Welcome

As I stood before the grand entrance of the Donovan mansion, my heart pounded with a mix of nervousness and excitement. The imposing mansion loomed before me, exuding elegance and opulence through its architecture. Tall pillars flanked the entrance, and intricate carvings adorned the facade, hinting at the rich history contained within its walls. The mansion itself stood as a testament to the Donovan family's wealth and influence, a world unto itself.

As if sensing my unease, Chad spoke up, his voice filled with reassurance. "The boss is inside," he said gently, his words aimed at calming my nerves. I mustered a grateful smile in response to his considerate gesture. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible. Chad nodded politely, acknowledging my gratitude.

Swallowing my nerves, I approached the entrance, climbing the flight of stairs. A tall, masculine man dressed in all-black combat gear nodded at me and pulled the massive door open. "Thank you," I muttered and cleared my throat.

"There's someone waiting to take you to meet the boss inside," he informed me. I nodded, and the front door swung open, revealing a maid dressed in a crisp uniform. Vivian, as she introduced herself, greeted me with a warm smile and welcomed me inside. With my head held high, I followed her, stepping into the mansion's foyer.

The interior was a breathtaking display of luxury. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, golden glow upon the marble floors below. Intricate tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of grandeur and beauty. The air carried a faint scent of fresh flowers, further adding to the aura of elegance that permeated the mansion.

I anticipated being led to Archer Donovan's home office, where I presumed the supposed interview would take place. However, as Vivian and I traversed through a pristine corridor, she guided me to a halt halfway down the hall. I glanced at the double doors at the end, curiosity piqued. Sensing my confusion, Vivian smiled politely and gestured for me to continue on my own.

"Thank you," I murmured appreciatively, my voice laced with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. I walked the remaining distance, my steps echoing softly on the polished floors. As I approached the double doors, my hand poised to knock, and faint voices reached my ears.

Curiosity overtook me, and I hesitated when I noticed that the door was ajar. Peering inside, careful not to intrude but unable to resist a glimpse into the room beyond, a frown furrows my eyebrows as I took in the scene before me.

"No, Jessica, no," Archer's deep voice carried from a lounging chair to the right of the room. He sat leaning over a breakfast spread, while a lady with her back to me crawled towards him, attempting to fit herself in between his legs. Her hands were on his muscled thighs.

"Come on, don't make me beg. You're acting strange, Arch," a soft sultry voice emitted from the figure.

"My nurse is here. Vivian is already bringing her up... You need to leave," Archer said firmly.

"Archie, you don't need a nurse. I can take care of you," she whined.

"And I already said no, Jessica. Do you mind?" Archer snapped, and the clattering of a spoon resounded in the room. He made to get up, and just then, I quickly knocked on the door.

"Damn it to hell!" Archer cursed loudly.

"I will send her away!"

"You will do no such thing!" Archer yelled. Then, the door was yanked open, revealing a tall, immaculate blonde. Her beautiful grey eyes threw daggers at me. If looks could kill, I was certain I would be dead.

"You don't look like a nurse," she gave me a suspicious glare. "What are your qualifications?" she demanded in a cold, chilling tone.

"Don't answer that, leave, Jess! Now!" Archer growled as he came to tower over the two of us. He wore a loose robe over equally loose pants, and I could see his torso was wrapped in bandages.

"I'm going to stay for the interview. After all, if you're going to hire a live-in nurse, I might as well be certain she can handle the heat. It's what Dad would want," she replied.

A sudden realization dawned on me, illuminating the confusing puzzle of the situation. 'Aha! This woman must be Archer's sister,' I thought, connecting the dots. Initially, I had mistaken her for another one of Archer's romantic interests due to their intense exchange. But now, observing her and Archer's reaction, it became clear that they shared a sibling bond. The peculiar scene I had witnessed earlier began to make sense. Although I couldn't fathom being so uninhibited with Mark even though he had practically raised me, I acknowledged that every family had its own dynamics, and some siblings could indeed be that open and playful with each other.

"Good morning, Mr. Donovan, and...," I started, trying to regain composure.

"Jessica Donovan," the lady supplied, her demeanor icy.

"Good morning, Miss Rutherford. Please come in," Archer's voice maintained a professional and distant tone. Jessica, however, stubbornly refused to budge from the entrance, forcing Archer to intervene and pull her away so that I could squeeze through. "Please take a seat and join me for breakfast," Archer extended an invitation, his gesture seemingly unaffected by the chaotic presence of his sister. 

"Thanks," I replied, attempting to disregard Jessica's watchful gaze as she remained by the door, arms folded in a hawk-like vigilance. 

In the midst of this scene, my attention was momentarily diverted to a maid who entered the room, delicately carrying a tray. 

Suddenly, a loud crash reverberated through the air, followed by a piercing cry of pain. 

"Son of a..." Archer's voice trailed off into a curse, and I jolted upright from my seat, aghast at the sight of blood splattered against the door. 

"Help her, that's part of your interview," Jessica commanded, her words chilling as I gasped in horror, witnessing the aftermath of her assault on the unfortunate maid, who now knelt on the floor in excruciating agony.