THOMAS?

Maria had been working at the Sterling residence for several months, and despite the overwhelming size of the mansion, she had quickly learned every corner of it. The sprawling hallways, the countless rooms, the hidden storage spaces—she knew them all. She woke before everyone else, prepared breakfast with careful precision, kept the house spotless, and made sure everything was in perfect order before Victoria and Richard left for their demanding jobs. Even on the busiest days, she rarely complained. She had grown accustomed to the weight of responsibility.

That afternoon, Maria was polishing the large dining table when Victoria walked into the room, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. "Maria," she called gently.

Maria immediately straightened, her hands pausing their work. "Yes, ma'am?"

Victoria smiled warmly, her eyes softening with genuine affection. "Do you ever sit down?"

Maria laughed softly, shaking her head. "I have plenty to do. There's always something that needs attention."

"I've noticed." Victoria looked around the perfectly arranged room, taking in the gleaming surfaces and orderly furniture. "You've been working extremely hard since you started here."

Maria lowered her eyes, uncomfortable with the praise. "I'm only doing my job."

"You're doing more than your job." Victoria reached into her purse and pulled out a white envelope. "I've decided to give you the rest of the week off."

Maria's eyes widened in surprise. "Ma'am?"

"You heard me."

"But there's so much to do. The laundry, the cleaning, the—"

"I'll manage." Victoria placed the envelope in her hand. "And your salary is being doubled from this month."

Maria stared at her, completely speechless. "Mrs. Sterling, I can't accept this. It's too much."

"You can, and you will." Victoria's voice was firm but kind.

"But—"

"No arguments." Victoria smiled gently. "You've earned it. Every penny."

Maria's eyes filled with tears, her emotions overwhelming her. "Thank you. I don't know what to say."

Victoria gently touched her shoulder, her gesture warm and reassuring. "You deserve it. Take the time to rest and be with your daughter."

Maria smiled gratefully. For the first time in a long while, she felt like her hard work was finally being noticed and appreciated. She couldn't wait to tell Kiara.

Maria arrived home earlier than usual, a rare occurrence that filled her with anticipation. She opened the front door with a smile on her face, her voice bright with excitement. "Ivy? I'm home!"

There was no answer. The house was unusually quiet.

She frowned, her smile fading. "Ivy?"

Then she heard a loud crash from the bedroom, followed by a muffled cry. Maria's heart dropped into her stomach. She rushed toward the sound, her feet moving before her mind could catch up.

When she pushed the bedroom door open, she froze in horror. Thomas was standing over Ivy, his face twisted with fury. Ivy was crying, her arms raised to protect herself from his anger.

"Thomas!" Maria screamed.

He turned, his eyes wild with rage. "Stay out of this!"

"Get away from her!" Maria rushed toward her daughter, desperate to shield her from further harm.

Thomas shoved her aside with brutal force. Maria stumbled against the wall, the impact knocking the breath from her lungs.

"Have you lost your mind?" she cried, her voice trembling.

"Both of you!" Thomas pointed angrily at them, his finger shaking with fury. "You're both nothing but bad luck! Everything that's gone wrong in my life is because of you!"

Maria stared at him in disbelief, tears streaming down her face. "She's your daughter! How can you treat her like this?"

Thomas laughed bitterly, the sound harsh and cruel. "Don't tell me what she is. You don't know anything."

Ivy looked at her mother through tearful eyes, her voice small and broken. "Mom..."

Maria immediately pulled her into her arms, holding her tightly against her chest. "Are you okay?" she whispered.

Ivy nodded weakly, her body trembling. "I was so scared."

Maria held her tighter, feeling her daughter's small frame shake against her own. That was enough. Something inside her snapped. She had endured years of Thomas's cruelty, had made excuses for his behavior, had convinced herself that things would eventually change. But seeing her daughter cowering in fear had finally broken her resolve.

She looked at Thomas, her voice steady despite her tears. "We're leaving."

His expression changed, disbelief flickering across his features. "What?"

"You heard me." Maria wiped her tears with the back of her hand. "I'm not staying here anymore. I'm not letting you hurt her again."

Thomas scoffed, folding his arms defensively. "Where are you going? You have nothing. No money, no family, nowhere to go."

Maria didn't answer. She took Ivy's hand, gripping it firmly. "Come on."

The sun had already begun setting by the time they reached the Sterling residence, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Maria stood outside the enormous iron gates with Ivy beside her, both carrying small bags containing their few belongings. She hesitated, her heart pounding with uncertainty.

"What if they don't let us stay?" Ivy asked quietly, her voice filled with fear.

Maria looked at her daughter, seeing the exhaustion and fear etched into her young face. "Mom, where else can we go?" Ivy asked, her voice breaking.

Maria swallowed hard, her throat tight. She walked toward the front door and knocked. Once. Twice. The door finally opened.

Victoria stood there, her expression shifting from curiosity to concern. "Maria?" Then she saw Ivy standing behind her, and the smile vanished completely. "What happened?"

Maria couldn't answer. Tears filled her eyes, spilling down her cheeks. "Please..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Victoria stepped closer, her voice gentle but urgent. "Maria, what's wrong?"

"We don't have anywhere to go." Ivy lowered her head, unable to meet Victoria's gaze.

Victoria looked between them, her expression hardening with determination. "Come inside."

Maria shook her head. "We don't want to cause trouble. You've already done so much for us."

"You're not causing trouble." Victoria opened the door wider. "Come inside. Now."

Maria finally stepped through the threshold, Ivy following close behind her. Victoria noticed the marks on Ivy, the fear in her eyes, and the bruises visible on her arms. Her expression hardened.

"Who did this?" Victoria's voice was sharp, demanding.

Maria looked down, unable to meet her eyes. "My husband."

Victoria's face changed. She looked at Ivy, then back at Maria, her eyes filled with fury. "You don't have to go back there."

Maria's lips trembled. "But we have nowhere else. No family, no money, nothing."

Victoria reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "Then stay here."

Maria stared at her, shocked. "What?"

"You and Ivy can stay as long as you need. I won't let you go back to someone who hurts you." Victoria smiled gently. "You don't have to beg me. You don't have to ask. You're not alone."

Ivy looked up in surprise, her tear-streaked face filled with disbelief. Victoria smiled at her, her expression warm and reassuring.

For the first time that evening, Maria allowed herself to breathe. A weight she had carried for years finally began to lift.