CHAPTER FIVE

EMILY

I was so excited that I got the job at the Belford mansion! At least now, I could save some money.

Living with them meant I wouldn’t need to worry about rent or accommodation. Paying my bills would finally be easier.

Granny, the grandmother of the Belfords, was kind enough to hire me as her personal maid. She was so polite, humble, and sweet.

Completely different from her grumpy, arrogant, rude, and proud grandson.

I always overheard Charlotte and Amelia talking about him. They said he was New York’s most handsome eligible bachelor and that he hadn’t touched or dated anyone since the death of his fiancée, Sophia.

Charlotte often said she saw him from a distance at balls and charity events. She always claimed she would do anything to be with Ethan. I found that shameless. Throwing herself at a man like that? I rolled my eyes just thinking about it.

The way Ethan looked at me and spoke to me made it clear he didn’t want me working at their residence. I knew I had to mind my own business, focus only on my job, and stay out of his way if I wanted to last in the job.

Granny introduced me to the head maid, Lucia, and the other maids. Lucia smiled and welcomed me warmly.

But the other maids looked at me like they already hated me. Their eyes felt like sharp daggers. The only ones who didn’t give me that cold look were Lucia and a pretty maid named Amy, who smiled and introduced herself kindly.

Granny turned to me with a smile and said, “Come, let me show you to your room.” She pressed a button on her wheelchair, and it started moving on its own.

I turned to say goodbye to the other maids, but they stared at me like I had two heads. So, I just told Lucia and Amy I’d see them later. They smiled and nodded.

Granny showed me around the mansion. It felt like paradise. The chandelier sparkled like real diamonds. Everything looked expensive, from the furniture to the decorations. It was like a dream.

She told me the other maids didn’t live in the main house. They stayed in separate quarters on the right side of house. It didn't come as a surprise to me because I already heard that the Belfords owned the biggest house in New York.

We used the back door and entered a quiet hallway. The environment was peaceful. We passed two doors opposite each other before stopping at the next pair.

Granny turned toward the door on the right. I helped her open it and stepped inside. The room was stunning. The furniture and decorations were just as luxurious as the rest of the house.

There was a huge 85-inch 3D TV, and a door to the left led to a balcony with a sofa and a beautiful table. The view from there was amazing.

The queen-sized bed was even bigger than the one I had back home. Next to it was an intercom.

Wow, this house is spotless and so comfortable, I thought.

Granny’s voice brought me back to reality. “This will be your room. Mine is right across the hallway. I’ll use the intercom if I need anything, okay?” she said with a kind smile.

“Yes, Granny,” I replied with a smile too. Then I remembered—I hadn’t brought any clothes or personal things.

So I spoke politely, “Granny, may I please go get my things? I didn’t bring any clothes or other items.”

“Of course you can,” she said gently. “But come back early, alright? You’ll be given a uniform too. But yours will be different since you’re my personal maid.”

“Yes, Granny. I understand,” I said, still smiling.

She turned to leave, and I followed her to help prepare her bed before she rested. Her room was even more beautiful and spacious.

I helped her out of the wheelchair and supported her carefully onto the bed. She didn’t weigh much—probably because of her age.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

“You’re welcome, Granny. I’m just doing my job,” I replied with a smile.

Then I left her room and headed to mine to grab my phone before going out to get my things.

Just as I reached my door, the door next to mine opened. A girl about my age stepped out.

She was the same height as me. Her skin was flawless, her blonde hair perfectly styled. She had a pointed nose, pretty lips, and deep blue eyes.

She looked at me with suspicion and said, “Who are you? What are you doing here? And why are you trying to enter that room?” She crossed her arms and waited for my reply.

I cleared my throat. “Good afternoon, Miss. My name is Emily Jones, and I’m the new personal maid to Grandma Susan,” I said as respectfully as I could.

She frowned and looked me over from head to toe. “Oh, I didn’t know Granny needed a personal maid. But why would she give you a room on this floor? This floor is for her, my brother, and close relatives only.” She shrugged and added, “Anyway, call me Ava. Not Miss. I don’t like being called that. And welcome to the Belford home. I hope you take good care of Granny.”

“Thank you, Ava,” I said with a smile. I felt a bit more relaxed now. At least she wasn’t as rude as her brother or the other maids.

I went into my room, grabbed my phone, and left to get my belongings.

On my way out, I passed a few maids, but they ignored me like I didn’t exist. I didn’t mind. I was here for my job, not to make friends.

I said hi to Boris, the gatekeeper. He opened the gate, and I walked out. As I stepped onto the sidewalk, I suddenly felt like someone was watching me.

I looked around, but no one was there.

I waved down a taxi, got in, and told the driver where I was going. He drove off quickly.

But as we moved, I noticed something strange. Through the rearview mirror, I saw a black SUV following us.

“Excuse me, sir,” I said to the driver, “I think someone is following us. Can you drive a bit faster?”

He nodded, and the taxi sped up.

The SUV started speeding up too, trying to catch up. I frowned. Who could be following me? Then it hit me and I face-palmed as the realization came.

It must have been Isabella… my stepmother… and her evil daughter.

She never liked me. Maybe she found out I ran away and sent people to bring me back.

But how did they know where I was?

I suddenly feared for Nanny’s safety.

Then my phone buzzed with a notification. That’s when it dawned on me that they were probably tracking me through my phone.

I made a mental note to get rid of it as soon as I got out of the taxi.

The driver noticed the SUV too and sped up more. Within 30 minutes, we reached the hotel. I quickly paid and jumped out.

The SUV stopped in front of the hotel. Men in black suits and sunglasses stepped out and started walking toward me.

I ran into the hotel, rushed to the receptionist, and asked for my room key. She gave it to me, and I sprinted upstairs. On the staircase, I turned off my phone and threw it in a trash bin.

Then I saw the men come into the hotel which made me run to my room and lock the door.

Quickly, I packed all my things.

Just as I was about to leave, I heard loud banging on the door.

They were trying to break in.