The Billionaire’s Maid

“Your mother’s condition is getting worse.” The doctor’s words hit me harder than a slap. I tightened my grip on the phone as I stood behind the counter of Brew Haven Café. “What do you mean?” I asked quietly. There was a pause. “The medication isn’t working as well anymore. She needs further treatment, and honestly…” the doctor hesitated. “You’ll need a lot more money than before.” My chest tightened. How was I supposed to get more money? I was already working double shifts. Every tip, every paycheck, every extra hour went directly to my mother’s hospital bills. “I understand,” I whispered. After ending the call, I closed my eyes for a second. Just one second. Because if I allowed myself any longer, I might break down completely. “Maya. What are you doing just standing there? Table seven needs their order!” my manager shouted. “I’m coming!” I forced a smile onto my face and grabbed a tray loaded with drinks. Everything would be okay. It had to be. For Mom. I carefully made my way through the crowded café. That was when the front doors opened. Everyone seemed to notice. A woman walked inside wearing designer clothes that probably cost more than my yearly salary. Her blonde hair was flawless. Her diamond earrings sparkled under the lights. And judging from the way she looked around, she believed the entire world existed for her convenience. She marched straight toward an empty table. “Finally,” she said loudly. “I thought this city had no decent coffee shops.” Her voice alone made me want to avoid her. She sat at one of the tables. I approached with my tray and just as I was passing by her table, a little boy suddenly ran past me. He crashed into my side and the tray tilted. Time slowed. My eyes widened. “No—” Hot coffee flew through the air. Straight onto the expensive looking woman. Complete silence enveloped the entire cafe. The woman’s white designer dress was now stained brown. Her face twisted with horror. Then fury. “You i***t!” she screamed as she rose up abruptly. My stomach dropped. “I’m so sorry!” “Sorry?” she shrieked. “Do you have any idea how much this dress costs?” “I didn’t mean—” “Look at me!” Everyone at the café was staring at us now. I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me. The woman grabbed a napkin and threw it at my face. “You poor people are unbelievably clumsy. You just ruined my five thousand dollars designer dress. How are you ever going to pay for this?” Her words stung. “I’m really sorry,” I repeated. Her eyes narrowed. “But sorry won’t fix my dress.” I hesitated. I don’t know what else to say to her. I surely can’t afford five thousand dollars. Even if I combined all the years I’ve worked, I still wouldn’t be able to earn half of that amount. The manager appeared, trying to gain control of the situation. “Maya. What is wrong with you?” “I’m so sorry.” I whispered. “Miss Sinclair. Forgive us. She’s obviously a klutz.” “Yes. But what about my dress?” “I’m sure we can pay for it to be dry cleaned.” He said, trying desperately to calm her down. “You should hire more competent workers. You and your staff just ruined my entire day.” She yelled. “Forgive us, miss. You can go to the washroom and—“ “No, I’ll just leave this low class place.” She shrieked and stormed out of the café. A few minutes later, I was standing in my manager’s office. “I’m so sorry Mr. Frank.” My voice came out smaller than I intended. I feared what was going to happen next. I didn’t want to lose my job. I had nothing else that could bring in the little money that helps pay for our bills and mom’s treatment. The manager sighed. “Maya, I’m sorry.” I stared at him. “No.” “The customers have filed a formal complaint.” He said. “Please sir. You can’t fire me over an accident. I didn’t mean for that to happen, please.” I begged His cold expression told me everything that I needed to know. There was no point begging any further. But, I couldn’t just give up. This job was my only source of survival. “The customer you spilled coffee over is a renowned socialite and the fiancé of a billionaire. If she goes any further to sue, I would lose everything. I can’t afford that because of you, Maya.” He explained without looking at me. I felt sick. “My mother is in the hospital.” “I know.” “I need this job.” “I’m sorry but you can’t keep working here.” Tears burned my eyes. Please. Please don’t do this. But the decision had already been made. I was fired. Just like that. One mistake. One accident. And everything was gone. That evening, rain poured from the sky. I sat alone at a bus stop, staring at the termination letter in my hands. My phone buzzed. It was my best friend, Sophie. “Maya? Why do you sound like you’ve been crying?” She asked when I answered the phone. I laughed bitterly. “Because I got fired and I don’t know where to go from here.” I said. “What? What happened? She asked with concern. I quickly explained everything. Sophie was silent for a moment. Then suddenly she gasped. “Oh, Maya. Don’t worry. There might be a solution for you.” I frowned. “What solution?” “My cousin works for one of the richest families in the city.” I rolled my eyes. “Sophie, I’m not in the mood.” “No, listen. They’re hiring new household staff.” “What?” “The pay is incredible.” I sat up straighter. “How incredible?” She named a figure. My heart nearly stopped. It was almost three times what I made at the café. Three times. Enough to help Mom. Enough to survive. Enough to hope. “What’s the family’s name?” I asked. Sophie answered immediately. “The Hartwells.” I had heard of them. Everyone had. One of the wealthiest families in the country. This was impossible. People like me didn’t work for people like them. But desperate people didn’t get to be picky. “I’ll apply,” I said. “Good. Interviews start tomorrow by 8am.” For the first time all day, I felt a tiny spark of hope. Maybe it wasn’t the end of the world after all. “Thank you so much, Sophie. I owe you a lot for this information.” I said. “Right back at you, Maya.” I dropped the phone call and tried to imagine what I’d expect from tomorrow. I’ve heard of the Hartwell’s. One of the richest known families in New York. I didn’t want to raise my hopes but trying won’t be so bad.