YOU MIGHT AS WELL STAY.

007

“This is your room,” the maid said as we arrived at a door. She twisted the doorknob, and we both walked inside.

Once we entered, my mouth dropped in awe, but I quickly closed it. Everything in the room screamed wealth, from the floors to the walls.

“Are you sure this is my room?” I asked the maid again.

She smiled knowingly, seeing the shock on my face. “Yes, this is your room,” she replied. “Mr. Stanley asked for this room to be prepared especially for you.”

“Wow, it’s beautiful,” I said, and the maid couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Yes, it is. Mr. Stanley has great taste. For now, I’ll leave you to settle in. And don’t forget—if you need any help or support, you can always call out to me, okay?”

I nodded, still taking in the grandeur of the room.

This doesn’t look like a maid’s room, I thought. This looks like a princess’s room.

It was way bigger than the house Ryan and I lived in—until I was betrayed and stabbed in the back.

I walked toward the bed and brushed my fingers over the white sheets. They were as soft and fluffy as a puppy’s fur. I never imagined myself experiencing luxury again after leaving my father’s house.

As I admired the room, a thought dawned on me—I was now a maid. And not just any maid, but one responsible for preparing Mr. Stanley Richardson’s meals.

To make a good impression, I need to gather some information, I thought. I need Candy.

But I wasn’t sure if Candy would help me. She already hated me. Her job was given to me, and the disdain she had for me was written all over her face.

Anyway, I’ll try. I made up my mind. Not wanting to dwell on my thoughts any longer, I decided to take a shower.

I was stinky and dirty from all the events of the past few days.

Walking into the bathroom, I was just as shocked as when I first entered the room. The walls were tiled, and I could see my reflection. It was spacious, and everything about it screamed, This bathroom was meant for the president’s wife.

I smiled. “Maybe Mr. Stanley isn’t as bad as I thought,” I muttered to myself.

Without hesitation, I pulled off my clothes and turned on the shower. The warm water, as refreshing as always, trailed down my body as I scrubbed myself clean.

While in the shower, memories of the past few days clawed at my mind—how Ryan had betrayed me and kicked me out of my own house, how Ash deceived me, how my father replaced me with an orphan.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as the memories flooded in.

Then, suddenly, I snapped out of it, my eyes flying open.

I have suffered a lot, I thought. And I’ll make sure every single one of them pays.

Turning off the shower, I stepped out and entered the dressing room.

I grabbed a white towel hanging among many others and dampened my body. Then, I walked toward the wardrobe. The number of clothes inside was overwhelming—each one luxurious and extravagant.

I just need a simple dress, I thought, but I couldn’t find one.

Then I spotted it—the dress I was looking for. It still carried an air of luxury but wasn’t as flashy as the others.

After putting it on, I left the dressing room and walked toward the door.

I needed to meet Candy. She was the former cook and, as a result, knew what Mr. Stanley loved and hated. A few questions wouldn’t hurt.

I left my room and strode down the hallway. The chandeliers hanging above lit up the space, placed exactly five paces apart.

As I admired them, I suddenly bumped into something—or rather, someone.

It was one of the maids I had seen earlier in the kitchen. She glared at me, hatred evident in her eyes.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bump into you,” I quickly apologized.

But she didn’t flinch. Instead, her glare intensified.

I bit my tongue, suppressing the urge to respond with the same hostility. I needed her help—I didn’t know where Candy’s room was.

“Do you perhaps know where Candy’s room is?” I asked.

Just then, the glare on her face disappeared, replaced by a smirk that made me uneasy.

“So, not only did you take her place, but now you want to intrude on her privacy?” she muttered. “Anyway, if you’re looking for Candy, walk straight ahead, take the bend to your right, and walk twenty feet forward. The door to your left is hers.”

“Thanks…”

The word had barely left my mouth before she shoved past me and walked away.

I heaved a heavy sigh. It’s only a matter of months, Alora. You’ll be out of this soon.

Following her directions, I finally reached Candy’s door.

I knocked once. No response.

I knocked again. Still nothing.

Frustrated, I decided to go in.

Twisting the doorknob, I stepped inside. The room was dark.

“Hello? Candy?” I called out. No response.

“Is anyone here?” I tried again, but silence greeted me.

I took a step forward, only to trip over something hard. Just when I thought I was about to hit the floor, a strong, muscular arm caught me.

“Who’s there?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

No response.

Stretching my hand forward, I tried to feel the person’s face, but instead, I touched something else—a broad, hairy chest.

Just then I wanted to run out of the room, but I felt the muscular hand grab me tightly, I struggled to get out of it's grip but couldn't .

Who could this be? I wondered.

Then, a deep, masculine voice echoed through the darkness.

“Since you’re here, you might as well stay.”