Mia POV
I finished packing the last of my things from my apartment. In truth, there wasn’t much to take; my roommate and I had shared everything, and I felt it would be courteous to leave most of it behind for her.
Only the essentials went into my small backpack, the items I truly needed for this new chapter in my life. I paused for a moment, taking a deep breath, and reminded myself why I was doing this.
A new job, a chance at stability, and maybe, just maybe, an opportunity to prove myself.
I stepped outside and hailed a cab, handing the driver the piece of paper with the address of my new workplace. “To this address, please,” I said, trying to sound confident.
“Are you sure?” the driver asked, raising an eyebrow. His tone caught me off guard.
“What do you mean?” I asked, curiosity piqued.
“Nothing,” he said quickly, shrugging as he started the meter and drove off. I decided not to dwell on his reaction, chalking it up to him simply being cautious. After all, who could blame him? Perhaps the address was intimidating on paper alone.
The ride felt endless. I stared out the window, my mind racing with questions. How would I be treated? Would the job be too demanding? Was I walking into another dangerous situation? I tried to push the thoughts aside, convincing myself that I was simply anxious about the unknown.
Finally, the cab came to a stop. “We’re here,” the driver announced.
I took a deep breath and looked through the window. “Oh my God,” I whispered. My eyes widened as I took in the house before me.
It wasn’t just a house; it was a mansion, towering and majestic, with sprawling grounds and meticulously designed architecture. If I hadn’t been coming here for work, I might have assumed it was a government building or a private museum.
The sheer scale and grandeur were overwhelming.
I fumbled for my wallet and handed the driver the fare, thanking him as he drove away. I stood there for a moment, still mesmerized by the sight before me. I had seen Mr. Adkins’ house before, which I considered impressive, but this… this was in an entirely different league.
After collecting myself, I shouldered my backpack and approached the massive gate.
I hesitated, nerves bubbling up in my stomach, but pressed the doorbell. Nothing.
I pressed it again, and moments later, the gate swung open, signaling that I could enter.
Stepping inside, I marveled at the perfectly manicured lawns, the fountains, and the pathways lined with exotic plants.
Security was impressivefive guards dressed in black suits, each carrying a weapon, stood alert. This was a man who commanded respect and clearly had the means to ensure his safety.
My pulse quickened, a mixture of awe and apprehension.
I walked toward the main house, my eyes scanning every detail. Just as I raised my hand to knock on the grand wooden door, it swung open.
A woman, appearing to be in her early thirties, emerged. Her hair was tied neatly in a ponytail, and her blue suit was tailored perfectly, radiating professionalism and elegance. She smiled warmly as her eyes met mine.
“You must be Mia,” she said.
“Yes, madam,” I replied, standing a little straighter, trying to appear composed.
“Nice to meet you. We’ve been expecting you for a few hours now,” she continued, gesturing for me to follow her inside. I trailed behind her, my gaze sweeping over the interior of the house.
Every corner exuded wealth-ornate furniture, exquisite decor, and walls adorned with priceless art. I could tell the owners appreciated art, though I didn’t know much about it myself.
Each piece seemed to tell a story, each brushstroke hinting at history and luxury.
She led me to a room that resembled an office more than anything else. Shelves lined with books and delicate artifacts surrounded us. “You can take a seat,” she said.
I chose a chair carefully, not wanting to accidentally damage anything. “By the way, I’m Anderson Riley, but I prefer Riley,” she said, settling into her own chair.
I smiled. “Why are you smiling?” I asked.
“It’s funny. We share the same surname,” I explained.
She chuckled. “I’m blessed to have a namesake,” she said warmly, her tone lightening the formal atmosphere.
“Back to business,” she continued, handing me a stack of papers. “Please read through the job description and sign the contract. The rest will follow.”
I skimmed the documents. My main responsibility would be to take care of the boss.
The word “boss” made me pause-strange that I hadn’t met them yet. The contract specified the pay: $3,500 per week. My mind nearly exploded.
That was more money than I had earned in an entire year! I had to remind myself not to get carried away, to focus on the task at hand.
Once I had read and signed the papers, Riley stood. “I’ll show you your room and give you a tour of the house before you start tomorrow,” she said. I followed closely, absorbing every detail.
The house was magnificent; every room seemed larger and more luxurious than the last. I was completely lost for words.
Finally, we arrived at my room. Riley opened the door and gestured inside. “This is your room.
Everything in here is yours,” she said before leaving me to absorb the space.
It was far larger than my old apartment, filled with modern amenities and elegant decor.
I walked around slowly, marveling at the furniture, the lighting, and the view from the window.
A particular piece of art caught my eye-a painting of a woman’s face, partially veiled, revealing only her eyes. It seemed strangely familiar, though I couldn’t place it. I leaned closer, lost in thought, unaware of someone approaching.
“Are you the new maid?” a deep, masculine voice asked.
I jumped, my heart racing. I scrambled to compose myself before finally looking up to meet the eyes of the person who had spoken.
For the first time, I truly saw him.
*
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