Chapter Four

CHAPTER FOUR

~ALEX~

I was very nervous as fuck, my palm feeling sweaty as I stood behind Big Harry as he knocked at the gate.

Big Harry turned to me, and regarded me solemnly. Then he leaned closer to me and whispered

"Just so you know Alex, you're on your own now."

I gave him a look filled with confusion.

"What I mean is that, if they should discover that you're a woman, that you tricked them, I will deny you."

"Oh."

My nervousness increased. I was almost tempted to turn back.

The big gates opened and I stepped into a magnificent compound and was immediately hit by the warmth of the sun and the scent of freshly cut grass. I was greeted by a sprawling garden that seemed to go on for miles. The greenery was expertly maintained, with hedges trimmed to perfection and flowers in full bloom. I noticed a number of fountains scattered throughout the grounds, each one looking like a work of art in its own right.

But it was the pool that really caught my attention. It was an enormous infinity pool, sparkling blue in the sunlight and stretching out as far as the eye could see. The edges seemed to blend into the horizon, giving the impression that the pool was somehow floating in the sky. I had never seen anything like it. It was such a pity that I couldn't swim

Around the pool were a series of lounge chairs and umbrellas, that seemed to be inviting me to sit and relax in the warm sun.

My jaws slackened as I was overwhelmed.

Big Harry wasn't as impressed as I was. He hurriedly led me into the house. We were stopped and searched by security using a metal detector wand.

The inside of the house was just as plush and grand as the exterior.

I sat down and tried to look professional.

A butler came down and asked to take our orders. My stomach felt too queasy so I waved him away.

I almost bolted to my feet when a regal looking buxom middle aged woman descended from the staircase. Her gray hair was pulled back in a tight looking ponytail that made her forehead shine.

Big Harry and I stood up in greeting.

"Hello Harry, who's this?" The woman's voice is rich and throaty and she fixed me with a penetrating stare.

"I'm Alex, ma'am." I made my voice sound deep. I felt like the woman was scrutinizing me, and that she'll point out my deception.

But instead she turned to Big Harry.

"Is this the only person you have for the job?" She asked him in a somewhat disapproving voice. I began to sweat. I was so worried about being caught that I had not thought that I might be rejected. I began to pray silently that she should accept me. This job was my last hope.

"Well...I think he's too skinny and might not be able to handle most of the chores here as effectively as I want."

"Please ma'am." I cut in politely. I couldn't just seat quietly and let this opportunity pass me by.

"I'm actually very strong and hardworking. And I also mind my business too. Please don't judge my abilities due to my body stature." I bowed stiffly.

There was a contemplative silence for a minute. It felt like the longest minute in my life.

"Alright then. I guess you'll have to do. For now. "

It felt So unbelievable hearing that. I bowed again, feeling like I'd burst with happiness. I had not expected it to be so easy.

"I'd really like you to start immediately. The house has been neglected for three days now."

"Yes ma'am, I can start immediately. I have no problem with that."

I nodded my approval with an excited vigour, unable to contain the excitement I felt.

"You'll have to be in the house at all times. You'll have to live-in."

I hesitated a bit at that. The woman noticed my hesitation.

"Will that be a problem, Alex?"

"No, not at all ma'am. I'll stay." my hesitation ebbed away at the thought of the money I'll make every month. I couldn't let something as little as this keep me away from 2grands per month. All I have to do is minimize my contact with the other staffs, before anyone would sniff out that i was a woman.

I nodded my approval.

"Good. Come this way." The woman started ascending the stair. I turned around to look at Big Harry. He gave me a wink and I smiled, feeling happy. It felt so unreal, ethereal.

A few minutes later, I was signing a contract that binds me to protect the privacy of the household members.

The woman, I later found out, was Mrs Veronica, she was the head of the staffs in the Beverly mansion.

She instructed the butler to show me around the house.

The tour took up thirty minutes because the house was so big. The middle aged butler, who insisted that I called him Edward, explained my chores to me.

My chores consisted mostly of cleaning every room in the big mansion. Arranging the furniture and skimming the pool. Doing the laundry.

I will admit, the job was sounding so strenuous. Just the thoughts of cleaning over twenty rooms coupled with their individual bathrooms, made me feel dizzy.

"This is Mr Logan's Bedroom." Edward was saying, showing me each and identifying the bedrooms.

"And over there is Miss Henrietta's bedroom."

Edward paused. He must have noticed the confusion on my face.

"Miss Henrietta is Mr Logan's sister. She usually comes around sometimes."

"Oh." I nodded in understanding and we continued the tour. Most of the rooms in the house were not in use. I shook my head at rich people's logic. What was the need of having a house with many rooms when you used only one room? I couldn't grasp my head around it.

Edward pointed to a closed door.

"This is the boss office. You are not allowed to enter there, unless the boss specifically orders you to do so."

I nodded in comprehension.

I had googled the Logan Beverly. I couldn't find much information about him because, as Claire had informed me, he was a very private person.

Mr Logan Beverly was the son of billionaire,Adam Beverly, who ran a tech based company. That's the only piece of information about him that's public. There's no mention of a wife, or a girlfriend.

It was exciting to imagine being in close contact with a mysterious billionaire. I even imagined he might even fall in love with me. The thought was ridiculous. After all I was disguising as a man.

Control yourself Alex! You're here for a job. You're here for money and not for some shitty romance.

I steeled myself for the work ahead.

We were soon done with the tour.

"Now let me show you where you'll be staying." Edward said, leading me past the swimming pool.

Edward led me to a little house, just behind the mansion

The house is simple and modest with just enough space for me to call it home. It's a single-story, with a small front porch. The exterior of the house is painted in a light shade of blue, giving it a warm and inviting feel.

Inside, the house was sparsely furnished but functional, with a small living room, a kitchen, a bedroom, and a bathroom. The living room had a comfortable couch and a coffee table, while the kitchen was equipped with a stove, a refrigerator, and a sink. The bedroom had a twin-sized bed, a dresser, and a small closet for the housekeeper's clothes, while the bathroom had a shower, a sink, and a toilet.

The little house was even more sophisticated than the house I live in with my family. I'm still astonished by everything.

Edward then hands me a pile of apron and hand gloves.

"Alright Alex, I will leave you to settle down."

I nodded, and he left the little house. I jumped on the bed , marveling at how soft it felt. I moved to the bathroom and took a quick glance at my reflection in the mirror. My face was a bit pale, so I tap my cheeks slightly to add color to them. I turned on the shower, it had hot water heater.

I felt so lucky.

Then I put on the apron and gloves and rolled up the sleeve of my baggy shirt and got ready to start working officially as a male housekeeper