Chapter 5 - Interview

The car slowed to a stop at the foot of the grand estate. Araceli leaned toward the window, her mouth slightly parted as she stared at the towering gates and the mansion beyond them.

If Nico’s house had been a mansion, then this was a palace. A fortress of pale stone and tall windows, so big it made her feel even smaller than she already did.

When the car door opened, she didn’t move. She was still gazing up at the columns and balconies, wondering how many rooms it must hold, and how many people it would take to fill such a big structure. She was sure the house would be buzzing with life and that sparked excitement in her. She’d only ever lived with Father Ambrose so she always desired to live in a full house.

Luciano’s voice broke through her thoughts. “Are you planning on coming in tonight?”

“Oh! Sorry,” she squeaked, scrambling out of the car.

Luciano turned without waiting for her and began walking up the stone steps. She hurried after him, eyes wide as they moved through the grand front doors and into a high-ceilinged foyer. Everything inside was polished, clean, and cold.

She looked around, her gaze drifting across the white marble floor, and the long hallway leading to arched doorways. It wasn’t very decorated. No family photos, no warm lamps, no flowers. Just expensive furniture and silence.

She glanced at Luciano’s back as they walked and her excitement began to dissipate. Does he live here all alone? The thought made her sad. Her dream of working for. A big family with lots of noise and kids running around seemed to be too good to be true. This house was quiet, too quiet.

Still, she reminded herself, it didn’t matter. As long as she had a job, she would be able to save money. And eventually, she’d become the kind of woman worthy of standing beside Nico.

They arrived at a set of double doors, which Luciano pushed open without ceremony. It was a study—dark wood, deep green leather chairs, bookshelves with rows of intimidating titles.

“Sit,” he said.

She obeyed immediately, folding her hands in her lap as she waited for him to sit behind the desk.

“Tell me about your background, your family, and who you grew up with,” he said.

“I grew up with Father Ambrose,” she answered. “All my life, he’s the only family I’ve known.”

Luciano tilted his head. “Your biological father?”

Her heart gave a little pang. “No. Not in the real sense. He didn’t… he didn’t give birth to me. But he raised me. He’s all I’ve ever had.”

Her voice softened. “Well… there’s also Miss Maggie. She lives down the road from the chapel. She was kind of like a mother figure. But I wasn’t allowed to visit her often. Only on special days, when she’d give us food.”

She realized she was rambling, but Luciano didn’t stop her. He said nothing, just watched her quietly, expression unreadable. That silence only made her talk more. She told him about the chapel, her lessons, and the way she’d watch the children while Ms. Maggie cooked. She didn’t know why she was telling him everything—maybe because he listened, maybe because no one else ever had. She realised that this was the first time she was actually talking to someone outside of her small bubble—as Nico and she barely said any words to each other—and it felt very nice.

Finally, he spoke again. “So your real family abandoned you?”

Araceli flinched. He said it so casually as if he wasn’t talking about her being abandoned but she answered “No, they are with God now” Her voice was barely above a whisper “Father Ambrose said my mother was very ill and that she came to him to ask that he takes care of me when I’d be born because she knew she wouldn’t survive childbirth”

“And your father?” he asked almost robotically. The tragic story didn’t seem to affect him in the slightest.

“Father Ambrose didn’t give me many details, only that he’s in heaven too” she answered with a sad smile. She always tried to keep a smile on her face when talking about her family. After all, they were in a much better place and eventually, she’d join them.

Luciano stared at her for a while as if he was processing everything she said. Then he asked another question that had nothing to do with any of it. . “Do you have any experience working?”

“Cleaning?” she asked, brightening. “Oh yes. That’s all I ever did at Father Ambrose’s house. Sweeping, mopping, washing, dusting—everything. And cooking, too.” She hesitated, nearly mentioning Nico’s house, but stopped herself. That was still a wound too fresh.

Luciano nodded, though the question seemed thrown in more for formality than interest.

His eyes flicked to her neck.“That’s a very pretty necklace.”

Her fingers instinctively rose to touch it. “Thank you. Father Ambrose gave it to me. It’s the only gift he’s ever given me, and I cherish it very much.”

Luciano smiled but it was sharp, not kind. “That’s too bad.”

She blinked. “What?”

“You won’t be able to wear it anymore. Jewelry isn’t allowed for staff.”

“Oh,” she murmured, dropping her hand. “Of course. I understand.”

She tried not to feel too sad. She never wore it often anyway. Father Ambrose had always said material things were distractions from faith.

Luciano slid a form across the desk. “Fill this out.”

She picked up the pen and scanned the form. It contained areas for Name, age, guardian contact, and phone number. When she reached the line for phone number, she paused.

“I… I can’t fill this part,” she admitted. “I don’t have a phone.”

Luciano raised a brow. How sheltered was she? he thought. Really sheltered. But he only said, “Leave it blank.”

She handed the form back, and he scanned it quickly.

“There’s no last name,” he said.

“I don’t have one,” she said quietly. “I never knew my parents. And I never felt comfortable taking Father Ambrose’s.”

He nodded slowly, thoughtful. Something about that seemed to unsettle him. Without a word, he picked up his phone and dialed.

“Roberta. Come to my office.”

A few minutes later, the door opened and a tall, elderly, and composed woman entered. She looked surprised and terrified at the same time to be summoned to the study. Luciano never let any of the staff go in there but she stood straight. “Sir?”

“Roberta,” Luciano said, gesturing to Araceli. “This is Araceli. Show her around the house. She’s one of the new maids.”

Araceli’s eyes widened. “So I got the job?”

She stood up so fast the chair scraped behind her. “Thank you! Thank you so much, Sir.” She bowed so deeply that her forehead nearly brushed her knees.

He watched her show of uncensored gratitude and it caused something strange to stir in him but he couldn’t place it, so he shook it off.

She turned to Roberta with a bright smile. “Good evening, ma’am. I’m Araceli.”

Roberta smiled back, a bit taken aback by her enthusiasm. “Good evening, child. I’m Roberta.” her nerves began to calm down because of the joy emanating from Araceli, it was contagious.

“Don’t show her the upstairs rooms,” Luciano said. “Just the kitchens, back halls, and outdoor spaces. She won’t be cleaning the rooms.”

“Of course, sir,” Roberta nodded.

“Come, child,” she said gently. “Let me show you.”

Araceli bounced after her, still glowing with happiness.

Before the door closed behind them, Luciano called out, “Roberta. Just you. Come back and lock the door.”

She returned, locking the door behind her as instructed.

“From now on,” he said, “tell the staff that no jewelry is allowed while working. And bring Araceli back to the office when you’re done with the tour. Make sure you two take your time.”

Roberta looked confused but nodded. She knew better than to question her boss “Yes, sir.”

When she left, he pulled out his phone again and called Dante.

“Done with the interview?” Dante asked.

“Don’t even mention it.”

“Are you sure about hiring the girl,” Dante said, seriousness in his tone. “You didn't even conduct a background check. We don't know who she is or who she could be working for.”

Luciano rolled his eyes. “I doubt she’s a spy..” he said as he thought of Araceli’s innocence, naivety, the way her big eyes grew bigger every time she got excited…”But still don’t worry, I’m taking measures to ensure she’s not one. That’s why I called you. I need you to get over here and install a security system in one of the rooms.”

“On it, boss,” he answered, although he wondered why Luciano hired her first and then took precautionary measures like security cameras instead of just waiting to hire her while background checks were run as he did for all his staff.

A few minutes later, Dante sent a text.

Dante: It’s done.

A short while after that, there was a knock at the door.

“We’re back, sir,” Roberta called.

They entered, and Araceli looked flushed from excitement, her eyes round with wonder.

Luciano looked at her for a moment. That childlike awe seemed to be her default expression. She seemed excited by everything.

“Your room will be on the first floor,” he said. “Right-wing, second door on the left.”

“Thank you, really,” she beamed. “Thank you so much, sir. This is a great opportunity.” She lowered herself again as if to kneel in gratitude.

Luciano held up a hand. “Don’t do that.”

She froze, then nodded quickly. “Sorry. It’s just what I’m used to.”

He turned to Roberta. “Show her the way.”

“Yes, sir.”

As they left, his gaze lingered briefly on the closed door.

He opened up his laptop and went into the app that connected to the newly installed security cameras. The ones in the first-floor room. In Araceli’s room.