The Heiress Impostor

CHAPTER 3: A sudden loud screech

Ethan's thought slowly drifted back to the day he had visited his long time friend. Ethan and Thompson have been friends since childhood. The two friends have been busy with life, they've not seen each other for several years. Thompson had logged in Belvedere Residence while in town for a seminar.

Ethan, who had been meaning to catch up with his old friend, arranged to meet him there when he learned he was in the city, since It was a convenient location.

The Belvedere Residence, was a visual picture of perfect luxuriousness, just as Ethan remembered it: The entrance hall area was exquisitely furnished and spacious with polished limestone floors, plush velvet lounge seating, and the luxurious chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. It exuded an air of wealth and sophistication.

They exchanged greetings with the hearty enthusiasm of men rekindling their long-lost friendship, recalling their old times and laughing about cherished moments.

Thompson looked a bit more filled out now and his hairline is receding, but his contagious laugh was still the same.

"Man, it's been a very long time," Thompson had blossomed, tapping Ethan on the back. "How's life and What's been happening in your world?"

"Life has been life, Tom," Ethan had replied, a hint of weariness in his voice but he smiled it off. "Sophia's been having some health issues, and Avery's...well, she's keeping busy."

" Oh, wow…Avery? That beauty must be all grown up now, how time flies" Thompson said, his eyes sparkling. "The last time I saw her, she was just a little smart girl."

"I know right." Ethan said, with pride in his voice. "She's still that smart girl you know and she's doing well."

They talked about their life, families, their businesses and career. Thompson was now a partner in a renowned law firm, while Ethan had built successful businesses of his own. They reminisce about their school days, the good and bad days, their adventures, their dreams, the ones that never came to pass and the ones that actually did come to pass. Then Thompson's phone rang. He excused himself to take the call, after a few minutes of conversation, he told Thompson he needed to step outside to get a document from someone.

Just five minutes after Thompson stepped out, the doorbell rang. Ethan's gaze was fixed on beautiful art drawings that were hung on the wall. He was lost in thought reminiscing on the good old days when his friend still looked very much younger “how time flies” he said to himself. The doorbell rang again, he heard it this time and walked towards the door and opened it, and his lungs seized for a moment. Ethan was bewildered by the exact duplicate of his daughter, standing before him was this beautiful young lady who could have been Avery’s twin. She was dressed in a simple fitted uniform with a name tag pinned to her shirt.

“Hello, Excuse me, sir,” she said courteously, with a soft voice. “I’m the housekeeper. I'm here to check if you need anything, or if you need me to tidy up your apartment before I finish my shift sir.”

Ethan was stunned and momentarily speechless. He stared at this lady standing in front of him for a few seconds, it seemed as though it was his daughter that was standing before him if not for the uniform she was wearing, he would have mistaken her for his daughter, the only difference was that his daughter would have jumped at him playfully. Even though she's grown now, she still acts like a kid around him “Uhm, no, I'm not sure of that” he finally replied, “ I'm just here to visit a friend. Mr. Thompson is the occupant of the room and he isn't here at the moment. He just stepped out. I'm just a visitor.”

“Oh, that's fine sir,” she replied, with a warm friendly smile. “I’ll be rounding up my shift in a few minutes, so I just thought to check before I close for the day sir”

“Well, he should be here soon,” Ethan said.

“Perhaps you could come back to check later?” He wanted to keep talking to her, but he didn't want to seem weird.

“Actually,” she said, “I don't have so much time, I'm almost done with my shift like I said earlier and I need to check other apartments. I’m almost done for the day. I have just a few minutes left and just wanted to make sure everything was in order before I leave.”

“Sure, there's no problem at all,” Ethan replied, trying to sound casual with a smile. “My name is Ethan, by the way.” he added, extending his hand for a shake..

“Thrina,” she replied, shaking his hand. “thrina Jerkins.” she said bowing slightly with a warm and genuine smile that sent a shiver down Ethan’s spine.

“It’s so nice to meet you, thrina.” he smiled again, “and how long have you worked here, Thrina?” He asked curiously, though the Belvedere residence is quite enormous and they have a large number of staff, how could he not have met her before now. He visits often, sometimes for official meetings.

“I’m still pretty new, it's Just two weeks sir” she said. But it’s a very nice place to work.”

Ethan nodded, still staring with a smile. I hope to see you around often, he said as he withdrew his hand.

“Sure.” thrina said as she smiled back

Since the last two weeks of resumption, no one has been this nice to her. Their guests are the type of people that mind their business. Although some are nice enough to tip her after cleaning, they don't initiate conversations or shake her. This man must be a very kind man.

Ethan’s mind was racing with so much anxiety in his chest. His daughter's lifeless face flashed through his mind. It seemed like a dream, he thought of his wife, Sophia's fragile health. This deep burden. His plan seemed almost like an impossible task ahead of him and was all overwhelming. He was lost in his own thoughts that he almost did not register the city traffic as he drove from along the express to the Belvedere Residence, his thoughts a jumbled mess in his heart of grief and desperation. He was so lost in his internal pandemonium that he almost didn't see the other car speeding into his lane. There was a sudden loud screech of tires, a rough bump, and Ethan's lurched suddenly.