Chapter One: The New Cook

Julianne stood outside the massive iron gates of the Kingston Estate, gripping the straps of her worn-out bag. She tilted her head back, taking in the sheer size of the mansion before her. It was bigger than anything she had ever seen—tall, elegant, and surrounded by perfectly trimmed hedges and towering palm trees.

It was the kind of place people only saw in magazines, the kind of home that whispered wealth and power in every detail. But despite its beauty, Julianne couldn't shake the strange feeling that it was cold—lifeless, even.

Her heart pounded against her ribs.

This is it, Julianne. Your last chance.

At eighteen, she had already learned that the world was cruel to those without family or wealth. Life as an orphan had never been easy, and after aging out of the system, she had been forced to fend for herself. She had taken odd jobs—cleaning, waitressing, anything that put food on the table—but none had lasted.

When she saw the job listing for a live-in cook at the Kingston Estate, she hadn't hesitated to apply. The pay was good, and it came with food and accommodation. If she did well, she wouldn't have to worry about rent or where her next meal would come from.

But now, standing in front of the imposing mansion, she felt small.

Would they take one look at her and decide she wasn't good enough?

Julianne took a shaky breath and knocked on the heavy wooden door. It echoed loudly in the stillness of the afternoon.

Seconds later, the door swung open, revealing a middle-aged woman dressed in a neat black uniform. Her sharp brown eyes swept over Julianne with an assessing gaze.

"You're the new cook?" she asked, her tone firm.

Julianne straightened. "Yes, ma'am."

The woman gave a short nod. "I'm Mrs. Collins, the housekeeper. Follow me."

Julianne stepped inside, her breath hitching as she took in the grandeur around her.

The entrance hall was massive, with marble floors that gleamed under a grand crystal chandelier. Large, expensive paintings lined the walls, their golden frames catching the light. A long staircase curved upward in the center of the hall, leading to what she assumed were the bedrooms and private living spaces.

Everything screamed luxury.

And yet… there was no warmth. No laughter.

Just silence.

Mrs. Collins led her down the hall, speaking as she walked.

"You'll be responsible for preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The young master prefers his meals at specific times, and he does not tolerate delays. You are to stay in the kitchen or your quarters unless called upon. Do your job, and you'll have no problems."

Julianne frowned. "The young master?"

Mrs. Collins hesitated before sighing. "Mr. Adrian Kingston. He owns this estate."

The name sent a shiver down Julianne's spine.

Adrian Kingston.

She had heard of him before. A billionaire CEO, ruthless in business and feared by many. Some articles called him a genius; others called him heartless.

And now, she was going to work in his home?

Julianne swallowed hard.

They passed the living room, and that's when she saw him—a small boy, no older than four, sitting alone on the couch.

His tiny fingers clutched a toy car, but he wasn't playing. He just stared at the TV, his dark curls slightly messy, his expression empty.

Her heart twisted.

"That's Liam," Mrs. Collins murmured, lowering her voice. "Mr. Kingston's son."

Julianne's eyes softened as she observed him. He looked so… lonely.

"Doesn't he have a nanny?" she asked.

Mrs. Collins sighed. "He does, but he barely interacts with her. He hardly speaks to anyone these days."

"Why?"

A shadow crossed the housekeeper's face. "His mother passed away two years ago." She hesitated before adding, "And before that… she betrayed Mr. Kingston in the worst way."

Julianne glanced at the boy again, a deep sadness settling in her chest. He was too young to carry so much pain.

Before she could say anything, a deep, commanding voice rang through the air.

"Who is she?"

A chill ran down Julianne's spine.

She turned slowly—and found herself face to face with Adrian Kingston.

He stood at the top of the grand staircase, his tall figure radiating power. Dressed in a sharp black suit, his presence was both intimidating and magnetic. His chiseled jaw, dark piercing eyes, and slicked-back hair made him look like a man who was used to control—a man who had long forgotten how to smile.

His gaze locked onto her, cold and unreadable.

Mrs. Collins stepped forward quickly. "This is the new cook, sir."

For a moment, something flickered in Adrian's eyes. Recognition? Surprise? But just as quickly as it came, it vanished, replaced by his usual icy indifference.

He turned away. "Keep her out of my way."

And with that, he disappeared down the hall.

Julianne exhaled, realizing she had been holding her breath.

What had she just gotten herself into?