“I’ll be home by 7 p.m., and you’re not allowed outside after that, understand Jamie?” he said, his gaze is a mix of intimidation and something almost pleading. I was sure it was more threatening than anything else.

I turned away and headed back to my room. Eros is the type to assert his authority without concern for anyone else.

Yes, you heard it right… Eros Tadashi, the prime model for Lewd Magazine, a publication renowned for fueling the fantasies of people of all ages.

For almost three months now, I’ve been his stay-at-home partner.

*Flashback a few months ago…

I did a quick pictorial for L World Magazine, which is similar to Lewd Magazine but caters specifically to the LGBTQIA+ community. The shoot was with a friend who had transitioned and is now identified as male.

What started as a fun side job quickly turned into a regular gig, and I found myself enjoying it. It was extra cash, and I was screened for a collaboration magazine where I was paired with a guy.

When he walked into the room, I was in awe. He had an alpha presence combined with a strong yet delicate look. The shoot was a departure from my usual work: no skin exposed, just a sweet, wholesome vibe that was surprisingly refreshing. He was gentle and charming, a big deal in the industry, if I can put it that way.

“Today’s the last day of the pictorial. We’ll be graduating soon,” he said, glancing at me through the mirror. The glam team was still working on my hair, and as we continued with our shoot, we chatted casually.

“I’m planning to earn a good amount after graduation, but I don’t want to go into the corporate world or take over the family business,” he said, his voice low and contemplative. “I’m not sure where I’m headed after college, but I need to do something to survive. After all, I’m human—I need to earn a living.” I struck a playful pose, trying to match his tone with my own youthful enthusiasm.

“Are you thinking about applying for jobs?” he asked, giving me a look that suggested he had an offer in mind. “I’m considering getting a small apartment near a convenience store so I can buy instant food and work remotely,” I shared.

“Well, you could stay with me,” he proposed. “I can provide everything you need; you just have to be with me and—” He didn’t finish his sentence.

Without a second thought, I accepted his offer.

*Present

I went to my room and looked at my laptop, I saw the email again from the L World Mag with my name on it. It says *An invitation for Jamie Nagamori.

I didn’t notice that Eros was already behind me, he grabbed my chair – looked at me from my face, my body and down to my soul. He gave me an intense kiss, as if he was about to take my soul. I gasped as his hands cupped my boobs, I snapped out of it when I remembered that he needed to go outside and that his car could be waiting outside already.

“We can continue later—right now, you should get going,” I said, wrapping my arms around his neck. I wiped the lipstick stain from his lips and adjusted his necktie.

“Get dressed; I’ll take you with me” he said, stepping out of my room to wait.

I wondered if he thought I was planning to leave the house and visit L World Entertainment about their invitation.

“It’s not necessary for me to go with you, Eros. I’ve never done anything without your approval—I won’t go there,” I said, my gaze fixed on the car window.

“I just want you with me, in case I feel the urge,” he replied.

He meant sex. He was bringing me to his workplace, but I’d remain in his dressing room, unseen by others. This wasn’t new; when he suspected I might be travelling for a modelling gig, he had me join him on a shoot, where I stayed in his van. His reasoning? In case he wanted sex, at least I’d be there, ready to satisfy him.

I looked at him and smiled, hoping he could see the uncertainty I was feeling. I wasn’t sure if I was happy, sad, or angry—maybe all at once. I had expected my life after college to be chaotic, but I never imagined it would lead me to this. Is this really what life has become?

A messed-up life.

I spent the time in his dressing room, watching a film or two and scrolling through social media updates. Had I known the shoot would drag on this long, I would have brought my laptop. A few minutes before 7, someone knocked on the door. I considered hiding, but it was Eros’s manager, Galvin.

“Jamie, it’s Galvin,” he said as he entered. “Just checking to make sure you’re okay. The shoot will be extended for at least another hour. Want to grab a bite?” He held up a box of takeout and invited me to share it with him. I hesitated; part of my arrangement with Eros was to eat with him or join him for every meal.

“Eros said you should eat and not wait for him,” Galvin added, noticing my indecision.

Galvin had been a good friend to Eros since their college days and became his manager after graduating. He knew of my existence but never pried into my relationship with Eros. He acted casually around me, which was oddly comforting. After all, I had few friends left, and with the invisible chain Eros had bound me with, it seemed like I had none at all.

“How’s the food?” Eros’s voice surprised me.

“It was good. I ordered your usual,” Galvin replied, handing him the separate box. Eros looked at me and asked, “Are you enjoying the conversation?”

I knew he was probing for something, though he tried to sound casual. “We were discussing Lewd Night at the end of the month. I shared the theme with Jamie, and she had some brilliant insights,” Galvin said. He mentioned that he would present these ideas during the preparation meeting with the media team the next day.

I cleaned up and waited for them to finish eating. While checking my phone, I noticed a call from an unknown number. Curiosity got the better of me, so I gestured to them that I needed to take the call and headed to the van to speak privately.

“Just send it via email as I instructed,” I said into the phone. Eros had entered the van and sat close, clearly trying to overhear the conversation. “Thank you for your call,” I concluded.

I asked, “Do you want me to put it on speaker next time?”

“No, not necessarily,” he replied. “I trust you’ll share the details of the call.”

I explained that the call was from a job I had applied for virtually. They wanted me to work as a media planner for corporate events. “Just let me see the details first,” Eros said, and I nodded in agreement.

That’s how things worked with us: every potential job had to be reviewed by him first to ensure it didn’t conflict with his preferences. Sometimes, I wondered which opportunities would pass his approval and which wouldn’t.

This job was a bit different. I hoped he would let me take it.

Remember when I mentioned that Eros and I have an unusual arrangement? The deal was for me to live with him, with him providing everything I needed, and I agreed to it without hesitation. Looking back, I realize I should have asked more questions and fully understood what I was getting into before accepting his offer. If I had known what I know now, I might have thought twice.

“I’m home!” he said with his usual low tone of voice while standing in my room’s door “Oh my, I am sorry — let me whip something in the kitchen for our dinner” I said and hurriedly proceeded to the kitchen “Anything you are craving?” I asked while washing my hands.

He grabbed my waist from behind and started kissing my nape “Let me order something later he said” he is grabbing me differently now. At home I am usually just wearing boyleg underwear and an oversized top, either shirt, pullover or jacket. “You’re wearin’ something that’s too thin” he said while his right hand explored what’s underneath my shirt. My body reacted according to his hand gesture “I want you” after saying these words he carried me on his shoulder and headed to his room.

He kissed me passionately and let his hands explore my body, tonight is a bit different. I felt dizzy and I felt like I was running out of breath, we hitted the climax and he went for one more round.

I dozed off in his arms, which was unusual after sex; I typically stay awake for a while before heading to my own room. When I woke up, I found him sleeping in the side chair, facing me.

“You’re finally awake!” he said, taking my hand and looking at me with an expression I didn’t quite understand.

“What happened?” I asked, still groggy.

“You were burning up earlier,” he explained. “I gave you some medicine and checked your temperature.” He kissed my hand, which was uncharacteristic of him. “Please, quit your job.”

I was still trying to grasp what was happening when Eros asked me to quit my job. I reacted defensively, “This is the first time anything like this has happened to me. Is it too much for you to ask me to quit after just over a month?”

I got up from his bed, feeling dizzy, and ended up sitting back down. He helped me settle and tried to calm me. “I know this is the first time, but it can’t be the last,” he said.

“You mean I’m not capable?” I asked, my voice filled with confusion and hurt. I looked at him, trying to understand if he really believed I was incapable of handling anything.

“You don’t need it!” he said, his tone demanding. He was starting to order me around like I was a pet to follow his commands. “I can provide you with everything you need!” He stood up, adding, “You’re having a sensitive pregnancy—I don’t mean any harm to you or our baby.” It turns out, his private doctor checked me and did some tests while I was asleep.

The dim light in the room seemed to grow darker as his words echoed in my mind. Pregnant? Who’s pregnant? My body reacted before my brain could fully process his words; I instinctively placed a hand on my stomach.

I stood up and walked toward the door. “I will not quit. I’ll inform my boss about the situation and request an adjustment to my schedule—maybe just four working hours during the day so I can rest at night.” I didn’t give Eros a chance to respond and left him alone in his room.

As I walked into the examination room, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. AI had decided to visit the hospital alone, not wanting to burden Eros with the details of her check-up. The walls were adorned with cheerful, pastel-colored posters, each one offering encouragement and reassurance.

The obstetrician, Dr. Ramirez, entered with a warm smile, holding a gel tube and a small Doppler device. “Ready to hear your baby’s heartbeat?” she asked, my eyes twinkling with excitement.

I nodded, trying to calm my racing heart. Dr. Ramirez applied a thin layer of gel to my abdomen, and the cool sensation made me shiver slightly. I took a deep breath, focusing on the moment and trying to push away her anxiety.

Dr. Ramirez placed the Doppler gently on my belly and began to move it slowly. The room was filled with the soft hum of the device, and for a moment, there was only the sound of Dr. Ramirez adjusting it.

Then, suddenly, a rhythmic, thumping sound filled the room. It was steady and strong, a distinct, rapid beat that contrasted sharply with the background noise. My eyes widened as I realized what I was hearing. The thumping was unmistakable—my baby’s heartbeat.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I took in the sound. It was a profound, moving experience to hear the little life growing inside me. The thumping beat was a tangible reminder of the tiny being I was nurturing.

Dr. Ramirez looked at me with a reassuring smile. “That’s your baby’s heartbeat,” she said gently. “It’s a strong, healthy rhythm.”

i felt a surge of joy and relief. The sound of the heartbeat seemed to fill the room with a magical sense of connection. It was as if the heartbeat was a bridge between my world and the one inside my womb, encapsulating all my hopes, dreams, and love for my unborn child.

As the heartbeat continued to echo softly in the room, my hand instinctively rested on my stomach, feeling a newfound closeness to my baby. I was lost in the moment, savouring the profound experience.

Dr. Ramirez eventually removed the Doppler device, and the heartbeat faded, but the sense of peace and happiness lingered.

“Thank you,” I said softly, my voice trembling with emotion.

“You’re welcome,” Dr. Ramirez replied with a warm smile. “It’s a beautiful moment for every parent.”

I left the examination room with a heart full of joy, my steps lighter as I walked out of the hospital. The sound of my baby’s heartbeat would stay with me, a cherished memory marking the beginning of my journey as a mother.

“Where have you been?” Eros asked hurriedly, his hands gently gripping mine. His face was etched with concern. “Were you worried I wouldn’t come back?” I responded, a touch of bitterness in my voice.

Eros looked momentarily taken aback. “I went to the hospital to confirm what you said last night,” I explained. “I heard the baby’s heartbeat.”

“What?? You went without me?” Eros’s face showed a hint of sadness.

“The doctor offered it, so I said yes,” I added.

“How was the heartbeat?” Eros asked, his excitement evident despite his earlier concern.

“The doctor said it was good—healthy and strong,” I replied.

Upon hearing this, Eros pulled me into a tight embrace. “You should never do these things alone,” he said softly. “I want to be present for every check-up like this.”

The next few weeks felt like a new chapter entirely. The invisible chain Eros had bound me with seemed to vanish, replaced by a different kind of care. He meticulously adjusted his schedule to be present at every hospital visit, ensuring I was never alone.

One afternoon, as I was alone at home, an unsettling noise broke the calm. It sounded like someone was inside our house. My heart raced as I took my phone and called Eros, my voice trembling with fear.

“Hey, I’d be there in a few. Do you crave anything?” Eros’s voice was light-hearted, but I could sense the sudden shift in his tone when I replied, “I think someone’s inside our house.”

“What? Where are you? Can you hide or run outside?” His voice was now tinged with alarm.

“I’m in the kitchen. I can hear it clearly that someone is here,” I whispered, trying to stay calm.

The atmosphere in the house felt heavy and charged with fear. I grabbed a knife, preparing myself for the worst. Eros stayed on the line, trying to comfort me and keep me calm. I was about to head for the exit when I saw her— a woman standing in the kitchen.

“Eros…” I said, my voice barely a whisper.

The woman’s eyes were wild with anger and desperation. She accused me of taking Eros away from her and claimed she knew about my pregnancy. Her eyes were fixed on my stomach, and her intentions were clear. She wanted my baby.

Despite my pleas for her to calm down, she attacked me with a ferocity that was both terrifying and overwhelming. I fought back with the knife, but her desperation made her incredibly strong. I fell to the ground, covering my tummy in a desperate attempt to protect my baby.

The struggle continued, and I felt an excruciating pain in my abdomen. I begged her to stop, but she was relentless. I heard another woman’s voice, asking if she had succeeded in getting the baby. The fear and pain became a blur, and I was unable to focus on anything but the need to protect my unborn child.

“Jamie!!!!” Eros’s voice cut through the chaos, filled with panic.

The next thing I remember was waking up in a cold, sterile hospital room. The heaviness of the room mirrored the weight of my grief. Eros was there, his face a mix of exhaustion and sorrow.

“Jamie, oh God!” Eros embraced me, his voice breaking. “How’s our baby?” I asked, my voice was weak.

Eros’s face crumbled, and he spoke through tears. “Our baby boy is… watching over us from above.” His sorrow was palpable, and it was the first time I had seen him cry with such raw, unrestrained pain.

The realization hit me like a wave, and I fainted again, my body succumbing to the weight of the loss.

After a few weeks, I was sent home. The room that was meant for our baby now stood silent, filled with my prayers and tears. The perpetrators were in jail, but their actions left an irreparable void. Eros did his best to support me, though nothing could mend the shattered pieces of our lives.

One evening, during dinner, I told Eros I was planning to return to work. “I’ve been asked to report to the office, and I accepted. I think a change of environment might help me,” I said, avoiding his gaze.

Eros nodded. “I’ll support you. Just make sure to use our car and have my driver take you.”

In the background, there was an ongoing case regarding the attempted murder of me and the murder of my baby. Eros used his influence to handle it discreetly, but I used my own resources—without his knowledge—to seek justice for our lost child.

As time passed, the chains that had once bound me were replaced by ones I forged for myself. I immersed myself in work, often staying late at the office. When I returned home, I prepared meals for Eros and me, and sometimes he would cook for us as well.

One day, as I was reviewing paperwork for an upcoming event, one of my staff handed me some documents I had missed. “Miss Nagamori, I missed putting these in your bag,” she said.

I took the papers and glanced at them, feeling a strange mix of relief and determination. Despite the pain and loss, life moved on, and I was determined to face it with strength and resilience.

As I was leaving the office, Miggy, a helpful assistant and someone my age, caught me in the elevator. “Do you need any more details before you head out?” he asked.

“Nope, I’m good,” I replied.

After we said our goodbyes, I got a call from Eros. He was already outside the office waiting.

“You brought your own car, huh?” I asked, surprised.

“Not expecting me to show up here?” Eros responded, sounding a bit different from usual.

“I mean, I’m cool with picking you up, but I didn’t expect to see you driving,” I said with a smile.

Was that just my imagination, or did I just witness the old Eros making a comeback?