Bound by Secrets

Chapter three

One thing life has taught me is that if you want to eat, you must be willing to sweat. At least that was how it was for us, the members of the lower class.

Unlike those in the upper class who had everything given to them on a platter, we had to work so hard to receive a measly pay that was barely enough for us to survive.

I woke up while the day was still young and the world was still immersed in darkness.

I let out a tired yawn as I lay on my bed, contemplating whether I should get more sleep or I should get up and begin the day's activities.

Slowly, I sat up and rubbed my eyes gently because, as much as I wanted to, I couldn't dare go back to sleep, as sleep was a luxury a mere maid like me could not afford.

I winced slightly as I placed my bandaged foot on the rock-hard ground. The throbbing pain sharply reminded me of what happened yesterday; the broken vase, the small key, and Master Aiden's unwavering gaze.

Shaking my head quickly, I pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind.

There was no point in thinking of the young master, as it wouldn't change anything.

Our worlds were so different, and just like oil and water, they could not mix.

I picked up my uniform and carefully pulled it over my head, as any forceful movement could make the fabric rip, as the gown was of very low quality and constant washing had made it grow even weaker.

Once I was done dressing up, I made my way out of the servants' quarters so I could begin my first activity of the day, which was mopping the hallway of the mansion.

The Blackburn mansion was nothing like the small house I grew up in. It stood tall and intimidating, its grey marble walls shining with great luster, and its iron gates towering over anyone or anything that stood in front of it.

I had just started working here, and I was still trying to adjust to the environment.

I needed this job to care for my mother, whose health had deteriorated overnight, and my younger sister.

They were the only family I had left.

My mother has been taking care of my sister and I since my father passed away.

But a few months back, she suddenly became sick, and the bubbling life that once filled her like a blazing fire had disappeared like it wasn't even there.

Watching my once strong mother become weak was the hardest.

But sickness does not care about strength.

And medicine does not come without money.

That was why I was here in the grand corridors of the Blackburn mansion wearing a maid's uniform, mopping the floors tirelessly and making sure everywhere was clean.

It was worth it, though; the Blackburn family paid well, better than most households and way better than any job I could find in the village. The money I earned was enough to buy my mother's medicine and run our small house in the village, so I was grateful.

A loud bell echoed in the hallway, breaking me from my thoughts.

It was time to prepare breakfast for the family.

Maids ran helter-skelter, trying to put things in place before the Masters and the ladies woke up.

I cleaned the sheen of sweat that had formed on my forehead with the back of my hand and continued mopping.

“Daphne. Are you not done mopping the floor? It is almost breakfast time,” a firm voice queried.

I froze.

Standing at the other end of the corridor was the household butler, Adams. His eyebrows arched in question, and his face looked displeased.

“Almost done, sir,” I replied quickly, my voice shaking.

He shot a glance at my bandaged foot, and his eyes narrowed.

“You broke the family heirloom yesterday,” he said sternly.

“Yes, sir,” I said soberly.

His lips pressed in a thin line.

“Mistakes are dangerous, and they are not tolerated in this house.”

My grip on the mop stick tightened, and I gave a slight nod.

“I understand.”

“Finish up quickly,” he ordered.

“And Daphne…” he paused. “Try not to break anything else.”

I waited till he disappeared from the hall before releasing the breath I was holding.

This was how things worked here.

One mistake and you were marked.

One unforgivable error and you were replaced in the blink of an eye.

I quickly finished up with the mopping and went to the dining hall to clean it in preparation for the family's breakfast.

As I walked into the dining hall, its grandeur enveloped me. A long mahogany table dominated the center, its polished surface reflecting the huge chandelier that hung above. High-back golden pleated chairs were arranged at the side with precision, their velvet cushions so smooth and plush they looked delicate to touch.

This room screamed of pure elegance, and it reminded me of how different rich people were.

They dined differently.

They spoke differently.

They even breathed differently.

I picked up the small napkin from my dress pocket and began to clean the tabletop in a swift and precise movement.

As I swayed the clothes back and forth, my mind wandered, and it felt like a time portal zapped me back to the very first day I had arrived at the Blackburn mansion.

The younger me was filled with so many high spirits as I was going to be working for the Blackburn family, one of the prestigious families in Athenburg.

I was so happy that I had finally gotten a job that would give me enough money to provide for my family.

But amidst all that happiness, fear still made its way to my mind.

Fear of not belonging to this world.

Fear of not doing things right.

And fear of making mistakes.

At that time, it didn't bother me that much, but after what happened yesterday, that fear made its way back to my mind.

I let out a tired sigh and wiped the last portion of the table. I stood back to examine my work carefully.

Perfect.

Everything you do here has to be.

That was the key to survival.

Mistakes weren't tolerated.

One mistake could cost you more than a broken vase.

Much more.