Eleven in the evening, the plane touched down at Stavrakos Airport, in New York.

"Are we going to take the car, Sir? Or the chopper," Jack asked, even though he knew my answer already.

I looked at the dark sky, "we'll take the chopper."

A chopper was waiting for me, near the landing area. Jack and I went there straight ahead. The rest of the bodyguards took the SUV to the mansion.

The chopper landed on the helipad, at the rooftop of the mansion. I went directly to my room, and took a shower. It was a long day for me, my schedule was filled with endless meetings before I could leave Texas.

I was ready to go to bed when I noticed something. There was a vacant spot on my bookshelf. One book was missing. Whoever had the nerve to get it, must be very brave.

The following morning, I woke up early. I went for a drive at the lighthouse, located uphill, that is still inside our estate. Beside the lighthouse, was a small house that belonged to my late grandfather - at my father's side.

My Pops, was my best friend. He adored me so much, and taught me a lot of things, especially art painting.

I could not help, but remember Dad and Pop's constant argument.

"I told you to stop teaching art to my son, Papa. He will be a businessman, and that should be his focus."

"Pablo, your son loves art. It's his passion. You can't deprive him of that happiness."

"Happiness? What's the use of happiness when you're struggling to survive everyday. Art doesn't bring much money compared to running a business. I worked hard to escape us from poverty, and I want my sons to continue what I started."

"Living a simple life is alright. It is less complicated, no headaches."

"We have different opinions about life, Papa," dad bursted, "I refused to be ordinary."

Growing up, I looked up at my Pops. Although he lived an ordinary life, he was surrounded with happiness. More friends, more relatives, less stress, and less obligations. His artworks brought color in his life.

I wanted my life to be like Pops, but dad contradicted my decision. I rebelled. I often argued with him. I became delinquent just to annoy him. Seeing him so disappointed of me, gave me satisfaction.

A turning point in my life happened when I was eighteen. An incident that made me who I am now.

"The Master is here," Calliope informed me, when we met downstairs in the lobby, "go check on Jean. She's preparing his breakfast."

"On it! Is there any special menu?"

"No. He eats whatever is prepared, he's not picky. As long as there's black coffee."

"Noted. I'll go now and check on Jean."

"Wait," she stopped me, "kindly check if Connor is already here. He said that he'll report early."

"Okay, I will," I gave her a thumbs up, then went outside.

From a distance, I saw a tall, dark-haired man wearing white shirt and faded denim pants at the mansion's main entrance. He was leaning on Mr. Stavrakos' black sport's car.

He looked like he was modeling for the car, or better yet, that he owned it. He was gorgeous looking, no wonder women at the pub found him very appealing.

No doubt. This is Connor. The famous hardheaded staff. This guy needs serious lecturing.

I stormed towards him, ready to give him a good scolding. The nerve of this guy, he was not even wearing his chauffeur uniform.

"What are you doing? Why are you leaning on Mr. Stavrakos' car?"

He stood straight abruptly and faced me, his eyes fixed on my face. He remained absolutely motionless for a moment.

"Why not?" his hand leaned against the windshield, "I do this all the time."

"Take your hand off," I strolled closer to him, "that's a shiny car."

His dark brows rose, then he lifted his hand.

I gasped seeing his hand mark, "look what you've done. It's now dirty!"

He just stared at it, not even caring about the damage he caused.

"That spot won't go away by just staring at it. You have to clean it, now." I ordered firmly.

"How would I do that? I don't have a rag."

"Is that my problem?" I muttered sarcastically, "what do you expect? For me to go and get you a rag?"

"Yes. That would be very helpful," he smirked.

I rolled my eyes. This guy is so impossible. No wonder, everyone said that he's stubborn and hardheaded.

"In your dreams. I only serve the master," I tilted my chin up, imitating Calliope, "do you want to keep your job? Clean it now, before the Master will come out. You don't know how many people are jobless nowadays. You should be grateful you have a good job. So perform it well."

His eyebrows furrowed, then said, "so, you're the new maid."

"Yes, I am. You should be scared. I'm more strict than Calliope."

"No way. You look young," he studied my appearance, "do you know that the master only hires middle-aged maids?"

"Of course! I'm forty five. That belongs to middle-aged people."

"Seriously? You don't look like you're in your forties."

"Well, I am. Haven't you heard of skin care? Botox? Face lift? Microblade? Science made me look young."

"Really?"

"REALLY! So clean that dirt you made with your hand, now."

"Okay miss, whatever you say."

My eyes grew big in surprise, as he removed his shirt right away and cleaned the windshield. I felt my face burn as my eyes riveted at his well toned body.

"Are you crazy?"

"I did what you ask," he said and continued wiping the windshield.

"Put your shirt on! Your reckless behavior will get us both into trouble. If Mr. Stavrakos sees what's happening here, we're dead meat."

He obediently put back his shirt on, then he said, "there, happy?"

"No. You have to wear your chauffeur uniform, now. The master is here, you have to drive him to his appointments later."

"Okay, I'll just return the car key inside," he turned and headed to the main door entrance of the mansion.

"Stop! Staff are not allowed to enter the main door. Use the side door."

"It's okay, the Master won't know," he continued walking until he reached the main door.

I ran to him and pulled his shirt, dragging him to the side of the mansion.

"You're so hardheaded. Can you do your job properly for once?"

"I am," he muttered, "hey, you're pretty strong for a forty five year old."

"Stop mocking my age. It's the Master who is old."

"He's not old!" He said sharply.

"He is. He hires many staff because he can't take care of himself anymore. I doubt if he can even fry an egg."

"He can," he said in a strong tone.

"I'll believe it, when I see it."

"You talk like you've known him for years."

"Of course not. But based on my observation, he is so dependent on his staff. He can't even do a single thing for himself."

He chuckled, "he's not a disable."

"Well, he's acting like one," I said before I could stop myself.

"Every second is precious to him. He's a very busy man."

"Of course, you'll defend him," I waved my hand, "you've been here for too long, you won't notice any tiny details of him anymore, because you're used to it."

"I see," he nodded.

"See what?"

"That you obviously don't like him."

"It's not my business to like him or not, I'm here to serve him."

"Interesting. So, tell me. What else do you think of him?"

"I'm not here to gossip with you about Mr. Stavrakos. We are paid here to do our job."

"What a very impressive trait. Hope you'll keep it up," he said sarcastically, then left.

What did he mean by that? I didn't gossip earlier, I just stated my opinion.

I shrugged my shoulders then went to see Jean and Tess in the mansion's kitchen.

"How's the food?"

"They're ready," Jean showed me the food. Croissant, egg benedict, bacon, berries and coffee, "can you help Tess set the table?"

"Sure!"

Tess set up the table, and I was the one who placed the food. I was arranging the berries, when I heard Tess greeted Mr. Stavrakos behind me.

"Good morning, Sir. Breakfast is ready."

"Thank you."

I gasped. My heart was beating so fast. That was a very familiar voice. Haven't I just heard it earlier?

I turned around, and had the shock of my life.

Oh my... It wasn't Connor that I scolded and dragged earlier.

It was Kristov Stavrakos.

****

Hey dreamers!

How's your day? I hope you all had a good day.

Did you enjoy the first meeting of Kristov and Pia? 

What do you think will happen next, that Pia found out that Kristov is his boss?

Please vote, comment and share this story to your friends. I would greatly appreciate your help.

I'm so sleepy now, I have to go to bed. See you all in the next update. Goodnight :)

I'm going to listen to these songs, hope you will enjoy my Playlist for tonight:

Life Goes On by BTS

Euphoria by Jungkook of BTS

If I Ain't Got You by Alicia Keys

Someone Like You by Adele

I'm Crazy For You by Madonna

Take care always everyone. I love you all! Mwah!!

Lovelots,

Neilani