Billionaire in (Love)

Elena stepped back into the staff hallway, her legs slightly unsteady. The door to the office clicked shut behind her, muffling the conversation that continued within. Her fingers trembled as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Everything had changed in a moment.

She had expected a warning—or worse, a dismissal—but instead, someone had defended her. And not just anyone. A billionaire.

She didn't even know his name.

"Elena!"

She turned quickly as her friend and fellow housekeeper, Priya, came rushing toward her, eyes wide.

"What happened?" Priya asked in a hushed tone. "Mrs. Danvers looked like someone drained the life out of her!"

Elena forced a shaky smile. "I'm… not sure. That man—the one from the lobby yesterday—he stepped in."

Priya's eyebrows shot up. "The tall, ridiculously handsome one in the black suit?"

Elena gave a small nod.

"You're kidding. Wait—why would he even get involved?"

"I don't know," Elena said honestly. "But he said he owns part of the hotel."

Priya's jaw dropped. "That explains the way Mr. Thompkins bowed to him this morning like he was royalty. Wow. You sure know how to catch the attention of the elite, Elena."

Elena shook her head quickly. "Don't even start. He was just... being decent. That's all."

Still, as she returned to her cleaning cart, her thoughts refused to settle. Who was he, really? And why did he care?

The rest of the day moved in a blur. Elena pushed her cart from room to room, changing sheets, scrubbing floors, replacing toiletries—doing all the things that made the guests' lives easier, while hers remained difficult. But no matter how busy she tried to be, her mind kept drifting back to him.

That night, after her shift ended, Elena walked home with aching feet and a tired soul. The streetlights flickered above as she passed shuttered stores and quiet sidewalks. The neighborhood wasn't dangerous, but it wasn't safe either. Still, it was all she could afford.

Her small apartment was on the third floor of a rundown building, with peeling paint and creaky stairs. She opened the door and was immediately greeted by a warm voice.

"Elena!" Lily came running into her arms, nearly knocking her over.

"Hey, sweetie." Elena knelt to hug her tightly. "Did you eat?"

"Mmhmm," Lily nodded. "Miss Clara brought us stew. And I finished my homework!"

"That's my girl," Elena said, ruffling her hair. She looked over to see their elderly neighbor, Miss Clara, smiling from the couch.

"She's an angel," Clara said fondly. "Now go sit down and eat, Elena. You look like you've been through a storm."

Elena smiled wearily. "You have no idea."

Later that night, after Lily was asleep and the apartment was quiet, Elena stood by the window with a cup of tea, staring out at the city lights. Somewhere out there, the man who had defended her tonight was probably in a luxurious penthouse or sipping wine in a chauffeured car.

And yet, for a brief moment today, their worlds had collided.

She didn't know his name.

But somehow, she knew this wouldn't be the last time she saw him.