His Maid, His Obsession

A Door Opens

The phone trembled in Clara's hand.

For a few seconds, she couldn't bring herself to answer.

The heavy iron gates of the Kingsley mansion stood behind her, a painful reminder that she had just lost the only job keeping her family afloat.

Taking a shaky breath, she answered the call.

"Hello?"

"Miss Evans?" the receptionist from City Hospital said. "We're calling about your mother's treatment."

Clara closed her eyes.

"Yes."

"The finance department has extended your payment deadline by forty-eight hours. If the outstanding balance isn't settled by then, we'll have to suspend some of her treatments."

Her heart clenched.

"I understand."

"Please come to the hospital as soon as you can."

"I will."

The call ended.

Clara lowered the phone and stared blankly at the busy street. Cars passed by, people hurried along the sidewalks, and life continued as if her own world hadn't just fallen apart.

She wiped away her tears.

Crying wouldn't pay the hospital bills.

An hour later, Clara stepped into the hospital room.

Mary Evans lay asleep, her breathing weak but steady.

Noah looked up the moment Clara entered.

"You're back."

She forced a smile.

"How's Mom?"

"The doctor gave her medication. She's resting."

He noticed her empty hands.

"You finished work early?"

Clara hesitated.

Then she smiled again, though it didn't reach her eyes.

"I... got the rest of the day off."

Noah frowned.

"You never get time off."

She looked away.

"I'll explain later."

Just then, a nurse walked in holding a clipboard.

"Miss Evans?"

"Yes?"

"The hospital needs another payment by the day after tomorrow."

"I know."

"We're doing everything we can, but without payment, we won't be able to continue the current treatment plan."

"I understand."

The nurse gave her a sympathetic smile before leaving.

Silence filled the room.

Finally, Noah spoke.

"You lost your job, didn't you?"

Clara couldn't answer.

The tears she had been holding back finally escaped.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"I tried so hard."

Noah quickly stood and hugged his sister.

"You don't have to apologize."

"I'm supposed to take care of both of you."

"And you already have."

She buried her face against his shoulder.

"I don't know what to do anymore."

Late that afternoon, Clara left the hospital with a folder containing unpaid medical bills.

As she walked down the crowded street, her phone rang again.

This time, the caller ID displayed a familiar name.

Mrs. Eleanor Brooks.

Clara immediately answered.

"Mrs. Brooks?"

"My dear, where are you?"

"Outside the hospital."

"I heard what happened."

Clara lowered her head.

"I didn't steal that bracelet."

"I know."

Clara froze.

"You... you believe me?"

"I have worked in that mansion for thirty years. I know an honest person when I see one."

Tears filled Clara's eyes again.

"Thank you."

Mrs. Brooks sighed softly.

"I may have a solution."

Clara gripped the phone tighter.

"A solution?"

"Someone is looking for a live-in maid."

"A new employer?"

"Yes."

Hope flickered inside Clara for the first time that day.

"Who is it?"

There was a brief silence.

Then Mrs. Brooks answered.

"Mr. Anthony Kingsley."

Clara's eyes widened.

"The CEO?"

"Yes."

"I've heard rumors about him."

"So have I."

"They say he's cold."

"He is."

"They say he fires staff without hesitation."

"Sometimes."

Clara swallowed nervously.

"Then why would he hire me?"

"He didn't ask for you."

Clara's hope faded.

"I recommended you."

"What if he refuses?"

Mrs. Brooks chuckled softly.

"He probably will."

Clara blinked.

"What?"

"But I'll convince him."

Despite everything, Clara let out a small laugh.

Mrs. Brooks smiled on the other end of the call.

"Can you come to my office tomorrow morning?"

"Yes."

"Wear something neat."

"I will."

"And Clara..."

"Yes?"

"Don't lose hope."

The line disconnected.

For the first time since leaving the mansion...

Clara felt that perhaps fate hadn't completely abandoned her.

Across the city, inside the top floor of Kingsley Group Headquarters...

Anthony Kingsley stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office.

The city lights stretched endlessly beneath him.

Without turning around, he spoke.

"The maid resigned?"

George Wilson, standing quietly nearby, answered respectfully.

"No, sir."

Anthony glanced over his shoulder.

"Then?"

"She was dismissed from the family mansion today."

Anthony's expression remained unreadable.

"I see."

"There are rumors she stole Mrs. Kingsley's bracelet."

Anthony returned his gaze to the city skyline.

"And?"

George hesitated.

"I don't believe she did."

Anthony was silent for a long moment.

Then he picked up a file from his desk.

"Anything else?"

"Mrs. Brooks wishes to recommend someone for the vacant maid position at your villa."

Anthony didn't even look up.

"I already told her."

"No more maids."

"Yes, sir."

George bowed slightly and left the office.

Anthony loosened his tie and exhaled.

His quiet villa was the only place where he could escape the endless noise of the world.

The last thing he wanted...

...was another stranger living under his roof.

Little did he know...

By this time tomorrow...

Clara Evans would walk into his life—

And nothing would ever be the same.

End of Chapter 2