You're My Lover?

Freya's POV As the train came to a gradual halt, I felt the gentle sway of the carriage slowing down, hinting at our arrival. With a tired and at the same time relieved sigh, I shifted my attention to Orion, my toddler, who was secured in my arms. His big eyes darted around the train as it was his first time in one. After a minute, the intercom announced the final stop which was our stop and people started to get off the train hurriedly. “Alright, baby.” I lifted him in my arms, grabbing my bag. His face lit up with excitement as he got off the train and his eyes couldn't stop moving around with the people moving around the station. “Mama!” He squealed, trying to jump in my arms as he set his eyes on other trains. “Look, more big choo choo.” He pointed in the direction of the trains and I tried hard not to laugh at his cuteness as I walked into the train station with him still peeking behind me to check out the train. “Do you want one of those?” I asked him as we got into the luggage session. Navigating through the crowd, I finally reached the racks, holding him in my hands. “Yes, can I get one of those?” He asked, looking at me with a raised brow. “Sure, when you're big and strong,” I replied, setting him next to our biggest suitcase as I tried to get the other down from where it was placed. I hoisted our belongings on a nearby trolley, grabbing my baby boy's hands as we headed towards the main door. The sounds of the wheels on the floor echoed in the area along with some others as I pushed it towards the waiting area. I pulled out my phone, looking at the time and it was past 5 pm. I didn't expect our trip down here to take so long. It was my mistake choosing the afternoon ride too. “Do you need help with those, Samantha?” A voice called out from behind me. Turning around, I saw Samantha walking towards us, her bright smile bringing me great relief. “Samantha!” I exclaimed, pulling Orion along with me as I hugged my friend tightly. “You made it.” Relief was evident in my voice as I said that. “Of course, I did. I told you I was taking the afternoon off for you guys.” Samantha said, enveloping me in a warm hug before turning her attention to Orion. “Hey there, little buddy. Ready to have a fun vacation with Aunt Samantha?” “Yeah!” He squealed, flexing his arms as he flashed Samantha a toothy grin. She laughed as she took him in his arms, making me drag the trolley of bags along with me as we headed toward her waiting car. “Thanks for coming to pick us up, Sam. I don't know what I would have done without you.” I thanked her as she placed Orion in the car seat that she just got for him. “No need to thank me, Freya. What are friends for? To help each other in times of need.” She flashed me a smile before gesturing to me to get into the car as she did the same. As she drove away from the station, I leaned back into my seat, letting out a sigh of relief. I was finally back after four years. I never expected to be back here now for any reason at all. It had been a very difficult four years for me with a pregnancy, a newborn, and a toddler with no stable work. I had to come back to Sunnyvale city where I had been all my life. I needed to fend comfortably for my son and provide him with the best. I glanced out the window as Samantha navigated through the familiar streets. I took in every new detail added to the city over the past four years. There were large electrical billboards and high buildings, and everywhere seemed better than the last time. “Cost of things must have increased here,” I said to her and she shook her head negatively. “It hasn't. It seems like everything should be but strangely, the four families have decided against it.” She explained to me. The four families were the most influential four in the whole city. They were the most influential and at the same time, the richest. Orion's giggles and laughter made me look back at him to see him peeking out the window from his seat to see the funny videos being displayed. “Almost there guys,” Samantha announced, turning into the tree-lined street, lined with elegant houses. Some were made from wood, while others were brick houses. “Wow, your street is beautiful.” I complimented, wanting to ask why she didn't stay in her usual mansion with her parents but I decided to keep it to myself. “Yeah, thanks. I decided to move in alone to navigate life on my own. You know, without mommy's spoiled daughter vibe.” She joked, and this made us both burst into laughter. As we pulled up to Samantha's house, I couldn't help but admire how beautiful the structure was. The two-story house had a neatly trimmed lawn and a colorful flower bed at the entrance. The swing under the oak tree swayed gently as the breeze went past it. “Home sweet home,” Samantha said with a smile as she parked the car. As I stepped out of the car, I couldn't remember how long it had been since I felt this kind of peace within that we would be fine for now as long as we were with Samantha. “Come here, little one.” Samantha helped Orion out of the car and I went for the bags. “So Freya, I have some exciting news for you.” She said as we finally settled in the house. Her voice was tinged with excitement and I could tell it truly was exciting news. “What is it?” I asked curiosity in my tone before letting Orion get out of my arms. She still looked at me with a smile, trying to keep whatever it was from me well but I was just so curious. “Come on, Sam. You know I hate suspense.” “Okay, fine, fine.” She replied, walking over to the coffee table before handing me a white envelope. “You know the Russell family right?” The mention of the Russell family made my body shiver from recognition. What do they have to do with whatever she had to tell me? They were the last set of people I wanted to hear about during my stay here in Sunnyvale. “Yes, of course,” I replied, my voice above a whisper before ripping the envelope open. “What about them?” “Well, I was having dinner with my parents and they happened to visit.” She slowed down a bit. “Well, they're looking for a new maid for a reason, and I may have mentioned you to Mrs Russell.” She finally revealed a large grin on her face. My heart skipped a beat at her words. I started feeling my heart hammer against my ribcage harshly as I looked at the contents of the envelope which said the same thing. The news was both thrilling and daunting. “I… I seriously don't know what to say. I don't know how to say it.” I stammered. Of course, I don't know what to say. The one I have been running from recognizing him, I have been invited into his lair.