The Moretti mansion was silent. Rose followed the older housekeeper down a long, dim corridor, her suitcase dragging quietly behind her. “His bedroom is at the end,” the woman whispered. “He doesn't leave it much anymore.” Rose nodded. She had heard enough rumors on the way here. Damiano Moretti had once been the kind of man people feared even when he entered a room. Then came the accident. Now he was blind, furious, and almost completely isolated from the outside world. The housekeeper stopped in front of a massive black door. She knocked once. No answer. She knocked again. A glass shattered inside. “LEAVE.” Rose jumped. The housekeeper's face immediately went pale. “She—she's the new maid, sir.” Silence. Then— “Send her in.” The door opened. Rose stepped inside. The curtains were completely drawn, leaving the enormous bedroom almost entirely dark despite it being afternoon. Damiano sat in a heavy armchair beside the window, dressed in black. He didn't look toward her. He couldn't. His eyes remained fixed somewhere in the darkness, unfocused and empty. The housekeeper quietly shut the door behind Rose. Rose stood there awkwardly. Damiano said nothing. Not a word. She finally whispered, “Sir?” His hand tightened around the armrest. “Don't.” Rose immediately fell silent. A long, uncomfortable silence filled the room. Then Damiano spoke. “You're the new maid.” “Yes.” “Why?” Rose hesitated. “Because I need the job.” He gave no response. His fingers tapped slowly against the armrest. “Everyone needs something.” His voice was flat. “Money. Sympathy. Power.” He finally turned his head slightly toward her. “I have no use for any of it.” Rose didn't know what to say. Damiano's expression remained completely emotionless. “You'll clean this room. You'll bring my meals. You'll do exactly what you're told.” A pause. “And you will never mention my eyes.” Rose swallowed. “Yes, sir.” “Good.” He leaned back into the chair. “Now get out.” Rose stood there for another second before quietly leaving. The door closed behind her. Inside the room, Damiano remained completely still. He hated having someone new in his house. He hated needing someone. And most of all, he hated knowing that sooner or later, she would look at him the way everyone else did. Like he was broken.*