Chapter 1

Inside the luxurious Macau Mansion, Iris stood by the sink, washing the last of the dishes. The soft clinking of plates filled the kitchen as she worked diligently, just as she had for the past year.

She was known for her hard work—always focused, always efficient.

As she rinsed the final plate, Mr. Joe McCall, the head of the powerful Macau Empire, walked in. He moved toward the coffee machine, pouring himself a cup, but his gaze lingered on Iris.

Lost in thought, he watched the young woman.

She was undeniably beautiful—her delicate features and effortless grace made her stand out, even in a place like this. But beyond her looks, it was her work ethic that impressed him the most. Loyal, disciplined, and always respectful.

His moment of observation didn't go unnoticed.

From the doorway, his wife, Melissa McCall, entered the kitchen, her sharp eyes immediately narrowing at the sight of her husband watching Iris. A wave of jealousy surged through her. She had never liked Iris from the moment she started working for them.

And now, seeing Joe's gaze on the young maid only confirmed her worst fears.

"Has he developed feelings for her?"

Her hands clenched into fists. She couldn't stand it anymore.

"Joe!" Melissa's voice cut through the silence like a blade.

Joe blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Melissa," he said, turning to face her.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded, crossing her arms.

Iris, sensing the tension, quickly wiped her hands and excused herself. She had no interest in being caught in the middle of their argument.

"I just came to get a cup of coffee," Joe replied calmly.

Melissa scoffed. "Oh, really? Or were you too busy lusting after the maid to even drink it?"

Joe frowned, setting down his cup. "Melissa, don't be ridiculous. I was simply admiring her dedication. She's a hardworking girl, and I respect that."

Melissa's eyes darkened. "Respect? Or something more?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're being paranoid."

But Melissa wasn't convinced. Her jealousy burned hotter.

"And what's worse," she spat, "you're even thinking she'd make a good wife for one of our sons, aren't you?"

Joe hesitated for a second too long.

Melissa let out a bitter laugh. "Over my dead body will I let that happen!"

Joe's patience finally snapped. "Why do you hate her so much, Melissa? She has done nothing but work hard for us! Why do you always assume the worst?"

He didn't wait for her response.

Shaking his head in frustration, he stormed out of the kitchen, leaving Melissa standing there, seething in silent rage.

Melissa was furious with her husband. Days passed, and she refused to speak to him, her anger simmering beneath the surface. Meanwhile, Iris continued with her work as usual, unfazed by the household drama.

Later that day, she took a short break and decided to call her father.

"Hello, good day, Dad."

Her father's warm voice came through the line. "My daughter, how are you doing?"

"I'm good, Father. How has life been treating you over there?"

"Well, good. And it's all because of you," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

A small smile formed on Iris's lips. "I'm glad you're happy, Dad. Remember, feel free to call me whenever you need anything, okay?"

"I will, dear. Thank you for calling."

"You don't have to thank me, Dad. It's my duty to always check on you. And I'm sorry I haven't called for the past few days—I've just had a lot going on."

"It's fine, dear. I understand," he reassured her. "Take care, my love."

"Love you too, Dad," Iris replied before ending the call.

Though life hadn't been the same since her mother's passing, Iris had worked tirelessly at multiple part-time jobs. Eventually, she secured a stable job as a maid in the Macau Mansion, which allowed her to help her father pay off his debts. Thanks to Mr. Joe's kindness, she had even helped her father find a new job as a security guard at one of the Macau Companies.

Unlike his wife, Mr. Joe had been nothing but kind and generous to her. But Melissa… Melissa had despised her from the very moment she stepped into the mansion, and Iris still couldn't figure out why.

As Iris stood in the hallway, lost in thought, she suddenly felt a cold splash of water drench her from head to toe.

Gasping, she turned around—only to find Melissa standing there, holding an empty bucket, her face twisted in rage.

"You witch!" Melissa spat. "What are you doing here? Trying to seduce another man? After all, isn't that what you've been doing with my husband?"

Iris's eyes widened in shock. She could endure insults, unfair treatment, even endless work. But being called a slut?

That was too much.

She opened her mouth to defend herself, but before she could utter a word—a stinging slap landed across her cheek, sending her reeling backward.

The impact left her speechless. Her face burned, not just from the pain, but from the sheer humiliation of it all.

Iris could no longer bear the shame. With her head lowered, she rushed toward her room, ignoring the hushed whispers and judgmental stares of the other maids. She could hear them murmuring, their fingers pointing at her as she passed.

Her chest tightened, her vision blurred with unshed tears, but she refused to break down in front of them. Not here. Not now.

In her haste, she stumbled into Mr. Joe, her hands shaking as she quickly stepped back. Their eyes met for a brief second, but before he could say anything, she turned and fled, not wanting to drag him into more trouble.

As soon as she reached the safety of her room, she collapsed onto the bed, and the dam inside her finally broke. Uncontrollable sobs wracked her body as hot, bitter tears streamed down her cheeks.

Why?

What had she done to deserve this?

Why did life always have to be so cruel?

All she had ever wanted was a chance at happiness. Just one day where she wouldn't feel like a curse.

But maybe… maybe happiness was never meant for someone like her.