Her Cruel Welcome

“What’s that, Fulvia? Are you okay?” Henry asked sharply, his voice slicing through the silence like a blade.

Fulvia flinched at his tone, clutching the phone tighter. “I’m okay,” she replied quickly, forcing a small smile. “I was just playing with Jojo. He moved suddenly, and something fell. Nothing much. I’ll start preparing before Mother arrives.”

Henry let out a short sigh, though his voice remained cold. “Okay. Bye. I’m hanging up.” He ended the call without waiting for her response.

Fulvia lowered the phone, pressing it against her chest as her heart thudded in fear. Mother is coming, what if she hates me just like everyone else?

Mia, who was kneeling beside the first aid box she had dropped, looked up nervously. “Madam, are you okay? The box slipped from my hand."

but, why did it slip right after Henry mentioned his mother was coming? Is there something you’re keeping from me?” Fulvia asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Mia shook her head quickly, her fingers trembling as she gathered the spilled medicine bottles. “Madam, it’s not that I’m hiding anything from you,” she said, her voice low. “I’ve been here for three years, and – young master’s mother is very wicked. She loves being known, popular. If she finds out...” Mia stopped abruptly, her lips quivering. “Just forget it, madam. Let me walk you to your room. I will continue the rest later.”

“Mia,” Fulvia whispered softly, her expression firm despite her blind eyes. “Don’t change the topic. You’re safe here. Tell me anything. Trust me.”

Mia swallowed hard, her eyes glistening as she went down on her knees before Fulvia. Her voice shook with fear. “Madam... you know... about your looks...” Mia’s tears fell freely. “I’m sorry, madam, but you need to know the truth. Young master’s mum might not accept your marriage to Sir. She’s proud and loves bragging. She won’t want you to even stay a month in this house because she will think… you’re a shame to her.” Mia sniffled, wiping her tears. “I know, madam, I have a death wish telling you this. But I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

Fulvia felt her heart shatter, but she forced a weak smile, her fingers clenching around her dress. "I no i really look horrible to everyone so no need to panic Mia you says the truth."

“Mia... is that why you’re kneeling? Stand up,” Fulvia whispered, her voice cracking with hidden tears. “What you said is true... I do look horrible. But maybe... just maybe... Mother-in-law might accept me. Let’s try my luck.”

*****

Mia wiped her tears silently, her thoughts screaming. Madam doesn’t understand the kind of person young master’s mother is… Almighty, please don’t let her get hurt. She has such a pure soul...

“Mia?” Fulvia called softly, tilting her head towards her. “Why the sudden silence? What’s wrong?”

Mia snapped out of her thoughts, replying with a slight delay and a softer tone to cover her distraction. “Oh – madam, don’t mind me. I was just carried away. Like you said, madam – Almighty might change young master’s mother.”

Fulvia smiled faintly. “Mia, let’s get back to cooking. Also, let’s prepare tea for mother. I want to personally serve it to her myself.”

“Madam, how would you serve tea to madam? Also, is it even possible for you to cook with your hand when I’m here?” Mia said, gently pressing Fulvia back to sit. “Don’t worry. Let me hurry to the kitchen and continue the cooking.”

Fulvia shook her head lightly. “Okay, if you say so, Mia. But I still want to serve the tea myself to Mother. I believe with your help, I can do that.”

Mia’s eyes softened. “Okay, madam. Let me take you to your room to get dressed, then I will head back to the kitchen,” she said, holding Fulvia’s hand and guiding her gently.

*****

In the room

Mia went to the wardrobe, scanning quickly. “Madam, I think this dress suits you. Let me put it on you.”

“Okay,” Fulvia replied softly.

After a few minutes, Fulvia was dressed neatly. She ran her hands along the fabric, smiling. “Mia, how did you know this dress suits me? It’s actually my favourite. My dad got it for me on my birthday.”

“Really, madam? It’s quite obvious it’s a gift from a special person. It looks gorgeous on you. I can’t tell the difference between you and an angel,” Mia said with a bright smile.

Fulvia chuckled softly, her heart warming at Mia’s words. She didn’t expect such a compliment.

“Madam, stay here. I will go prepare everything before young master’s mother arrives,” Mia said, turning towards the door.

Fulvia reached out and held Mia’s hand tightly. “Please, can we go together? I promise not to touch anything. I just want to sit so I can serve Mother her tea at the right time.”

Mia paused, her eyes softening further. “Okay, madam. Who am I to refuse what you want? Since you promise not to stress yourself, let me guide you,” Mia said, holding Fulvia’s hand as they walked out of the room.

*****

In the kitchen

“Madam, you won’t see anywhere to sit. Let me bring a stool from the store,” Mia said, running quickly.

“Okay, don’t be late,” Fulvia replied.

After a few seconds, Mia returned, slightly breathless. “Madam, I’m back. Careful... sit down.” She guided Fulvia onto the stool gently.

“Thanks, Mia,” Fulvia said appreciatively.

“It’s my job, madam. No need to thank me. Anyway, you’re welcome,” Mia replied, giving Fulvia a small smile before continuing with the cooking.

*****

After 1 hour 15 minutes

“Madam, all the food is ready. They look nice and yummy. Do you want to have a taste?” Mia asked, wiping her hands on her apron.

Before Fulvia could answer, they heard the sound of a car outside. Mia’s eyes widened, her entire body going tense. She’s here...

“Young master’s mother has arrived. All the maids are in order,” Mia whispered, her voice rising to a frantic pitch as panic overtook her calm expression. “Madam, you need to welcome her now and serve the tea before she becomes angry.”

Fulvia’s hands trembled. “Mia – you said something just now... about making her angry. What do you mean?” Fulvia asked, her voice shaking.

Mia held Fulvia’s shoulder tightly. “Yes, madam. If you don’t quickly go and pay your respects to her, she might lose her temper. She always does with the maids. That’s why everyone is in order and in their positions.”

Mia quickly grabbed the cup of tea and turned back to Fulvia. “Madam, I have the tea ready. You just need to follow me. Let me lead you.”

“No... let me carry the tea,” Fulvia said, stretching her hands forward determinedly.

“Madam, don’t worry. I will carry it for you. That’s why we are assigned here as housemaids—to take care of everything in the mansion,” Mia said gently, pulling Fulvia’s hands back.

Fulvia sighed. “Okay, if you say so. Let’s go,” she said, standing up shakily.

“Watch your steps, madam. Be careful,” Mia whispered, holding her hand as they walked out of the kitchen.

*****

In the living room

Mrs Williams sat on the luxurious sofa, lost in thought, her mind already running a million miles. Her eyes narrowed as she caught sight of Fulvia.

So... this is what she looks like, I thought she would look like a monster, but now I don’t even know what to call it. This is what my son married... a fat dummy pig. Oh Almighty, who will wake me from this horrible dream? Mrs Williams sneered inwardly.

“Madam, your tea,” Mia said softly, placing the cup forward.

Mrs Williams responded with a slight delay, her voice dripping with disdain. “Give it to her. Is she not my son’s wife? Let her pay her respect properly and serve me herself.”

Mia placed the cup in Fulvia’s hand. “Careful, madam. She’s right in front of you,” Mia whispered.

Mrs Williams watched coldly, her inner thoughts harsh. Even blind — what did I do to deserve a daughter-in-law like this, Almighty?

“Mother— your tea,” Fulvia said, placing the cup forward towards her.

Mrs Williams blinked, taking a brief moment to compose herself. “Dont you notice my hand is to the right?"

Fulvia shifted slightly. “Your tea, Mother,” she said again, her voice trembling.

Smack!

Mrs Williams’ hand struck Fulvia’s cheek hard, the sound echoing like thunder in the silent living room. “Call me Mrs Williams. Am I the one that gave birth to you? I think whoever gave birth to you must have committed suicide from shame.”

“I’m sorry... Mrs Williams,” Fulvia whispered, her voice cracking as tears burned her eyes. Her face contorted in pain and humiliation, her fingers trembling around the cup.

“That’s more like it. You are nothing more than a servant in this house. Got it?” Mrs Williams sneered, patting Fulvia’s cheek roughly.

“I got it — Mrs Williams,” Fulvia replied coldly, holding back sobs.

“Now, my tea,” Mrs Williams said, taking a sip. Suddenly she screamed, her face twisting in rage. “What! What is this? Are you trying to burn me to death?” She splashed the hot tea on Fulvia’s face, the liquid scalding her skin as the glass cup dropped to the floor with a loud crash.

Fulvia screamed silently, her lips parting in pain as tears streamed down her cheeks.