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.