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

Hazel woke from bed feeling energized. Today is her day off. she felt excited, she would finally see her dear father and hug him tight.

Hazel folded and smoothed her grey uniform, a small sigh escaping her lips. Today, the grand halls of the Stern's Manor would echo with the muffled sounds of the other maids, not her own hurried footsteps. Today, Hazel was going home.

home wasn't big But it was hers. More importantly, it was her father's. The thought of seeing him again, of sharing a simple meal and quiet conversation, filled her with a warmth that rivaled the summer sun beating down on the dusty road.

She packed a few things in her hand bag, then headed downstairs. She was met by kalix and Alexander who seemed to be discussing something before her arrival. They took note of her and kalix offered to help her with her bag. But hazel politely declined.

Her eyes landed on Mr. stern. she politely bid him goodbye but the man didn't even bat an eyeto her.

Hazel felt a little hurt but she ignored it and looked back at Mr. thorne with a slight smile.

"well then Mr.thorne, I'll be going now"

The ride was long and arduous. The sun beat down mercilessly, turning the road into a shimmering ribbon of heat. But Hazel didn't falter. With every move, the image of her father's weathered face, his kind eyes crinkled at the corners, grew clearer in her mind.

She remembered the stories he used to tell her, tales of brave knights and mischievous sprites, whispered under the cloak of night.

She remembered his strong hands, calloused from years of working the land, gently brushing her hair back from her forehead.

As she finally Got down from the cap , the house came into view. Her home. she felt a deep sense of familiarity and a smile played at the corner of her mouth.

Her heart quickened its pace. She run into the house, her boots kicking up small clouds of dust.

"Dad!" she called out, her voice hoarse from emotions and thick with anticipation.

she heard footsteps, and a figure emerged, Her father walked coming down from the stairs.

Hazel's eyes Got teary. It was him. her lovely father.

A wide smile spread across his face, crinkling the corners of his eyes just as she remembered. He raised a hand in gestures urging her to come into his embrace . It's only been a week but it felt like forever.

"Hazel! You're here!" His voice, rough from years of shouting against the wind and weather, was music to her ears.

She ran the last few steps, launching herself into his arms. He hugged her tightly, his embrace warm and familiar. For a moment, the silence and weariness, the Stern's Manor and its endless demands cost her, faded away. There was only the sun, the dust, and the love between a father and his daughter. Today, Hazel wasn't a maid. She was simply Hazel, home at last.

Home Again