Elena Moore stood at the iron gate of the Blackwood mansion, holding a small bag in her hand. She checked the address again even though she already knew it was correct. Everyone in the city knew this place.
Adrian Blackwood's house.
The biggest businessman in the city lived here. People said he was rich, cold, and impossible to please. Some said working for him was a mistake. Others said it was a blessing because the pay was good.
Elena did not care about rumors. She needed the job.
She pressed the bell.
A few seconds later, the gate opened slowly. A security guard looked at her from head to toe.
"You're the new maid?" he asked.
"Yes," Elena replied calmly.
He nodded and let her in.
The house was bigger than anything Elena had ever seen. White walls, wide stairs, clean floors that reflected light. Everything looked expensive and quiet. Too quiet.
A woman in her late forties walked toward her. She had a serious face and sharp eyes.
"I'm Mrs. Carter," she said. "I manage the staff here."
"Yes, ma'am."
Mrs. Carter looked at Elena closely. "Rules are simple. Do your work. Don't ask questions. Don't speak to Mr. Blackwood unless he speaks to you first. And never forget your place."
Elena nodded. "I understand."
"Good. Follow me."
As they walked through the house, Mrs. Carter explained Elena's duties. Cleaning. Laundry. Serving meals when needed. No mistakes allowed.
"Mr. Blackwood doesn't like noise or excuses," Mrs. Carter added.
"I won't be a problem," Elena said.
They stopped near the kitchen.
"You'll start today," Mrs. Carter said. "And remember—this house looks perfect, but one mistake can cost you your job."
Elena nodded again.
She tied her apron and got to work.
Adrian Blackwood was in his office, staring at his laptop screen. Numbers filled the page, but his mind was elsewhere. He hadn't slept well the night before. He rarely did.
His phone rang.
"Yes?" he said sharply.
"The board meeting is confirmed for tomorrow," his assistant said.
"Fine."
The call ended. Adrian leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples. His house felt empty, even though staff moved around quietly every day.
He stood up and left the office.
In the kitchen, Elena was washing dishes. She worked quietly, focused. She didn't rush, but she didn't waste time either.
Another maid leaned toward her.
"You're new, right?" the woman whispered.
"Yes."
"I'm warning you now," the maid said. "Don't get noticed by him."
Elena paused. "Why?"
The maid lowered her voice. "Mr. Blackwood doesn't mix with staff. Anyone who gets close ends up leaving."
"I'm just here to work," Elena said.
"That's what they all say."
Elena went back to washing dishes.
Later that evening, Mrs. Carter came into the kitchen.
"Elena," she called.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Prepare tea and take it to Mr. Blackwood's study."
Elena froze for a second. "Me?"
"Yes. Don't make him wait."
Elena nodded and prepared the tea carefully. Her hands were steady, but her heart beat faster as she walked toward the study.
She knocked softly.
"Come in," a deep voice said.
Elena entered.
Adrian was standing by the window, his back to her. He turned slowly when he heard the door close.
She placed the tray on the table.
"Your tea, sir."
He didn't answer immediately. His eyes stayed on her longer than necessary. Not in a rude way. In a curious way.
"Leave it," he said.
She turned to go.
Then she stopped.
"Sir," she said quietly.
Adrian looked up, clearly annoyed. "What?"
"You haven't eaten since morning."
The room went silent.
No one spoke to Adrian Blackwood like that.
"Is that your business?" he asked coldly.
"No, sir," Elena said. "But it should be someone's."
Adrian stared at her. She wasn't shaking. She wasn't apologizing.
"Get out," he said.
"Yes, sir."
She left.
That night, Adrian sat alone at the dining table. The food was untouched. His mind replayed her words.
Someone's.
He pushed his chair back and stood up.
For the first time in years, someone had spoken to him without fear.
And he didn't know why he couldn't forget her face.