Chapter 6 - Screams in the hallway

The hallway was quiet as Araceli stepped into it, her shoes making soft taps against the marble. She was still beaming from her earlier conversation with Luciano—her employer. She actually had an employer.

“I’m employed” The word felt new and proud in her mouth. She clutched it close, like a gift from above.

“Thank you Jesus” she whispered gleefully.

As she walked toward the room she had been assigned, she passed a door slightly ajar. Just as she was about to continue walking, a piercing scream ripped through the silence.

Her heart lurched. And she froze. The scream had come from inside that room—shrill and desperate, like it belonged to a child.

There was a pause and then another scream. Gut-wrenching and frantic.

“Mommy! No!”

She hovered at the door, uncertainty clouding her face. Should I go in? Should I call someone? But another scream broke the air, and before she knew it, she had pushed the door open.

Inside, a little girl—no older than eight or nine—lay twisted in the covers of a large bed, her body thrashing side to side as her face scrunched up in distress. She whimpered something unintelligible before releasing another cry. “Please don’t die!”

“Oh no, oh no,” Araceli breathed, rushing to the bed.

She reached down and began to gently tap the girl’s shoulder. “Little girl… wake up. Please wake up.”

But the child didn’t stir.

“Little girl, it’s okay,” Araceli whispered, brushing the hair back from her damp forehead. “You’re safe. Please wake up.”

The girl gasped sharply, eyes snapping open. She sat up, breathing hard, her chest heaving as she looked around in a daze. Her gaze landed on Araceli and narrowed.

“Who the hell are you?”

Araceli flinched, surprised at the harshness in such a small voice. “Oh—I’m sorry. I’m Araceli. I just… I heard you screaming, and I—” She stepped back, hands raised.

The girl glared at her, though her face was still pale from whatever dream had gripped her. “Get out of my room or I’ll scream .”

The attempt at meanness was there, but Araceli saw through it immediately. The fear hadn’t left her eyes. It sat there, heavy and quiet.

Still, Araceli panicked at the threat. “No please don’t do that I just—“

Before Araceli could say anything else, the door flew open and a woman rushed in.

“Gianna!” she cried, voice tight with panic. “I heard you screaming and I rushed here as fast as I could. Are you okay?”

Araceli stepped away from the bed immediately. The woman didn’t even look at her—her full attention was on the girl.

Gianna merely turned her face away and lay back down.

“Gianna, please. I heard you screaming. Were you having a nightmare again?” the woman’s voice was desperate but there was no answer from the little girl.

Araceli stood near the corner now, hands clasped in front of her, trying to make sense of what she had walked into. The woman was young—just a little older than Araceli herself—and pretty. She had long, smooth hair and kind eyes, even if they were currently filled with worry.

The girl in the bed, Gianna, had striking features—soft yet sharp. She had the same dark hair and stormy eyes as Luciano.

Araceli’s thoughts wandered.

Is this his wife and child? she wondered, her gaze flitting between them. They must be. They’re both beautiful. And this house… it would make sense. A grand home, a small family. What a life.

She was so deep in thought that she didn’t notice the woman had turned to look at her until she spoke.

“Who are you?”

Araceli jumped. “I’m sorry to bother you, madam. I—I didn’t mean to barge into the room like this. It’s just that I heard the girl scream and I was worried. I’m the new maid. My name is Araceli.”

Gianna didn’t speak. She rolled over, her back facing them now.

The woman’s shoulders relaxed slightly, but she still kept her eyes on the girl. “Why are you calling me madam?”

Araceli tilted her head. “Aren’t you the Sir’s wife? The mother of his child?” she gestured to Gianna

There was a pause—and then the woman let out a soft laugh. Even Gianna gave a faint snort of amusement, though she buried her face in the pillow.

“You really are new around here,” the woman said, chuckling.

She turned back to the child. “Gianna, I’m going to step out, okay? I’ll be back to sleep here later.”

No answer.

The woman sighed then stood up and gestured for Araceli to follow. “Come on.”

As they exited the room, Araceli glanced back—and that’s when she saw it. A small wheelchair tucked into the corner of the room. She stared at it, more concern blooming in her chest.

What happened to this little girl?

Once they were out in the hallway, the woman finally spoke. “I’m not his wife. I’m Paula. I work here, just like you. I’m Gianna’s caretaker.”

“Oh,” Araceli nodded, feeling heat rise to her cheeks. “I see. So… is Gianna Sir’s daughter, then?”

“No,” Paula replied. “His niece.”

Araceli’s eyes widened. “Ohhh… that explains the resemblance. I really must’ve looked so foolish, assuming all that.”

“No you’re alright” Paula smirked. “I would never marry a man like him.” her tone was tinged with venom.

That caught Araceli off guard. Why not? she thought. He seemed to be a kind man. Plus he was handsome and clearly smart. Maybe she’s not interested in marriage? Or maybe… maybe she’s just waiting for the man God has set aside for her just like Araceli was.

“I understand,” Araceli said aloud. “I’m sorry again for the mix-up. I feel like I’ve been fumbling everything since I got here.”

“When did you start?” Paula asked. “No one told us a new maid was joining. Roberta usually informs the rest of us at least a week ahead.”

“Oh, well… my employment was kind of rushed,” Araceli admitted. “Sir found me tonight and hired me.”

Paula stopped walking for a second. Her brows knit together. “He… hired you tonight?”

“Yes,” Araceli replied brightly. “Maybe there’s something about my face he liked.” she joked.

Paula let out a laugh, though it was thin. “He’s not usually so impulsive. When I was hired, I had to go through background checks, interviews, evaluations—everything.”

“Maybe he just needed a maid really urgently?” Araceli offered.

“Maybe.” But Paula was clearly still thinking about it.

“Well,” she said with a dramatic wave of her hand, “welcome to the house of the devil.”

Araceli nearly dropped her jaw. “God forbid! Please don’t ever say things like that.”

Paula turned, surprised.

“I mean, I know it’s quiet and kind of gloomy,” Araceli explained, “but that’s no reason to speak such words. Even in jest.”

Paula blinked at her, and for a moment, said nothing.

“I’m sorry,” Araceli added quickly. “It’s just… I was raised in the church. We don’t use words like that lightly.”

“Oh,” Paula said, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I get it now. You’re one of those sweet, church-raised girls.”

Araceli smiled shyly. “Thank you.”

“It wasn’t entirely a compliment,” Paula murmured, though not unkindly.

“Is this… a church-going household?” Araceli asked.

Paula let out a sharp snicker. “If Luciano Salvatore ever stepped foot in a church, the whole place would probably catch fire.”

Araceli giggled but quickly sobered. She couldn’t understand why Paula talked about their boss like he was really the devil when he’d been so kind as to offer her a job in her time of need. “Well, I believe anyone can be forgiven. No sin is too great.”

Paula chuckled again, shaking her head. “You really are adorable.”

They turned a corner, and Paula glanced at her. “What room are you staying in?”

“Oh! The one on the first floor. Second door on the left.”

Paula raised a brow. “Hmm. Some men were in that room earlier. Looked like they were doing some kind of work.”

Araceli’s mind raced. Work? For my room? Already? She smiled. “They were probably fixing some shelves or something. That’s really kind of them.”

“Well,” Paula said, pausing at a turn in the hallway. “It was nice meeting you, Araceli.”

“You too, Paula.” She genuinely meant it. It was her first time really interacting with a person her age and she hoped her first friendship could come from it. Then, before she could leave, Araceli asked, “Will Gianna be okay?”

Paula’s smile faded. Her eyes turned distant. “I can only hope. She’s been through more than any child should—especially in this family.”

She turned and walked away, leaving Araceli with more questions than she had answers for.

Araceli took a deep breath. Whatever happens in this house, I have to be strong. I’m going to be here for a while.

She straightened her spine and made her way to her room.

Unaware, as she entered, that hidden in the corner of the ceiling, a camera lens followed her every move and she was being watched silently by the man she now called sir.