Andrew's eyes remained fixed on Linda's birthmark, his mind racing with possibilities. He took a step closer, his voice low and urgent. "Linda, are you the one who was in my room last night?"
Linda's expression changed from embarrassment to shock. "No, sir, it wasn't me," she replied, her voice firm but laced with defensiveness. "Why would I? And why would you assume it's me just because of this birthmark?"
Andrew's gaze never wavered. "Why indeed?" he murmured, his tone skeptical. Linda's hands clenched at her sides, her eyes flashing with indignation.
"Just because we share a similar birthmark doesn't mean I'm the woman you're looking for, sir," Linda continued, her voice rising. "It's just a coincidence. Anyone can have this birthmark."
Before Andrew could respond, Zoey, one of the opportunistic women, chimed in, her voice dripping with amusement. "Oh, come now, Mr. Andrew, you can't seriously think your maid is the one, can you?" She laughed, her companions joining in.
"How could a maid possibly enter her boss's room?" Zoey teased, her eyes sparkling with malice. "And how could you, sir, sleep with your maid? You must think she's the one just because of a mere birthmark."
The room erupted into laughter, with the other women snickering and glancing at Linda with renewed interest. James stepped forward, his expression stern.
"That's enough," James said firmly, his voice cutting through the laughter. "This isn't a joke." Andrew's eyes never left Linda's face, his expression thoughtful.
"You're right," Andrew said finally, his voice measured. "I apologize, Linda. I was mistaken. A birthmark alone isn't enough proof." Linda's expression softened slightly, but her eyes still held a hint of wariness.
As Andrew excused himself from the gathering, Linda felt a mix of relief and anxiety. She couldn't believe how close she had come to being discovered.
"I love Andrew," she whispered to herself, her heart racing. "He has been my childhood crush, my forever love, even though we never met until I became his maid." A faint smile crossed her lips.
"But he couldn't recognize me," she thought, her mind wandering. "The heiress to Alpha Company, hiding in plain sight as a maid. No one suspects a thing."
Linda's eyes never left Andrew's retreating figure. She knew she had to keep her true identity hidden, no matter how difficult it became.
"I won't let my secrets open anytime soon," she vowed to herself. "Not until the time is right. But for now, I'll continue to watch over him, protect him, and love him from afar."
As she turned to leave, James approached her, his expression thoughtful.
"Linda, are you alright?" he asked softly. "That was quite an intense scene."
Linda nodded, composing herself. "I'm fine, James. Thank you for asking."
James's eyes narrowed slightly. "You're not just a maid, are you, Linda? You’re a pretty and lovely lady and you and special to us . Don’t think less of yourself. Linda replied , thank you James I appreciate your kind gesture, And she left with a smile on her face.
James turned to face the remaining ladies, his expression firm. "It's over for now. You can all leave. The boss hasn't found the specific lady he's looking for, and you're not needed anymore."
The women exchanged disappointed glances, but quickly gathered their belongings and began to file out of the ballroom. Zoey and Kendall lingered, whispering to each other.
"Can you believe he's stuck on one girl when there are so many beautiful women out there?" Zoey asked, shaking her head.
"I know, right?" Kendall replied. "He's rich, handsome, and powerful. What more could a woman want?" They shared a knowing glance before exiting the mansion.
James watched them leave before turning to find Andrew standing in the doorway, lost in thought. "Hi, sir," James said, approaching him.
Andrew's gaze snapped back into focus. "James, I think I need some advice." His voice was low and troubled.
James nodded. "Of course, sir. What's on your mind?" Andrew paced across the room, his agitation growing.
"I took her virginity, James," he said abruptly, his voice laced with guilt. "Who is she? I have to find her." James's expression remained neutral.
"Sir, perhaps it's time to reconsider your approach," James suggested gently. "This mysterious woman may never be found. Why not choose a humble, kind-hearted lady instead? Someone who will appreciate you for who you are, not just your wealth and status?" Andrew's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched.
"She's out there, James," Andrew insisted. "And I'll find her, no matter what it takes. I have to make things right." James's eyes filled with concern, but he knew better than to push Andrew further.
"I understand, sir," James said finally. "But please, be cautious. You're not just searching for a woman; you're searching for a piece of yourself." Andrew's gaze lingered on James, his expression unreadable.
Andrew's thoughts drifted back to Linda as he stood in the empty ballroom. "She looks like the lady," he whispered to himself, his eyes narrowing in concentration. But his vision that night was blurry, and he couldn't shake off the uncertainty.
"Why would she deny it if she was the one?" Andrew wondered, his mind racing with possibilities. Maybe he was overreacting, reading too much into the encounter.
But something about Linda's demeanor, her quiet confidence, and those piercing eyes lingered in his mind. Could it be?
Andrew's thoughts took a drastic turn as he considered the ultimatum from his mother. "Get married by Christmas, or risk losing everything." The pressure mounted.
In a moment of impulsiveness, Andrew thought to himself, "Why not Linda? She's intelligent, beautiful, and already knows me." The idea took root.
"Girl, can you come marry me before Christmas?" he imagined himself asking, a smile spreading across his face. It sounded absurd, yet tantalizing.
Andrew envisioned Linda's reaction – shock, hesitation, and perhaps a glimmer of hope. Would she accept?
He pictured them exchanging vows on Christmas Eve, surrounded by friends and family. The image felt surprisingly appealing.
With newfound determination, Andrew decided to take a chance. "I'll ask her," he resolved, his heart pounding with anticipation. Little did he know, Linda harbored secrets of her own, secrets that could change everything.
Andrew approached James, his expression resolute. "James, I need your help with something."
"I've decided to ask Linda to marry me," Andrew announced, his voice firm.
James's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Sir, are you certain? You barely know her."
Andrew waved his hand dismissively. "That's not the point. She's beautiful, intelligent, and already works for me. And with this mysterious woman nowhere to be found, Linda is the perfect solution."
James's expression turned skeptical. "But, sir, is this wise? Marriage is a significant commitment."
Andrew leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I'm not really going to marry her, James. It's all a ruse for the inheritance. Mother's ultimatum has left me no choice."
"I'll pay Linda one million dollars to fake a marriage with me until Christmas," Andrew continued. "Once the inheritance is secure, we'll divorce, and she'll be set for life. My brother, Alexander, can't have everything; he'll just squander it on his lavish lifestyle."
James's face remained neutral, but his eyes betrayed a hint of concern. "And what makes you think Linda will agree to this, sir?"
Andrew shrugged. "She needs the money, and I'm willing to pay. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement. Now, help me prepare everything; we leave for New York soon . We'll get married when she agrees and by Christmas, this will all be over." James nodded reluctantly, aware of the complexities of Andrew's plan.