WHAT THE MAID KNEW

Verma gripped the envelope tightly as she walked towards the gate ,her steps steady, her mind begging for peace, just a few more seconds and she would be out of this house, away from Olivia ,away from the hunting shadows of what used to be love. But then she just turned to the corridor near the kitchen and something caught her eyes, it was Olivia, whispering to the housemaid and handing her money. Noted folded discreetly. Too discreetly. The maid, a small girl named roselyn looked nervous glancing around like someone being watched. Velma's instincts kicked in.

She stepped closer, quiet as breath, hiding just behind the archway. She waited for Olivia to walk off then she appeared in front of her . "Roselyn", the girl jumped, stuffing the cash in her apron quickly. She greeted velma ,still shaking "why did Olivia give you money?", Velma asked. "I don't know ...what you are talking about",she replied.". Roselyn,don't lie to me, I will talk to your madam myself or the police if you prefer". That did it.The girls eyes darted around the corridor. Her voice came out in a whisper," she said I should help her just once ,she said I should help her put something inside the boss drink that she will double my money",Roselyn said. Velma's heartbeat stopped as she asked "what kind of something?". "It looked like medicine in a small packet,she said it would make boss sleep deeply ,like very tired,very fast, that's all,I swear ". Velma blinked. Roselyn was shaking now ,tears in our eyes" she said boss was heartbroken, that she needed to help him rest but when I saw what happened after I was scared ",the maid added

" You mean the night ...I saw them together". Rosely nodded, her voice breaking." Boss Daniel didn't touch her that night, I swear,I saw when he was already asleep, she went into his room late after you left his gate". Velma stood frozen. The pieces began to shift, not just the betrayal but the setup. The drink,the maid ,the timing. Olivia had drugged him . And positioned herself to be the one caught with him . Velma felt the fire rush back into her chest not for heart break this time but fury.

Olivia had made her doubt herself,doubt love, doubt Daniel. She walked out of the house without saying another word but she wasn't done, not anymore.