Esther_Aziz

Driven by desperation to save her ailing father, who requires expensive surgery he cannot afford, a young woman accepts a position as a live-in caretaker at a lavish mansion. Initially focused solely on her father's well-being, she finds herself drawn into an unexpected and forbidden romance with the enigmatic and wealthy owner of the mansion. As their relationship deepens, she grapples with guilt, societal pressures, and the fear of losing everything, including her moral compass, in her pursuit of her father's health.

The fate between us

The room assigned to Hazel felt both personal and intensely private. The walls were painted a beige. A comfortable-looking armchair, upholstered in a floral fabric, beckoned from the corner. A large bed, a comfortable sized wardrobe, a bedside table – it held no trace of the grandeur she'd witnessed downstairs. But it was hers. For now.

She unzipped her bag, She pulled out her few belongings: A wooden box containing her most treasured possessions – a delicate silver chain held a single, teardrop-shaped amethyst pendant. The stone, a deep, luminous purple, seemed to pulse with an inner light. grandmother had given her, a silver bracelet her mother had worn as well.

As she unpacked, She missed the warmth of her father and home, she was worried about him. she had thought it will be a day work but it seems she will have to move in. Hazel had been so worried when Mr. thorne called her earlier to inform her that she'll be moving in.

she was not happy since she'll be leaving her father all by himself. But he assured her that he'll be fine.

she pleaded with her neighbor to look after her dear father once a while which they agreed.

Hazel sighed feeling frustrated but she needed to do this.

She carefully placed the photograph on the bedside table. Looking at the smiling faces of her parents, and her grandmother, a lump formed in her throat.

She knew she had to be strong. She had to earn money to send home. She had to make this work.

She opened the wooden box and gently touched the necklace. It felt cool and comforting in her hand. She closed her eyes for a moment, picturing her grandmother's wrinkled face and kind smile. "Be strong, Hazel," she could almost hear her grandmother say.

Taking a deep breath, Hazel opened her eyes. She had a job to do. She placed the chain back in the box and closed the lid. She would unpack the rest of her belongings later. Right now, she needed to focus on her duties.

She glanced at the plain, grey uniform laid out on the bed. She picked it up

She changed into the uniform, Looking in the long, whole mirror, she barely recognized herself.

She smoothed down the uniform and took another deep breath. It was time to go downstairs. She opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, she headed straight to the kitchen to start her chores.

she entered the kitchen and was met by Mr. Brown and surprisingly other young ladies. she recognized most of them from the interview.

They cast resentful glances at her, but she ignored them and greeted everyone.

Mr. Brown took notice of her and ushered her to come in.

He assigned a chore for each and every one of them. They where six in number including hazel.

Hazel was focused on cutting the vegetables. when Mr Brown budged in abruptly.

"Mr. stern will be arriving this evening, make haste and make sure everything is into perfection, there will be no room for mistakes, and remember the rules".

With that, he left the kitchen in a hurry.

Hazel was lost in her own thoughts, Mr. stern frightens her.

"He gives so much chills doesn't he?..."

Hazel on the other hand was surprised that someone spoke to her. she thought everyone hated her... she nodded her head with a slight smile.

" oh by the way, am Mira Sterling"... Mira whispered

"Hazel Roberts" Hazel whispered back.

The two exchanged smiles and continued their work.