Chapter Two; New beginning
1224 Words
*ITALY — MILAN’S COUNTRYSIDE*
Aria sat quietly at the edge of the wooden bed, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her worn sweater. Noona had gone to rest, her soft snores echoing faintly from the next room.
The cottage was old—comfortable, but small. Bills were starting to pile up. And Noona’s health was no longer what it used to be.
Aria glanced toward the folded newspaper on the table. She had circled a job posting earlier that week:
*"Live-in maid needed. Excellent pay. Discretion required. Apply in person. Address attached."*
It was in the city. Far from the countryside. Far from safety.
Her heart raced. Something about the job felt... off. The vague tone. No company name. No family name. Just an address.
But the pay…
They needed it. Badly.
Aria whispered to herself, "It’s just cleaning. Nothing more."
Still, the unease settled in her chest like a cold iron but she decided to push it aside and confront Noona about it.
Though she knows it's going to be hard to convince Noona about the job.
She was determined..She can't imagine herself living here forever.
Aria cringed at the thought, yawning loudly and somehow drifted to sleep after much thinking..
★Next Day —Noon★
Aria folded the newspaper for the umpteenth time, took a deep breath and walked into the small kitchen where Noona sat sipping warm herbal tea. The older woman’s eyes lifted immediately, soft but alert.
“Noona,” Aria began quietly, “I found a job.”
Noona raised a brow. “Where?”
“In the city. As a maid. It’s full-time, and they offer a place to stay.”
Noona stared at her for a long moment before placing her cup down gently. “You want to leave here?”
“It’s not that,” Aria said, sliding into the seat across from her. “We both know we need the money. And you shouldn’t be the only one carrying everything.”
Noona’s lips tightened. “You’ve never worked in the city. You’ve barely been outside this town.”
“I know.” Aria paused. “But I’ve been here all my life I want to experience what's it's like to live outside, Especially my dreams.”
Noona stiffened slightly.
“Maybe if I leave here they will stop haunting me, but I promise Noona I'm doing this for both of us.”
Noona’s face softened, but she said nothing for a moment. Then, she reached across the table and took Aria’s hand. “If you want to go, I won’t stop you. Just... be careful. Don’t trust anyone too quickly.”
Aria nodded slowly. “I’ll be fine.”
“You’re strong. But the world outside isn’t kind to girls like you, mia piccola,” Noona said gently.
“Keep your heart guarded, and your eyes open" Noona paused grinning. "And tame that sharp mouth of yours piccola."
Aria pouted then smirked. “No promises.”
And Noona laughed “Naughty girl”.
★
The next morning, the house was quiet as Aria packed her small duffel bag. She didn’t own much—just a few simple dresses, her mother’s old rosary beads, a worn-out journal, and a picture of Noona and her when she was just a child.
She folded everything carefully. The weight in her chest felt heavier than the bag in her hands.
Noona stood by the doorway, arms crossed, watching her with tired eyes. “The driver said he’ll be here by ten,” she said softly.
Aria nodded. “I’m ready.”
They stood in silence for a moment before Noona walked up and wrapped her in a tight hug. “You’ll always have a home here.”
Aria’s eyes burned. “Thank you… for everything.”
As the distant sound of an approaching car echoed through the countryside, Aria pulled on her coat, slipped on her black boots, and stepped outside. A sleek black car came into view, contrasting sharply with the dusty road it rode on.
She gave Noona one last look, forcing a small smile, before the driver stepped out and opened the door for her.
“Signorina Castell?” the man asked.
“Yes,” she replied, her voice steady.
“Benvenuta,” he said, nodding politely as she entered the car.
As the vehicle pulled away from the only home she’d ever known, Aria stared out the window, her mind racing with silent thoughts. She was leaving behind comfort, safety, and familiarity.
A new journey ahead.
★
*ITALY — DE LUCA ESTATE, MAIN GATE*
The massive iron gates towered above them, wrapped in ivy and etched with the De Luca family crest—a serpent wrapped around a crown.
Aria stood still, her small suitcase in hand, eyes wide as she took in the size of the estate. It looked more like a castle than a house.
She wasn’t alone.
Six other girls, all dressed simply like her, stood beside her—new hires, clearly just as nervous.
A woman in a sharp black uniform, with a clipboard and a no-nonsense stare, stood in front of them. Her name was *Madam Bianca*, head of household staff.
“You’re here because you’ve been cleared and selected. That alone makes you lucky,” she said, voice clipped and cold. “Inside these gates, you serve without questions. Privacy is sacred, disobedience is not tolerated. Do your work and stay in your place.”
Aria swallowed hard.
Bianca’s eyes landed on her for a split second longer than the others before she turned.
“Follow me.”
They walked through manicured gardens, past marble statues and long fountains. Every corner of the De Luca estate screamed wealth… and danger. It was beautiful, but cold. Empty. Like something was watching.
“Each of you will be assigned a section of the house,” Bianca continued. “You are not permitted in the East Wing. That is private.”
They were led inside.
*DE LUCA ESTATE – MAIDS’ QUARTERS*
Aria walked into the room assigned to her. It was surprisingly cozy, painted in soft cream tones with two neatly made beds already occupied. Hers was the one by the window.
She dropped her small suitcase and let out a quiet breath.
“Dio mio,” she muttered, eyes scanning the ceiling-to-floor curtains, polished wooden floors, and even a small chandelier hanging overhead.
“This place is like a hotel,” she whispered, touching the soft bedding.
One of the girls turned and smiled. “Hi. I’m Lucia. That’s Renata,” she said, pointing to the girl already sitting on the third bed, braiding her hair.
“Aria,” she replied with a nod.
“New?” Lucia asked.
She nodded again.
“Same.We'll survive here together,” Lucia chuckled lightly.
Aria moved to unpack her things, still occasionally glancing around the room. Everything was so different from what she was used to. The mansion was bigger and more luxurious than she had imagined—painted walls, gold accents, spotless floors. Everything smelled like lemon polish and money.
She had never lived in a place like this.
She didn’t speak much as they got ready for bed. The sheets were fresh, the mattress soft.
For now, she was just a maid. In a rich house.
And tomorrow, she’d start work.
- Writer
