Chapter 2

ANNABELLE’S POV

"How was your night, sleepyhead?” I heard Miriam ask Michael, while I yawned.

“It was great, I slept well and I dreamt of that big bad wolf, that made mummy fall,” He blurted with cute fury in his tiny almond orbs. 

Miriam glanced at me with a surprised expression. “Who's this wolf?” 

“No one you should be worried about,” I said and went to the kitchen to make coffee for myself but she followed closely behind me.

“Did he do anything to you, Belle.” She asked with anger evident in her eyes and I faked a smile to make her believe.

“No he didn't, trust me. Maybe Michael was just having a bad dream.” 

“Okay then, since milady said so. It's best I go and start getting ready for work.” 

I immediately turned to her. “Work? But you haven't even had breakfast.”

“Don't worry about me, I'll eat when I'm done with the job, just relax Belle. I want you to feel comfortable and spend more time with Michael.” She was all smiles and I wasn't happy with it. Just a glance and I knew she was tired. But Miriam was the type to work even though she was tired or sick.

No I can't let her leave here, she needs rest. “I'll do the job in your stead,” I blurted without even knowing the nature of the job and she chuckled lightly.

“This isn't a surgery, Belle. It's a cleaning job and I have two houses to clean,” I was dumbfounded by this revelation.

‘Does that mean she's been struggling to fend for herself all this while?’ I wondered inwardly.

“I insist, I want to go with you to lighten the burden at least.” I wasn't ready to give up.

“Fine, if you insist. You are as stubborn as a mule. Go get ready, I'm living soon.” With this, she left to freshen up and I quickly went ahead to do the same.

It was finally time to leave and Michael glanced cluelessly at the both of us, making me gasp. I literally forgot about my son. “What about Michael? It's possible to take him, right?” I asked, hoping her answer would be positive.

“No, but there's a caregiver at the cleaning agency. We can leave him with her,” She suggested and I was hesitant at first but decided to give in.

We took Michael to the agency and left him with the caretaker. His gaze lingered on me with a cute pout and I ruffled his hair, giving a peck as I promised to be back shortly. 

We got the equipment and the agency driver took us to the location. “Belle, There are two houses to be cleaned. The other is just a few meters away, so you can handle this. Give me a call if you get tired or need anything but please, don't overwork yourself.” I nodded, taking in the view of the grandiose gates before me. I waved her goodbye before proceeding to walk through them, the securities let me in after recognising that I was a cleaner.

It was a villa and I couldn't help but admire the compound. It was huge and it screamed “wealth!” “Whoever the owner of this villa is must be extremely wealthy!” 

It's as if the owner of this villa must really be an art collector. “Hmm I guess I should get down to business. Cleaning time!” 

“Hello, who are you?” I heard a feminine voice from behind and turned to see a young lady with a chef hat. 

‘She must be the chef,’ I muttered inwardly.

“Hello, I'm Miriam's sister and I'm here to clean,” I informed and she nodded before taking her leave.

I began from the living room which wasn't actually dusty and moved further to other parts of the villa. After two hours, I was almost done. My legs were wobbling and my hands went limp but I knew I had to complete it. It was the only way I could help Miriam since she'd be catering for my son and I, henceforth.

As I went further into the house, I realized there was a second master bedroom and quickly proceeded to clean it. It was as big and luxurious as the first so it got me wondering how that was possible.

‘Maybe the villa belongs to a couple who likes their privacy,’ I concluded, increasing my pace as Miriam already texted to tell me she was done. 

As I rubbed off the last dirt, a door caught my attention and I approached it with a frustrated sigh, realising it led to another room which I was obviously yet to clean. I hoped inwardly for the door to be locked so I could use that as an excuse for not cleaning it but to my utmost disappointment, it was open. 

The room was dark and my sense of security heightened immediately as I looked for a way to turn on the lights but there seemed to be none. As I walked further into the room, I was shocked to see what seemed like a passage and I approached it curiously to see where I led.

‘So, I still have an entire apartment in this villa to clean,’ The thought of this made my face pale but I was suddenly having an ominous hunch.

“What if this is a trap to lure someone?” I waved off the warning and pushed open the I saw at the extreme, slightly open. I froze on the spot, almost convulsing the moment I beheld the gory sight of a familiar figure slashing the neck of a man who was tied to a chair with a knife.

“Arghhhhh!!!!!” I screamed, shutting my eyes tightly, unable to remain sane. I was extremely scared and frightened. 

“Fuck! How did she get in here?” That familiar deep voice asked the other men who seemed to be his gang members.

“I think it's one of the cleaners, boss.” One of them responded and I couldn't believe I was still standing there. Without having a second thought, I took to my heels, running through the dark passage and screaming for help the moment I realized the men were after me but luck wasn't on my side. I felt a terrible hit that almost affected my scapular and my eyes rolled into their sockets as darkness engulfed me.

*****

I opened my eyes slowly, my mind foggy and disoriented. The darkness of the room made it easier for my eyes to adjust and just then, I tried to spring up in fright as the events from earlier replayed in my head. My face turned pale as I felt my hands tied tightly, behind my back, my mouth was gagged and breathing was quite difficult

I let out a painful yell, “Hello, please let me go. I won't say a word!!” I begged as tears threatened to stream down my eyes.

“Well look who it is, if it isn't the disgusting lady that bumped into me.”

“Bastard.” I spat not knowing where the voice was coming from as I couldn't see anyone.

“Who sent you here? Who are you working for? Are you stalking me, lady?” He asked me and I was confused. 

“What do you mean, why would I stalk an ill-mannered man like you?” I asked, Slightly irritated but I can bet the words that came out of my mouth seemed to affect him because he pulled my hair from behind, hurting my scalp.

“Weren't you the same lady who was drooling over this ill-mannered man?" His breath sent electric waves through my veins.

Hearing his words, my cheeks flushed. I thanked my stars that the room was dark and he didn't notice it. I was excited but also afraid at the same time.

“Leave.” He ordered, his voice terrifying at that moment, which I found my body reacting to.

“But I can't—” I winced against the gauze trying to explain I was tied up.

“I wasn't talking to you, cupcake.” And yet again my cheeks burned, at that moment the light was turned on.

“You should try looking in the mirror. Your face is as red as a tomato. Tell me, are you liking the situation you're in? Are you a masochist or something?” He asked, smirking mischievously as he licked his lips and shivers were sent down my spine.