His Maid, His Obsession

The Man Who Said No

Clara barely slept that night.

Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Margaret Kingsley's cold expression and heard the word that had shattered her world.

"You're fired."

By dawn, she was already awake.

She quietly folded the blanket on the worn-out sofa where she had spent the night beside her mother's hospital room.

Mary Evans was still asleep.

Noah walked in carrying two cups of instant coffee.

"You should go," he said gently.

"What?"

"Mrs. Brooks is waiting for you."

Clara looked toward her mother.

"I don't want to leave."

"I'll stay with Mom."

She hesitated.

"But—"

"You've always been the one protecting us." Noah smiled reassuringly. "Now let me protect you for a few hours."

Clara's eyes became moist.

She reached out and hugged her younger brother.

"Thank you."

"Come back with good news."

"I'll try."

Mrs. Eleanor Brooks' office was located in a quiet building behind the Kingsley family's old estate.

When Clara arrived, the older woman welcomed her with a warm smile.

"You came."

"I wasn't going to miss this chance."

Mrs. Brooks nodded approvingly.

"I've already prepared your recommendation letter."

She handed Clara a neatly sealed envelope.

Clara accepted it with both hands.

"I don't know how to thank you."

"You can thank me by proving I wasn't wrong about you."

"I will."

Mrs. Brooks studied Clara for a moment before speaking again.

"There are a few things you should know about Mr. Anthony Kingsley."

Clara listened carefully.

"He values silence."

She nodded.

"He hates lies."

She nodded again.

"He doesn't like people invading his personal space."

"I understand."

Mrs. Brooks smiled faintly.

"And one more thing..."

"Yes?"

"He has already refused to hire another maid."

Clara's smile faded.

"...He refused?"

"This recommendation is my last attempt to change his mind."

Clara looked down at the envelope in her hands.

"If he says no..."

Mrs. Brooks gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"At least you'll know you tried."

Meanwhile...

Anthony Kingsley's private villa stood on a hill overlooking the city.

Unlike the extravagant Kingsley mansion, the villa was modern, elegant, and quiet.

Everything was perfectly organized.

Anthony preferred it that way.

Inside his home office, he signed the final page of a business contract.

A knock sounded on the door.

"Come in."

George Wilson entered.

"Sir."

Anthony didn't look up.

"What is it?"

"Mrs. Brooks is here."

Anthony sighed.

"I thought I made myself clear."

"So did I, sir."

Anthony finally set down his pen.

"Let her in."

A moment later, Mrs. Brooks entered the office.

"Good morning, Anthony."

He gestured toward a chair.

"Please sit."

She smiled.

"You still remember your manners."

"I remember yours."

She sat down.

"I won't waste your time."

"I appreciate that."

"I came about the maid position."

Anthony leaned back in his chair.

"I've already hired enough staff."

"You haven't replaced the live-in maid who resigned three months ago."

"I don't need one."

"You do."

"I manage."

Mrs. Brooks sighed.

"I've found someone."

"I'm not interested."

"Anthony."

His expression remained calm.

"No."

"At least meet her."

"No."

"She desperately needs this job."

"I'm not running a charity."

Mrs. Brooks wasn't offended.

"I know."

Anthony folded his hands.

"My answer hasn't changed."

Silence settled between them.

Finally, Mrs. Brooks stood.

"I expected you'd refuse."

Anthony offered a polite nod.

"Then you know why this conversation is over."

She walked toward the door before stopping.

"I've known you since you were a little boy."

Anthony looked at her.

"You've spent years pushing everyone away."

His face remained unreadable.

"I hope one day someone stubborn enough comes along to change that."

Without waiting for a response, she quietly left.

Anthony stared at the closed door for several seconds.

Then he returned to his paperwork.

The conversation was already forgotten.

Or so he believed.

Outside the villa...

Clara sat nervously on a wooden bench near the front gate.

She hadn't been invited inside.

Mrs. Brooks had asked her to wait.

Every passing minute made her heartbeat faster.

She clasped her hands tightly together.

"What if he says no?"

She thought about the hospital bills.

Her mother's weak smile.

Noah pretending everything would be okay.

She couldn't return to them empty-handed.

The front door finally opened.

Mrs. Brooks walked toward her.

One look at the older woman's face told Clara everything.

"He refused..."

Mrs. Brooks sighed.

"Yes."

Clara lowered her head.

"I understand."

"I'm sorry."

"It's alright."

No...

It wasn't.

But she forced herself to smile anyway.

"Thank you for trying."

Mrs. Brooks felt her heart ache for the young woman.

"Wait here."

Clara looked up.

"What?"

"I haven't given up yet."

Before Clara could ask what she meant, Mrs. Brooks turned around and walked back toward the villa.

Clara watched her disappear inside.

She silently folded her hands together.

For her mother.

For Noah.

For one last chance.

She prayed.

End of Chapter 3