Chapter 4

"Elara, this is your room. However, if Mr. Lorenzo is out of town, you will sleep in Liam's room."

I was stunned, my room was spacious and luxurious—easily twice the size of the one Lucian and I used to share.

"Yes, Aunt Margaret."

"You must be sterilized before touching Liam. Your uniform is in the wardrobe. Liam is asleep right now, so go take a shower and have dinner. After that, get ready and wait for him to wake up."

"Yes, thank you."

I hurriedly took a shower and then put on the uniform, which felt incredibly soft—the fabric was smoother than any garment I had ever owned.

When I went to the servants' quarters, everyone welcomed me warmly.

"Thank goodness the uniform fits you perfectly," Aunt Margaret said, looking relieved.

"Why is the color of my uniform different from everyone else's?" I asked in surprise.

"Because your duties are different, naturally, you get better-quality fabric so it’s more comfortable when you carry the Young Master."

That made sense.

"Elara, come and eat," another maid invited me.

My smile widened, the food here was delicious and nutritious. At this rate, I was sure I’d be happy working here.

We introduced ourselves while we ate. They were all older than me, so I addressed them as "Auntie."

There was Auntie Maria, Auntie Shella, Auntie Delia, and Auntie Karin.

In this house, each of them had their own specific duties.

After the meal, Auntie Margaret took me to Liam's room on the second floor.

"The room next to it belongs to Mr. Lorenzo. Remember, never—under any circumstances—go in there! Keep your eyes down, maids often get fired for harboring inappropriate thoughts about Mr. Lorenzo!"

I nodded obediently, no wonder the maids here were all nearly fifty years old.

Stepping into Liam's room, I was amazed. It was probably three times the size of my own room.

Yet, I still felt a pang of pity, a child this young had already lost his mother.

Auntie Margaret then handed me some papers outlining the dos and don'ts regarding Liam's care.

I read them carefully. It made sense that Liam needed breast milk, he was allergic to formula.

"Uaaaa hiks hiks..."

Liam woke up crying. I hurriedly approached him and picked him up. But suddenly, Liam vomited all over my shirt.

Auntie Margaret quickly took Liam from me. She deftly changed his clothes. But Liam just thrashed about and cried even harder.

"Liam wants to be with you! Take off your uniform top so you don't get him dirty!" Auntie Margaret exclaimed.

I nodded obediently, quickly removing my uniform top and leaving myself in just a tank top.

As soon as Auntie Margaret handed Liam back to me, the boy instantly quieted down. Auntie Margaret chuckled in amusement.

"It seems he knows you're his wet nurse. You should breastfeed him first, I'll go get a new uniform for you."

"Yes, thank you for your help."

"Don't worry—you won't be looking after Liam alone. Mr. Lorenzo has also instructed me to assist you."

I sat on the edge of the bed and began breastfeeding Liam. The little boy nursed calmly and seemed comfortable.

I kept affectionately stroking his thick hair. Somehow, being with Liam felt like a balm for all the suffering I had endured.

Suddenly, the door opened. I thought it was Aunt Margaret, but to my surprise, it was Mr. Lorenzo. His face looked cold and stern.

"What is the meaning of this?" Mr. Lorenzo barked, immediately turning his back. "Put your clothes on properly!"

I hurriedly grabbed Liam’s blanket to cover myself.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Lorenzo. Liam had vomited on my uniform," I replied, my voice trembling.

Mr. Lorenzo turned back around, his expression still cold.

"I detest people who have no regard for rules or propriety! Don't think that by debasing yourself like this, you’ll attract me!"

Mr. Lorenzo stated firmly. Although his voice was low, the intensity behind it left me too afraid to answer. His piercing gaze was terrifying.

Suddenly, Aunt Margaret appeared.

"Oh dear, I’m so sorry, Mr. Lorenzo. I thought you’d be coming home late, as usual," Aunt Margaret said, looking frightened herself. "Liam had vomited on Elara's uniform. Since he was crying for breast milk, I told her to take off the uniform and nurse him right away."

"No matter the reason, wearing revealing clothing here is inappropriate. This is your first and last warning, if you are careless again, you had better resign!"

After saying that, Mr. Lorenzo went straight to his own room.

Aunt Margaret breathed a sigh of relief, but tears began to stream down my face.

"Aunt Margaret, Mr. Lorenzo is so terrifying," I sobbed while still nursing Liam.

"It’s alright. Mr. Lorenzo is just strict like that. It’s a good thing you were given another chance this time. I’m so sorry—you got scolded because of me," Aunt Margaret replied.

Once Liam finished nursing, Aunt Margaret took him to Lorenzo’s room, while I returned to my own. Not long after, Aunt Margaret came to see me.

"Elara, Mr. Lorenzo said you’ll receive a salary of $8,000 a month. That includes allowances for meals, housing, and healthcare. You get two days off a month, if you don't take the time off, you’ll get an extra $500."

I gasped in surprise, even Lucian, a senior office worker, only earned $6,000.

"The pay here is indeed higher than elsewhere, but you must follow the rules. Even a small mistake can have serious consequences," Aunt Margaret advised.

"Yes, Aunt Margaret. I’ll be more careful."

From then on, I worked diligently. Whenever I encountered Mr. Lorenzo, I would lower my head respectfully.