Chapter 4

The next day marked first day of my job as a maid in the Stonewood mansion.

When I got to the mansion, nervous excitement coursed through my veins.

Before I left for home, I went back to the people who interviewed me.

I was excited and relieved beyond words.

They gave me a contract to sign which I did after reading it thoroughly.

It was an NDA. It made me promise not to disclose anything that occurs in the mansion. Everything I witness here has to remain a secret.

I was required to stay in the mansion five times a week. I begged them to make it four times because of my mom which they obliged to.

I was also given a uniform which I was required to wear all the time during work hours.

Apart from that, I was satisfied with all the terms given. I was shocked when I heard the salary I would be paid. It was outrageous.

No wonder it was strictly by invitation. I knew the salary had to be high when I saw the ladies that showed up.

It was enough to cover my mom's expenses with time and more than enough for me to save and take care of myself.

That morning, I arrived at the mansion holding a bag that had enough clothes to last me for a few days. I would call the doctor from time to time to check on my mom.

When I got to the front door, Miss Sullivan was already waiting for me at the entrance.

"Good morning, ma'am" I said with a smile.

She smiled warmly at me. She was an elderly woman, maybe in her fifties. She had the aura of a mother. I felt comfortable in her presence. She wore a uniform like me too but while mine was white and black, hers was red.

"Good morning, dear" She said "Please, follow me"

I followed her through the grand hallways. She led me to what I believe is the heart of the mansion – the bustling kitchen.

As we entered the kitchen, the aroma of fresh herbs and spices filled the air.

The kitchen alone was about three times my whole apartment. It was freaking huge.

"Wow" I breathed.

I took in the sight of stainless steel appliances, gleaming countertops, and a large island at the center. It was a chef's dream come true.

Even someone who didn't like to cook would love it in here.

There were two other ladies who were dressed in the same uniform as me. They were busy running around and prepping ingredients.

Miss Sullivan gestured towards them

"Joan, allow me to introduce you to your colleagues" She said "These are Emily and Sarah. They will be your companions"

I smiled at them.

Emily looked like a lovely lady to be around. She had a warm smile and a twinkle in her eyes.

"Hello Joan" she said "It's nice to have you here. If you have any questions or need help, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you" I said.

It seemed like we would get along just fine.

Sarah, on the other hand, eyed me with disdain. She scoffed as she chopped the onions she was holding.

"Great" Sarah muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm "Another newbie to babysit. Just what we needed."

Emily nudged her with her elbow "Be nice. She can hear you"

"So?" Sarah snapped "Do I care?"

I was confused by her response.

How can people be so mean?

She just met me yet she's behaving this way.

I don't want any trouble. I'm just here to mind my business and work.

I swallowed my unease, determined not to let Sarah's negativity dampen my spirits.

I did my best to hold back the tears. I don't know why people find it easy to look down on me.

Miss Sullivan intervened, her voice firm. "Enough, Sarah. We're all here to work as a team. Joan is your new colleague and I expect you to treat her with respect."

Sarah huffed and turned away to the sink clearly displeased with Miss Sullivan's reprimand.

I took a deep breath, reminding myself to stay focused on my job and not let negativity get the best of me.

I'm here to work and that's all. I'm not here to make friends or care if anyone likes me or not.

My feelings are hurt but I shouldn't dwell on that.

"Thank you, Emily" I said to them, doing my best to keep my voice stable "I appreciate your kindness. And Sarah, I hope we can work well together."

"Whatever" Sarah muttered.

I paid her no mind and got to work immediately. Miss Sullivan guided me on what to do.

The morning flew by in a whirlwind of cleaning the kitchen organizing, and making lunch.

Miss Sullivan mentioned that Sir Derrick is around and we would be serving him.

At the mention of his name, my heart beat increased.

I remember how hot and bothered I felt just by the sight of him today.

Last night, I couldn't get his gorgeous face out of my mind.

How would I react to seeing him again?

I hope I don't make a fool of myself.

All my life, I've never been this attracted to a man. I've never felt this way before, not even for my ex and I loved him dearly.

I shivered at the thought of Eric, my ex.

His name brings up bad memories.

I just met Derrick so how come I feel this way?

Whatever feelings I have, I hope they die down. No matter what, I can't act on them.

He's a fucking billionaire. He's built one of the greatest empires in America.

And I'm me.... I have nothing to my name.. Not even a college degree.

How can he ever like a girl like me?

After a few hours, the time had come. It was time to serve the meal we had prepared.

"Girls, clean up the kitchen" Miss Sullivan said "Joan and I will be attending to Sir Derrick"

"Yes ma'am" they chorused.

My heart rate increased as soon as she said this. My heart was beating so loud that I could hear it in my ears.

Miss Sullivan handed me a silver tray laden with perfectly plated dishes, and I followed her towards Sir Derrick's private dining room.

"He doesn't like to be disturbed when eating" Miss Sullivan said "That's why he eats privately"

"Yes, miss Sullivan"

"Please" She said with a smile "Call me Alice"

The moment I stepped into the dining room, my breath caught in my throat.

The room was so beautiful.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a lovely glow over the long, polished table.

Silverware sparkled, and fine china adorned the place settings. The room itself was adorned with exquisite paintings.

He sat at the head of the table. His presence commanded attention and admiration.

As I approached the table, my hands trembled slightly, betraying the nerves that had settled deep within me. I don't know why I feel like this. I felt so nervous.

I really wanted to make a good impression. I've never felt this much urge to impress a man.

"Good day, sir" I said to him.

He didn't answer me. He focused on his phone.

Just as I dropped the tray, our fingers brushed against each other.

I gasped as soon as our skins touched.

A jolt shot through me, a current of electricity passed through my nerves. It was an unexpected touch, but one that felt strangely intimate.

For a moment, we locked eyes, blue to brown.

Our gazes held a silent conversation.

His eyes were like the ocean. They were so... Blue.

They were so mesmerizing. I had never seen anything as captivating as them in my life. I could get lost in them forever.

His face was a work of art.

I liked the fact that his eyes were on me. I would do anything to keep being the center of his attention.

Miss Sullivan cleared her throat, breaking the moment between us.

"Sorry sir" I murmured.

I went back to setting the table. Miss Sullivan and I placed all meals carefully in a particular order.

When we were done, we were dismissed.

As miss Sullivan and I left the room, I could still feel Sir Derrick's eyes on me.