Chapter 2

The day for the interview finally came.

It turned out that Stephanie did put in a good word for me after all and for that I was grateful.

I was in the hospital when I got the call from the mansion. They formally invited me and put me on the list.

On the day of the interview, I nervously adjusted the collar of the dress I wore which I borrowed from Bea.

Bea was just as excited as I was about the interview. She took it upon herself to make sure I look my best for today.

She dressed me up in one of her nicest red corporate dresses. She curled my hair and forced me to wear make up and heels.

I complained to her, thinking I was overdressed.

Now, that I'm seated amongst the other applicants, I wish I could go back home to dress even better.

The girls - sorry, ladies here all looked like I*******m models.

I saw about five of them park their cars outside.

They all wore fancy dresses with their hairs professionally blown out. They wore expensive jewelry and had the latest I phones.

They looked like they were going for an elite party or dinner.

I was the most underdressed and it showed. They all looked at me with their noses held high.

They probably wondered what I was doing here. Even I wondered the same thing.

These ladies look high class.

How much is the salary exactly?

Stepping into the mansion, I was in awe.

The stonewood mansion was a sight to behold. It was a true testament to wealth. The Uber I took led me into the Stonewood estate.

I had to show the security my invite then they confirmed from the mansion before I was allowed inside.

The estate was surrounded by greenery that stretched on for what seemed like miles. Vibrant flowers bloomed everywhere in perfectly structured mansions. Tall trees stood as well.

When I entered through the towering iron gates of the Stonewood mansion, my breath was caught in my throat, and my eyes widened in awe.

The mansion itself was a masterpiece. It stood tall. The walls were made of smooth, cream-colored stones. It was about three or four floors from what I could see.

Stone pathways led their way through the gardens. Benches and sitting areas were strategically placed outside too.

Currently, I sat amongst the other applicants. We were all seated in a corridor.

The atmosphere was filled with tension. Everyone wanted this position and it was only one opening which means out of all of us, only one person could get it.

As I glanced around, I couldn't help but notice the anxiety on everyone's face. They wanted this as much as I did.

Seeing them made me realize what a big deal this actually is.

A few moments later, a tall woman dressed in a blue suit approached us.

"Hello ladies" she said with a smile.

"I'm Miss Sullivan. I'm the house manager. Please, follow me"

At the same time, we all rose from our seats and followed her.

She took us down a long hallway. Our footsteps echoed against the marble floors.

I looked around as I moved. I couldn't help it.

If you told me I would be in a house this fancy, I would never believe it, talk more of the Stonewood family mansion.

The hallway was decorated with exquisite artwork. I was a lover of art so I was intrigued. Each piece was carefully positioned, giving it a gallery like atmosphere.

Marble structures stood on pedestals.

Soft light emanated from crystal chandeliers that hung from the ceiling, The polished marble floor beneath my feet gleamed.

It felt as if I was walking on a work of art.

Some of the other ladies chatted amongst themselves. Nobody paid attention to the place like I did.

It was obvious that they were used to these kinds of things. They weren't like me.

I did my best to comport myself.

My heart pounded loudly against my chest.

Finally, we arrived at a room guarded by a sleek wooden door stood.

Miss. Sullivan opened it, revealing a lavishly furnished office.

I gasped softly as we entered.

The room was decorated with alluring artwork. Sparkling chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The furniture in the room looked too luxurious to sit on.

When we entered the room, Miss Sullivan gestured for us to take seats on a row of chairs lined against the wall which we did.

She entered another room inside the office.

The minutes ticked by slowly.

My anxiety kept doubling with each passing second. My hear eat raced so loud that I could feel it in my ears.

I stole glances at the women around me. They all had poised demeanours with confident smiles on their faces.

They spoke to each other and laughed. They weren't worried at all.

I was too nervous to talk.

What do I hope to even speak about?

I wasn't on the same level as any of them.

They seemed to effortlessly belong in this world of luxury. I felt like an impostor.

Finally, Miss. Sullivan began calling us one by one into the interview room.

My heart pounded in my chest as I watched the other applicants walk through the door one by one.

With each passing minute, my fear intensified. The knot in my stomach tightened.

After about an hour, Mrs Sullivan came out again with a paper in her hand.

"Miss Joan?" she called out.

This was it. This is the moment I had been preparing for.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

I stood up, adjusting my dress. I have to be impressive as possible.

I forced a smile "Yes ma'am"

"Please, come in"

I followed her into the room. The clanking of my heels sounded against the polished floor.

The room inside was spacious and tastefully decorated as expected.

Seated a desk was a man dressed in a suit. It wasn't Derrick Stonewood. This man looked prestigious as well.

"Please, have a seat, Miss Joan," the man gestured towards the chair opposite him.

"Thank you" I said as I took a seat.

My hands clasped tightly on my lap.

I put on a smile. It wasn't too much but it was good enough to put on a good impression.

Bea advised me to smile when I got to the interview. She always complimented my smile. She also said it would give the interviewer a positive impression about me.

It seemed to work because the man smiled at me as well.

Miss Sullivan handed me a folder containing my resume and application.

"We've reviewed your qualifications, Miss Joan" The man said "You have excellent skills"

"Thank you," I replied, trying to sound confident.

"You interned at a great firm. They confirmed how good you were. You also got a scholarship into an impressive school. How come you didn't finish college?"

The question made my heart sink further into my chest.

I decided to be honest. I have no reason to lie.

"My mom has been sick" I said.

I let my emotions take over my voice. Quitting school was one of the hardest decisions I had to make because I genuinely enjoyed studying. It was my passion.

"I had to drop out to look for a job to take care of her" I said "Hopefully, with a good job, I'll be able to go back to school in no time"

It took every single self restraint in me not to cry. I held back the tears as much as I could.

His eyes filled with sympathy "I'm sorry to hear that. I hope things work out"

I gave him a tight smile "Hopefully"

"Tell me, Miss Joan. Why do you want to work for the Stonewood House? What makes you believe you are the right fit for this position?"

I took a moment to gather my thoughts before responding. Bea and I practiced this question.

"I have always been fascinated by the Stonewood's family success. The way they built their empire is inspiring. I believe that working for someone of this caliber will provide me with the experience and opportunities I need to grow. I believe I am the right fit because I am dedicated and hard working. I am confident that I can meet the high standards you expect."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by my response."

"Can you handle high-pressure situations? I ask this because Sir Derrick can be very demanding"

"I've worked as a waitress and also as a secretary. I've had demanding bosses in the past. I can thrive under pressure. I can assure you this. I can also meet up with deadlines for tasks as well. I know how to prioritize"

He nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. "Good. Now, let's discuss your knowledge of fine dining etiquette. As a maid in this, you will be required to serve guests or even Mr Derrick himself during meal times and during events. Are you familiar with the proper etiquette and protocols?"

I took a compulsory cooking class in high school. I could still remember some things.

I never believed a time would come where I would need table etiquette to apply for a job.

"To an extent, sir. I took a class in high school and I was taught the basic things. I learn fast. I would be honored to be trained in places where I lack technique"

Miss Sullivan scribbled notes on her notepad as we spoke.

What's she writing there?

Could it be bad comments?

I felt nervous as I watched her.

"Very well" he continued "Can you handle private information?"

Private information? What does he mean?

"This is an extremely private household. Everything that happens here is under lock and key. Nobody else must hear about it. Can you assure us this?"

I have no idea what they have to be so private about.

Is something going on here?

"Absolutely sir. I'll adhere to the confidentiality rule"

"Okay then. That's all for today. We'll contact you"

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate the invite"

"You're welcome"

As soon as I got outside, I let out a deep breath I didn't even know I was holding.

I need to use the bathroom. I need to pour water on my face.

The tension is making me a bit dizzy.

I noticed a lady standing nearby in a corner. She wore a uniform. She's most likely a worker here.

I walked up to her "Excuse me.

Where's the bathroom, please?"

"Go outside this room. Walk down the corridor. Second door to your right"

"Thank you"

I left the room. As I walked down the long hallway, my mind swirled with thoughts.

The interview didn't go as bad as I thought it would. The questions were easy.

Judging from his demeanor, he seemed pleased with my answers. Right? Right?

What if he was pleased with other people's answers?

What makes me so special?

He even asked why I didn't finish college. Would that be a problem?

I was so lost in my thoughts that for a second, I forgot where I was going.

All of a sudden, I felt myself bump into something hard... Like a wall.

"Oops" I murmured.

I looked up to see what I hit.

To my surprise, I saw a white shirt and a suit jacket.

I didn't hit a wall. I hit a person.

I'm so clumsy.

"I'm so sorry" I said.

I decided to look up to apologize again.

I gasped as soon as I saw who it was.

Guess who?

It was Derrick fucking Stonewood.