Chapter 2

Chester was smiling at his phone, probably texting Wendy. I left the breakfast by his bed and slipped out quietly.

When his mother, Brielle Kane, came home, I was ready with my resignation. I was not tied down like the other lifetime-contract maids; I was free to go.

Brielle always said I could leave when Chester did not need me. However, I swore to myself that I would always be there for him.

Now, I was breaking that promise.

In the study, Brielle watched me with crossed arms.

"Is Chester aware you're planning to leave?"

She knew all about the unique bond Chester and I shared, which meant she kept me under her thumb, her demeanor anything but friendly.

I kept my eyes to the floor.

"I've taken precautions; there won't be any Graham heirs from me."

Without his desires to cater to, I would be nothing more than a nobody.

Once I was gone, Chester would not spare me a second thought.

Brielle clearly did not take my word for it. She summoned the family doctor, who gave me a thorough check-up. Only when it was confirmed that I was not expecting did she consented to my request.

"I'll arrange for a replacement within five days. After that, you're to leave immediately."

I understood. If I did not know much about Chester's personal tastes, she would have booted me out on the spot.

Stepping out of the study, I let out a sigh of relief, only to spot Wendy lounging in the living room.

She was cozied up to Chester, whispering sweet nothings, both of them all aglow.

Chester caught sight of me and casually ordered me to whip up a coffee for Wendy.

No sooner had I set the cup down in front of her than Wendy, too eager, grabbed it and splashed it everywhere.

"Yikes, that's hot!"

Chester shot me a frosty look. "What's wrong with you?"

Head bowed, I stammered an apology and was about to clean up the mess when Wendy waved me off.

She flashed a dimpled smile and shook her head. "No biggie, I should've checked the temp.

"So, you're Ann, the maid by Chester's side, huh?"

I murmured a yes, then braced myself for Chester's icy stare.

He was not buying my story.

I bent over backward, literally, and said I was sorry, again.

That seemed to do the trick. Chester's face softened, and he escorted Wendy back to the couch.

"Don't bother with formalities around them, that's just how the Graham family rolls."

Wendy let out a sigh, and the look she shot me was tinged with sympathy.

Later on, Wendy flirted with Chester, tugging at his arm.

"It's my first time at your place. Can you give me the grand tour?

"Oh, and Ann, maybe you shouldn't—"

Her words were cut off by Chester's interruption.

"Ann, keep up with us. If you need anything, just ask her."

With that, he led Wendy ahead, leaving me trailing behind.

Wendy, annoyed that I intruded on their private moment, shot me a venomous look and hissed, "You'll pay for this!"

I did not say a word, just quietly followed them.

It was part of my job, after all, though then I had an extra pair of eyes to mind.

Outside the manor, Wendy pointed at the highest branch of a cherry blossom tree and fixed her gaze on me.

"Ann, climb up and get that for me, will you?"

The cherry blossom's branches were slender and closely packed, a risky climb that could easily lead to a fall or scratches.

I was about to go fetch a ladder, but she blocked me.

"No ladders. I want you to pick it with your own hands. What if the ladder ruins the blossoms?"

When I hesitated, Chester gave me an icy look, clearly annoyed. "Are you deaf or something?"

Biting back my frustration, I rolled up my sleeves and started to climb.

The fine branches scratched at my skin, leaving behind little trails of blood.

From below, Wendy kept barking orders.

"Higher, just a bit higher!"

As I strained to reach further, a sudden snap sounded from below.

The branch gave way, and I tumbled down.

Branch after branch slashed at my skin as I fell, some of the thinner ones even embedding themselves in my flesh.

With a heavy thud, I hit the ground.

I hit the ground hard, the cherry blossom Wendy asked for still gripped tightly in my hand. Shaking off the daze, I reached out with a shaky hand to present the flower.

Wendy caught sight of it, and her lips quivered, her eyes welling up with tears. "Chester, my flower's ruined!"

Chester pulled her into a comforting embrace, casting a stern glance my way. "How can you mess up picking a flower and hurt yourself in the process?

"Bad luck follows you. Get out of here!"

I mumbled an acknowledgment, steadying myself to stand.

Maybe feeling a twinge of sympathy, Chester came over and took hold of my arm. "Never mind, you'd never make it back at this rate."

I did not resist, choosing instead to savor that fleeting moment of kindness that was mine.

However, I could feel a piercing gaze on my back, as if trying to bore through me.