Chapter One

01~ Mia Harper 

The alarms rang, and I just wanted to stay in bed. Another stressful day... how did last night pass so quickly? I thought to myself as I got up from bed. My name is Mia Harper, the first child of my late parents, Henry and Kate Harper. After the tragic passing of my parents, I was left to cater for Jeremiah, my not-so-little younger brother. Jere, who is now in his third year of college, has a knack for getting on my nerves; I can hardly think of a day he hasn’t used his height as a getaway to mock me. Well, it’s not my fault that I’m short.

Being an elder sister comes with a lot of pain and sacrifice; it hasn’t been a bed of roses, especially with a brother like Jeremiah, but despite all that, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I am a graduate who works for Mr. Noah Cyrus, one of the richest billionaires in town. He’s very strict, quiet, and discreet; no one can boast of knowing him intimately, except his friends maybe...and trust me, you can’t see them if they don’t want to see you. Mr. Noah has hundreds of workers in his mansion... servants, maids, bodyguards, everything a wealthy person is supposed to have.

Of all his maids, Mr. Noah Cyrus has a soft spot for me. He often reminds me of my father, if he had been alive. His fondness sometimes causes envy amongst the servants, who think I’ve done something to earn the love and kindness he shows me, when I actually haven’t… guess I’m just lucky. I got up from the bed and quickly took a bath. I slid into my uniform,  a black and white gown, not different from an ideal maid uniform. I headed to the kitchen where I made breakfast and gently sipped a cup of coffee.

I checked up on Jere, he was fast asleep like a baby. I chuckled as I gently knocked.

“Jere, breakfast is ready. I’m off now, bye!” I said, knowing he was still sleeping. I took a cab to my workplace, Mr. Noah’s abode.

“Morning, Mia! Tell me Jeremiah heard what you told him?” asked Chelsea, my closest pal of all the maids, as she knew my tricks too well.

“Not my fault he was asleep” I chuckled.

Chelsea is the most loving soul you’ll ever meet; she’s really easy to love...I mean, why wouldn’t anyone as cute as she be?

“I’ll be back; let me get sir his coffee” I said as I hurried for the stairs to Mr. Noah’s room, which only I am permitted to enter.

“Morning, Mr. Noah, may I come in?” I asked, standing outside his room.

“Come in, Mia” Mr. Noah replied.

“Good morning, Mr. Noah, here’s your coffee” I said, setting the glass cup on the table. “And may I know why your room looks like this, Mr. Noah?” I asked, eyes scanning the scattered room.

“Mia, I’m too old to take care of my room...spare me your lectures” Mr. Noah replied, sipping his coffee.

“Too old?… Mr. Noah, I hope you are aware I won’t be here forever, right?” I asked calmly. “But you should have at least called on one or two workers to help you with it” I said, starting to fold his clothes that were messed up on the bed.

“Hmmm… then stay till I die? That shouldn’t be hard” he said, dropping his coffee.

“Sir!!! Please don’t talk that way. How can you say that?” I dropped his clothes, frowning.

Mr. Noah has always been like a father to me; he’s older, but he reminds me of how my dad took care of us when he was alive. I started working for him at age 18. He sponsored Jere’s and my education and also grew fond of us. Like the day he came to my graduation, and everyone assumed he was my father. He has really been a good man to me, and also a good father.

“Mia, death is inevitable. You are free to leave, but not now,” he said. “Mr. Noah, your words aren’t always funny, you know?” I said, as he chuckled.

“Mia, Mia” he scoffed.

I can proudly say that I’m the only one who has seen Mr. Noah’s soft side; he always feels relaxed and free when he’s with me whereas the other servants hardly see him smile.

“You know, if the rest of the workers see you like this, I’m sure they will think I’ve used a charm on you” I said as I carried his cup of coffee.

“Those lazy miscreants, they don’t want to work again — always come late or bring flimsy excuses,” he said, voice stern.

“I can’t believe you. Well, it’s time to take your medicine...open wide” I said, bringing out his medications.

“You treat me like a child, so tell me why I would? I’ll not open my mouth” he turned his face.

“Well… you still behave like one, Mr. Noah, so why won’t I?” I stood there with his drugs, waiting for him. After a few minutes, he finally turned, he shot me a stare before swallowing.

“Good, now get some rest, I’ll be back tomorrow.”

After hours of preparing and serving Mr. Noah’s lunch and dinner in the dining room, Chelsea walked to me.

“God knows how you cope with that man… so scary.”

“…Scary??? I don’t think so” I chuckled, carrying my bag. “Please make sure he eats his food on time, Chel, see you tomorrow” I said, gently shutting the door as I headed out.

My only job was to give Mr. Noah his medication and to cook his meals, as he rebuked the rest from doing so. I boarded a cab home, getting home earlier than usual. I stepped out of the car and paid the driver. Gently opening the door, I couldn’t help but feel relieved as I bounced on the sofa.

Just then, I heard some movements, which were frightening.

“Jere?” I called out, but got no response. Jere hardly stays home at night, so he definitely couldn’t be the one. Quietly dropping my bag, I slowly walked in the direction of the sound. Surprisingly, it was from Jere’s room. I sighed, retreating, but what if someone had broken in… I thought to myself.

Preparing myself for whatever was in there, I took a deep breath and opened the door.