His Housemaid, Her Vengeance

Chapter Two

(Georgiana’s POV)

The soft rays of sunlight filtered through the slits in my curtains, gently pulling me out of a restless sleep. I blinked against the brightness, disoriented for a moment before the heaviness in my chest reminded me where I was—still jobless, still directionless, and still dreading the conversation waiting for me at my dad’s house.

I slowly sat up while running a hand through my tangled hair. The curls were all tangled now leaving my hair a mess. The events of yesterday played a loop in my head and then the messages from my dad. I hadn’t replied. I hadn’t needed to. He knew I’d show up. I always did.

He is my favorite person in the world. Even when life was hard and he didn’t have the right words, his presence alone always made me feel safe. So I owed him this visit no matter how much my anxiety twisted in my stomach like a coiled spring.

I forced myself out of my bed and shuffled towards the bathroom. After a quick shower, I dressed in a plain black tee and baggy pants, throwing on a denim jacket to shield off the morning cold. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror not caring too much about how I looked. I wasn’t going to impress anyone.

The streets were already alive by the time I stepped outside; cars honking,street vendors shouting prices and children darting between people in the sidewalks. It was a normal day for everyone but for me it felt like the start of something I couldn’t quite name.

My Dad’s place wasn’t far, just a fifteen minute taxi ride and a five minute walk through our neighborhood, a place that held more memories than I would like to admit. It all felt like stepping into a new environment.

I reached the compound and hesitated at the gate, staring at the peeling paint and the small wooden sign that still said “The Rivers”. My chest tightened a little. My Mom had painted that sign before she passed. And somehow, Dad had refused to change it. Maybe it was his way of holding on.

I pushed the gate open and walked through the compound. Our house had been a sight to behold a while back because even after our bankruptcy, my dad hadn’t sold this huge house. And my Mom’s grave was laying quietly at the backyard.

The front door was already opened so I just walked in without knocking.

“Georgie?” My dad’s voice called from inside.

A small smile curved my lips. He was the only one who still called me that.

“Morning, Dad” I said as I stepped in.

He emerged from the kitchen, holding a steaming cup of coffee, dressed in his usual jeans and a polo shirt that had seen better days. His black and grey hair was tousled, and his eyes always kind, crinkled when he saw me.

“Sweetheart” he said as he pulled me into a hug I didn’t know I needed

Then he stepped back. “Come in, come in. You must be tired”

I followed him into the house. It was warmer inside both literally and emotionally. The faint scent of vanilla lingered; probably from the scented candles my stepmom liked. A few of my childhood photos still hung on the wall, besides more recent ones of Jade, and of my half brother and sister.

He led me to the living room and we sat across each other. I could feel his eyes studying me, checking for wear and tear. I offered a faint smile, hoping it would reassure him.

“I wasn’t expecting you to reply so soon” he said.

“Well, when you text something cryptic like ‘we need to talk’it’s kind of hard to ignore” I replied and he chuckled softly.

“Fair enough”

There was a short pause.

“I’ll get straight to the point,” he continued , rubbing his hands together like he was gathering courage. “A friend of mine, an old colleague, actually his son needs someone to help around his house. He’s offering a live-in maid position. I mentioned you, and..well he’s open to meeting you.”

My eyebrows lifted. “A maid?”

He nodded, slowly. “It’s not ideal, I know. But it’s stable, pays decently and gives you a roof over your head without rent. Just for now; until something better comes up.”

I stared at him, my mouth slightly open. Not because I was offended : okay, maybe a little; but because it felt like another sign that I was slipping further away from who I used to be.

“You okay?” He asked gently.

I nodded “yeah just processing. A maid, though?”

He leaned forward. “ You don’t have to say yes. But I wanted you to have the option”

There was something behind his eyes; something almost pleading. Like he hated offering this as much as I hated hearing it. But reality was louder than pride.

I exhaled.” What’s his name?”

“Michael Blackwell” he responded.

The name didn’t ring any bells. “And you trust him?”

“With my life” He said firmly.

I nodded again, slower this time.” Okay.. I’ll think about it”

Silence settled between us for a few seconds, then I glanced towards the hallway that led to the rest of the house.

How’s everyone?” I asked.

He looked up at me with a softer smile. “They’re good. Your stepmom went to visit her sister for a few days. And the kids miss you. Jade took Ella and Noah to the park to stretch their legs and get some exercise.”

That made me smile.

“ They adore you. You know that”

I looked down at my hands. “I know. I just… I feel so far away from all of it sometimes.”

My dad reached over and placed a hand over mine. “They understand and so do I. You’ve been through so much than most people your age. But Georgie, you are not alone.”

His voice cracked slightly on the last word. Barely. But I caught it.

Something heavy hung there between us, unspoken.

I didn’t push. Not yet.

Instead, I squeezed his hand back and offered a small, grateful smile.

“ I’ll meet him,” I said softly.

He nodded, relief flashing across his face; something that made my chest tighten again.

“ I’ll text him tonight” he said.” You can start this weekend, if you’re okay with it”

“Sure” I said, not entirely sure.

After a few minutes more of catching up, I stood to leave. I promised to text when I got home, and he promised to pack some food for me next time I visited. We hugged again, tighter this time.

As I walked away from the house, I felt the weight of a decision settling on my shoulders.

A live- in maid to a mysterious man I’ve never met.

What could possibly go wrong?