Chapter 2: Welcome to Saint Clair Manor
701 Words
Lexi barely had time to process what had just happened before she was ushered out of Julian Saint Clair’s office by the housekeeper, who had been waiting just outside.
“Follow me,” the woman instructed curtly.
Lexi hurried to keep up, her mind still spinning. She had landed the job. Just like that. No second interview, no lengthy deliberation. Either Julian Saint Clair was desperate, or he had already decided before she walked through the door.
The housekeeper led her up a grand staircase, the polished wood gleaming beneath the chandelier’s soft glow. The entire mansion was an ode to luxury. Every detail immaculate, every piece of furniture probably worth more than her entire existence.
“I’m Mrs. Hawthorne,” the woman said, barely glancing back as she walked. “I run this household. You will report to me for daily tasks, but you answer directly to Mr. Saint Clair.”
Lexi nodded, feeling a knot tighten in her stomach. “Understood.”
Mrs. Hawthorne stopped in front of a door at the far end of the hallway and pushed it open.
“This is your room.”
Lexi stepped inside, expecting a small servant’s quarters. Instead, she found a beautifully furnished bedroom, far more luxurious than anything she had ever lived in. A queen sized bed with crisp white linens, a mahogany dresser, and even a small seating area by the window overlooking the garden.
“This is… for me?” Lexi asked, stunned.
Mrs. Hawthorne raised an unimpressed brow. “Mr. Saint Clair expects his staff to be well rested and presentable. He has high standards.”
Right. High standards. Lexi had already picked up on that.
Mrs. Hawthorne handed her a small folder. “Your schedule, house rules, and a list of Mr. Saint Clair’s preferences. Read it carefully. If you fail to meet expectations, you will be dismissed.”
Lexi took the folder, nodding.
“Dinner is at seven sharp. Your uniform is in the wardrobe. Be ready by morning.” With that, Mrs. Hawthorne turned and left, leaving Lexi alone.
She let out a breath and sank onto the bed.
What have I gotten myself into?
The next morning, Lexi dressed in the crisp black uniform provided to her and made her way downstairs. She had spent half the night reading the handbook. No unnecessary conversations with Mr. Saint Clair. No disruptions to his routine. No personal questions.
Simple enough.
She entered the kitchen, where a few other staff members bustled around preparing breakfast. A woman about her age, with curly brown hair and a friendly smile, approached her.
“You must be the new girl,” she said. “I’m Emma, one of the chefs.”
“Lexi.” She shook Emma’s hand.
Emma grinned. “You’re brave. Most new hires don’t last long.”
Lexi laughed nervously. “That’s… comforting.”
Emma shrugged. “Julian Saint Clair is a perfectionist. He notices everything. If you make a mistake, he’ll call you out on it.”
Lexi swallowed. She had figured as much.
Before she could respond, Mrs. Hawthorne entered. “Lexi, you’ll be handling Mr. Saint Clair’s breakfast service today. Don’t be late.”
Lexi’s stomach dropped. Day one, and she was already serving the boss?
She grabbed the tray Emma had prepared. A meticulously arranged plate of eggs, toast, and black coffee, and took a deep breath before heading toward the dining room.
Julian Saint Clair sat at the head of the long mahogany table, dressed in a crisp white dress shirt, his sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal strong forearms. He didn’t look up as she approached.
Lexi set the tray down carefully.
“Your breakfast, sir.”
He finally lifted his gaze, piercing blue eyes locking onto hers.
“You’re on time,” he said, almost surprised.
Lexi forced a polite smile. “I read the handbook.”
A flicker of something. Amusement? crossed his face.
“Good,” he said, picking up his coffee. “Let’s see if you can keep it up.”
As Lexi turned to leave, she had the strange feeling that this job was going to be much harder than she had ever imagined.
- Writer
