Cassian Blackwood's eyes slowly analyzed the waiter standing in front of him.
Julian quickly looked down, trying to avoid his piercing gaze.
Cassian's stare was hungry—drawn to Julian's delicate figure, his pale skin, those soft pink lips, and the flushed redness in his cheeks and nose—obvious signs he had been crying.
Julian set the tray down on the glass table and quietly poured a glass of wine.
Julian (softly): "Here, sir."
Cassian took the glass, his eyes never leaving the boy. Julian stood still, silent, eyes lowered.
Cassian sipped the wine slowly—then came a knock at the door.
Secretary Mike entered the room with a bow.
Mike: "Sir, the new boys have arrived. I hope one fits your taste. Shall I—"
Cassian (coldly): "No need. Just leave."
His eyes still hadn't moved from Julian.
Mike paused, finally noticing the boy. His eyes widened with subtle shock. He gave a quick bow and stepped out of the room, murmuring under his breath, "Why is he here?"
Inside, Cassian leaned back with effortless control.
Cassian: "What's your name?"
Julian kept his eyes down and remembered the manager's instructions.
Julian (quietly): "Julian."
Cassian: "Hmm. Sit."
Julian hesitated, then slowly sat beside him, keeping as much distance as he could.
Cassian: "Pour me some more."
Julian nodded and leaned forward to refill his glass, his hands slightly trembling.
Cassian suddenly reached out and held Julian's hand.
Cassian (lowly): "You are so beautiful."
Julian's body trembled. He tried to pull his hand away, panic rising in his chest. He quickly stood up.
Julian (firmly): "Sir, I'm just a waiter. Nothing more."
Cassian smiled, amused by his resistance.
Cassian (calmly): "Okay. Then name your price."
Julian froze, his eyes wide in shock.
Julian (softly): "I… I'm sorry, sir. I'm only a waiter."
He turned without waiting for a response, walking quickly toward the door, desperate to leave the room.
Cassian (calmly): "I'll give you more than you want. Just say the word."
Julian froze. He didn't look back.
In his mind, the doctor's voice repeated like a curse—
"He's in serious condition. We need to operate within two days. If we can't, we can't say he'll survive."
His hands began to tremble.
He needed money.
And right now, the opportunity was standing in front of him.
Slowly, Julian turned around.
Cassian was smiling, eyes still fixed on him. "Just say a word. I'll give you double."
Julian's heart raced. He swallowed hard.
Julian (quietly): "Three hundred thousand dollars."
Cassian rose from the couch and walked over to him. He grabbed Julian's waist and pulled him close.
Cassian (low and smooth): "That's just paper to me. I'll give you more than this."
Then, without warning, he leaned in and kissed him.
Julian closed his eyes.
He knew exactly what he was doing.
Not what Ken's mother once accused him of—
He wasn't someone who did everything for money.
No.
He did everything…
For his brother's life.
Julian's breath caught when they pulled apart.
Cassian said nothing. He walked back to the couch, sat down with casual grace, and took a sip of his wine.
Cassian (calmly): "Come here."
Julian froze for a moment, unsure—but then, he stepped forward.
I have nothing left to lose, he told himself. Only a brother... and I can't lose him.
Cassian reached for his hand and pulled him down into his lap. Julian gasped, his breath hitching as Cassian's arm wrapped tightly around his waist.
Without breaking eye contact, Cassian picked up his phone and dialed.
Within moments, there was a knock. The door opened and a man stepped inside—Cassian's secretary. His eyes widened at the sight of Julian sitting on Cassian's lap.
Cassian (coolly): "Mike. Get him ready for me."
Mike quickly bowed his head in silence.
Julian stood up. Cassian rose too and left the room without another glance.
Mike turned to Julian, offering a polite smile.
Mike: "Hello. I'm Mike, Mr. Cassian's secretary. Please come with me."
Julian nodded quietly and followed him out of the room.
Mike and Julian sat quietly in the car. Mike glanced over at him, his expression unreadable. He hadn't expected they'd meet again like this—under such strange circumstances.
Julian's hands were cold. He sat tensely, staring out the window, unsure of what lay ahead.
After a long drive, the car stopped in front of a grand, luxurious mansion. Julian's eyes widened—he had never seen anything so lavish in his life.
Mike (stepping out): "Let's go."
Julian followed silently, taking in the elegant halls and marble floors as Mike led him into a spacious room.
Mike (gesturing): "Please, have a seat."
Julian sat down stiffly.
Mike (calmly): "Mr. Julian, please sign the contract."
Julian (blinking): "Contract?"
Mike (nodding): "Yes. You can read it first."
Julian took the folder and began to skim through. Mike spoke gently, explaining as he read.
Mike:
"You'll become Mr. Cassian's companion for three months. After that, you're free to go.
During those three months, you are not allowed to go anywhere without Mr. Cassian's permission.
You are not allowed to date anyone.
Most importantly, don't interfere in Mr. Cassian's personal matters.
You must remain healthy—Mr. Cassian dislikes sickness of any kind, so please eat well and take care of yourself.
He will pay you 5,000,000 dollars per month.
You are not allowed to work any other job during this time.
And you must live here, in Mr. Cassian's house."
Julian (softly): "Why?"
Mike: "It's a condition. And one more important thing—you're free to move around the house, but you're not allowed to enter Mr. Cassian's private room. Understood?"
Julian nodded slowly. His gaze dropped to the papers in front of him. After a long pause, he took a deep breath… and signed.
Mike's eyes softened as he looked at the fragile boy in front of him.
Mike (quietly): "Alright then. Please take a shower and get dressed. Mr. Cassian is waiting for you."
Julian sat in the warm water, the steam rising around him as he hugged his knees to his chest. He was scared—nervous. What kind of decision had he just made?
A sudden knock on the door startled him.
Julian quickly reached for a bathrobe, wrapping it tightly around his damp body before opening the door.
Mike stood outside. His eyes widened the moment he saw Julian—fresh out of the shower, skin still glistening, a light fragrance clinging to him. For a second, Mike forgot to breathe.
"Mr. Julian, let's go. Mr. Cassian is waiting for you," Mike finally said, regaining his composure.
Julian nodded and moved to dry his hair with a towel. Mike couldn't stop his eyes from drifting back to the boy in front of him—so beautiful, he looked like a character straight out of a manhwa.
Julian changed into a loose white nightshirt and matching trousers. His soft features and delicate frame made him look even more ethereal. Silently, he followed Mike down the hall. They stopped in front of a large door.
"It's your room," Mike said softly.
Julian opened the door and stepped in. As it closed behind him, Mike shut his eyes tightly and murmured under his breath, "It's so painful for me to see him like that..."
Inside, Julian stood frozen. Cassian sat on the edge of the bed, a glass of wine in hand, wearing nothing but a bathrobe hanging loose over his broad chest.
His gaze swept from Julian's head to toe, slow and deliberate.
"Come here," Cassian said.
Julian walked hesitantly toward the bed.
"Sit down," Cassian instructed.
Julian obeyed, settling beside him on the mattress. Cassian stared at his face—his delicate neck, those soft pink lips, and his flawless, milk-white skin.
He lifted a hand, gently tracing a finger along Julian's cheek, then down to his lips. Leaning in, he kissed him softly… then more hungrily.
Julian's eyes fluttered shut.
"Open your eyes and look at me," Cassian whispered.
Julian opened his eyes, his cheeks flushed deep red. He glanced at the wine bottle sitting on the side table.
"Can I drink it?" he asked shyly.
Cassian paused, then nodded.
"Yes."
Julian poured himself a glass and drank it all in one go. The warmth of the alcohol spread through him, making his vision hazy.
Cassian kissed him again—and this time, Julian responded without hesitation. His hands gripped Cassian tightly, his body trembling.