Chapter One.

Nelly

“It’s official. No one in this house loves me,” I announced, letting my voice carry through the apartment.

A chorus of responses echoed from different rooms. “How?”

I rolled my eyes, smirking at the synchronized concern. “Because I’m still jobless! How is that not total chaos? And I can’t go back to that creepy part-time gig.”

“Trust me, no one wants to see you here every day either,” Liam called out from the far end of the hallway. His room was the farthest from mine, but his sarcasm cut through the distance with ease. “I’m using every connection I have to pull some strings for you, princess.”

I sighed, flopping back into the plush couch, staring up at the ceiling. “No thanks, but if there’s a way to sell my degree on eBay, I’m all for it.”

Steve’s voice chimed in, always ready with unsolicited advice. “And that’s why you all should’ve chosen a useful ma—”

Before he could finish, a collective shout echoed through the house.

“Shut up, Steve!”

The united force of our voices sent me into a fit of laughter. Steve loved us, his three housemates, but that didn’t stop him from constantly reminding us we’d chosen useless degrees—at least compared to his stable, professional career. Meanwhile, the rest of us were juggling part-time gigs, student loans, and dreams that hadn’t quite panned out yet.

“How are you even home, Steve?” I asked between laughs, trying to catch my breath.

“I shouldn’t have to work myself into the grave before I save my next life,” he replied “I’ve been out of here for days, and you seriously don’t want me back?”

“We should’ve sent a donation letter to his hospital,” came a sleepy mumble from behind me. I glanced over my shoulder to see Danielle, wrapped snugly in her favorite fluffy blanket, shuffling toward the couch like a burrito with legs. She flopped down beside me, curling into the cushions with a satisfied sigh. “Donating Dr. Steve to the hospital. They can keep him.”

“Too late,” Steve replied, clearly in bed already. “I’ve practically donated myself.”

“Sleep tight, make sure you dont butt into jobless people’s conversation in your dream” I teased.

“You’re the only one who cares about me, Nelly,” Steve said dramatically.

“Of course,” I replied with a chuckle, turning back to Danielle, who was now trying to find the perfect lounging position, her legs draped over the sofa. “How’s it going?”

“The job?”

“Yeah, the part-time gig.”

Danielle groaned. “My boss is completely out of it. And you? You did a job application marathon last night, didn’t you? Your dark circles are a dead giveaway.”

I sighed, rubbing my temples. “You don’t even want to know how many I applied to today. I got to some weird sections with ridiculously high salaries. Seemed Totally fake, but I still applied though. I applied for everything.”

“Even that housekeeper one I saw?” She raised a brow.

“You saw that? I applied to Everything .”

Danielle smiled. “You’re a beast. I swear, you’re going to land something soon. I just know it.”

“I hope…”

“But seriously, who’s going to pay 120k for a housekeeper?” she asked, incredulous.

“I have no idea. And you’re not even, like, a head housekeeper or whatever they call it, right?”i raised an eyebrow.

“Wait, so you’re not the only one?” she asked.

“Think about it. It’s an estate. No one’s going to last a day cleaning all that, not with the extra duties they’ve listed.” I shook my head, laughing at the absurdity.

“True. But maybe they do want one person to handle everything. It says you’re supposed to be there 24/7,” Danielle pointed out.

“If you read further,” I said, nudging her, “it says you’re one of many housekeepers, but the only full-time one.”

“Oh, didn’t see that part.” She grinned. “You’ll be hiding bodies for your boss, for sure.”

“I mean, I could do it for a year, stash the money, and then start fresh somewhere else,” Liam’s voice chimed in out of nowhere. I turned to see him walking over, smirking.

“Right, leave the past behind you,”danielle replied him,  he shrugged, flopping down on the couch.

I shot them both a disgusted look. “Oh, sure, turn into a criminal. You two are the reason Steve thinks he’s smart. Do you really believe you’d get involved in something like that and just walk away?”

“I mean, who knows?” Liam said, stretching out and putting his feet up.

“120k puts you in the top 30% of earners, for sure,” Danielle noted, nodding approvingly.

“Maybe even the top 20%,” I added.

“Not bad. Should I apply?” Liam joked.

“Don’t waste your time. Even if you got it, you’d last a day, tops. It takes you three business days just to clean your room,” Danielle teased.

“And none of you, especially not you, the chief applier” he pointed at me, “have any real experience.”

“Cleaning up after everyone in this house is professional experience enough,” I shot back, emphasizing each word. “And my phone should be fully charged now. Pass it over, please.”

Liam reached for my phone without bothering to sit up, tugging at the cord instead of unplugging it. The remote tumbled to the floor as he finally pulled it free.

“I could’ve gotten it myself,” I muttered, standing up to take it from him.

“You’re way too impatient, that's not a good trait for that job” he teased.

“Yeah, well, it takes less than a minute to sit up and unplug it properly, but you’d rather risk breaking the charger, what do you even know” I replied, unlocking my phone. Just then, the notification staring back at me made my pulse race. The header read, Congratulations, and it was from the job website.

My hands trembled with excitement as I hurriedly opened my mail app. It had been so long since I’d seen a congratulatory message from a potential employer. This better be good, I thought, my heart pounding.

As I scanned the email, my jaw dropped. I blinked, then re-read the lines, hardly believing it. Midway through, I started reading aloud, just to make sure I wasn’t imagining things.

Subject: Congratulations on Your Interview Opportunity

Dear Nelly Newton,

I hope this message finds you well!

I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected for an interview for the housekeeping position at Cooper Oak Estate. Your application stood out to us, and we are excited to explore your qualifications further.

The interview will take place on October 28, 2024, at 10 a.m. It will be held at Cooper Oak Estate, and your pass and directions are attached below. During this meeting, we’ll discuss your experience and assess your enthusiasm and readiness to join our team. We aim to make a decision on the same day, so please come prepared to showcase your skills and passion for this role.

If you have any questions or need assistance before the interview, feel free to reach out. We look forward to meeting you and wish you the best of luck!

Warm regards,

“Huh? The housekeeping job? That one?” Danielle’s voice grew louder with each word.

“Yeah… that one,” I replied, stunned. “But… isn’t that a scam?”

“That email doesn’t really sound like a scam, even though the part about making a decision the same day seems a bit sketchy,” Liam replied thoughtfully. “But it’s still believable.”

“Wait… isn’t October 28th tomorrow?” Danielle asked, looking up.

“It is,” I said absentmindedly, until the reality hit me. “What? The interview is tomorrow! Should I go?”

“What else? If it’s legit, you’ve got a real shot. They said you’re a strong candidate,” Liam said, sitting up.

“Yeah, but… job aside, are we sure this isn’t trouble?”

“Nah, we’ll just track your location and call every fifteen minutes,” Liam said confidently.

“Still sounds too good to be true,” Danielle muttered, shaking her head.

“I live with pessimists,” Liam groaned, wrinkling his nose at us. “Just get ready and see what happens!”

And somehow, as he spoke, all my worries melted away, and the excitement of actually getting the job became so real it was dizzying. I let out a loud scream of pure joy, and Danielle joined in, just as thrilled. I sprang up, and she grabbed my hands, and we spun around, dancing in circles.

“There’s an overworked doctor in the house!” Steve’s voice rang out from the hallway, but we ignored him. I led Danielle toward my room, feeling the determination to show up as my best self.

“Let’s raid your closet and find the most professional housekeeping outfit ever!” Danielle squealed, eyes sparkling with excitement.

***

I stood in front of a towering aluminum gate, its sleek, metallic surface gleaming under the overcast sky. The estate stretched endlessly behind it, a narrow, neatly paved road winding away into the distance, flanked by tall trees on either side. There wasn’t a house in sight. A small plaque on the stone wall beside the gate read, Aiden’s Residence. Odd, I thought. People usually put their family name on these kinds of plaques.

I scanned the road beyond the gate again, squinting as if that might conjure a distant mansion, but it was only me and the quiet. Behind me, the main road stretched away, deserted. Only two cars had passed in the last several minutes, leaving me in near silence, with a sense of isolation that began to feel unnerving. No guard, no doorbell, not a single soul around to guide me.

Just as the emptiness began to overwhelm me, my phone buzzed in my hand. It was Liam.

“Hey,” I answered, relief in my voice.

“What’s going on?” he asked, his voice crackling slightly through poor reception.

“I don’t even know how to get into this estate,” I said, glancing at the locked gate in frustration.

“What do you mean? Didn’t they leave any instructions?” He sounded puzzled.

“Nothing useful,” I replied. “I’m just standing here staring down this perfectly trimmed road, no house or sign of life, just the gate and silence.”

“What directions were you given?” His tone grew impatient.

“They just said someone would come get me.”

“Then call them,” he replied, exasperated.

“Well, if i have their number, i would have. Should I send an email?” I muttered into the phone, glancing around helplessly.

“And there’s no button or anything to call them?” Liam asked. Just then, my gaze landed on a small, discreet camera system mounted on the wall near the gate.

“There’s a camera,” I said, almost relieved.

“Then press it, or whatever you’re supposed to do,” he replied, sounding frustrated.

“I honestly didn’t see it before! I must’ve been too nervous.” I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “You are not helping my situation”

“Alright, calm down,” Liam said, softening. “You’ll do great.” And then the line clicked off. I stared at my phone in disbelief, scoffing. “Couldn’t he stay on the line to see if this even works?”

I stepped closer to the camera, nervously smoothing my clothes and attempting a composed smile. If someone was already watching, I must’ve looked ridiculous pacing around out here. But I brushed off the thought, held my head high, and pressed the button, pasting on a polite, professional smile.

“Hello?” A voice rang out abruptly from a speaker somewhere near the gate, startling me.

“Hi, I’m Nelly Newton. I’m here for an interview,” I replied, quickly regaining my composure.

“Someone will be with you shortly,” the voice responded. A moment later, the gate clicked open, leaving a narrow gap. “Come in,” the voice added.

I slipped through and closed it behind me, hearing the gate lock with a final, metallic click. I stood alone on the estate’s pristine pathway, feeling an odd sense of being watched—as if the interview had already begun.

Just as I tried to shake off the nerves, a sleek black car appeared in the distance, gliding down the driveway towards me.

As the car approached, my jaw dropped at the sight of the gleaming black SUV rolling up the driveway. The model was unmistakable—just days ago, Liam had been showing me pictures of this exact vehicle: the 2024 Cadillac Escalade. I stepped to the side of the road as it turned smoothly and parked. Everything about it—from the luxurious finish to the quiet hum of its engine—seemed to embody the kind of wealth this estate clearly held.

A man stepped out of the driver’s seat, giving me a polite nod and a warm smile. “Are you Miss Nelly Newton?”

“Yes,” I replied, nodding.

“Please, come with me.” He opened the back door of the SUV, gesturing for me to step inside.

I climbed in, instantly captivated. The interior was exactly like the photos I’d seen—spacious with three rows of plush black seats. The leather was sleek, cool to the touch, and the scent was both calming and luxurious, like someone had marked it as their own without adding a single personal touch. This car wasn’t just high-end; it was intentional, understated, and full of character. I couldn’t help but wonder: was this the owner’s car? And just then, with a glance at the roomy interior, another thought struck me—What if they have kids? Multiple kids? I’d never handled children before, and that realization made my nerves tingle again. But the soothing ambiance in the SUV kept my anxiety in check, keeping me in the moment.

“We’re here,” the driver’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Already?” I blurted, quickly masking my surprise. “Thank you.”

I met his gaze, and he offered me a reassuring nod. “Good luck, Miss Newton.”

“Thank you,” I replied as I stepped out. And in taht moment i was tempted to ask the driver few question about this household but a quick glance at him again told me what i needed to know—he doesnt want me to bother him.

I’d been so lost in admiring the car, that I hadn’t noticed the grand structure before me. Now, standing before it, I felt almost overwhelmed. It was breathtaking, a stunning blend of architecture that looked too flawless to be real. I consciously kept my mouth firmly shut, i cant have my jaw dropping oor my mouth gaping out here but inside, my brain was buzzing—What do people even do to deserve a place, a life like this?

“Miss Nelly, I’m Rose,” a warm voice called out. I looked up to see a middle-aged woman with a bright, welcoming smile, walking toward me from the grand doorway. Her calm, natural warmth eased my nerves, and I smiled back as I approached, trying to keep my steps as light as possible. I had nothing to my name, and one misstep here felt like it could break something priceless.

“Welcome to this beautiful home,” Rose said, meeting me halfway. “Let’s do the interview in the kitchen, if you don’t mind. We’ll take the side path around the house.”

The way she said “house” made me want to laugh; this was no ordinary house. This was a sprawling masterpiece, more like an industrial mega-mansion than a residence. The sleek, modern architecture looked like something crafted by AI, too perfect to exist in reality.

I followed Rose around the house, excitement bubbling up as I tried to take it all in. Even if I didn’t get the job, this place was already an unforgettable experience. We walked along a vast terrace, showcasing a natural landscape that stretched far beyond, dotted with distant buildings whose purposes I could only guess. Turning a corner, we came upon a lush garden bursting with color. Rows of fruit trees were heavy with ripe, vibrant produce, and flowers bordered each path, adding a breathtaking touch of color against the green.

“I told Williams to harvest this yesterday,” Rose murmured to herself as we climbed a small set of steps toward an imposing door. Before she’d even opened it, the rich aroma of grilled chicken and fresh-baked goods filled the air, making my stomach rumble. The door swung open, and the scents intensified, flooding my senses as I stepped into a kitchen that was easily the size of my entire apartment.

Two chefs were busy at their stations, one carefully arranging ingredients while the other monitored a simmering sauce. The counters were covered with fresh vegetables, herbs, and what looked like freshly baked bread. I couldn’t help but let my eyes wander, taking in the gleaming stainless steel appliances, the towering cabinets, and the sheer spaciousness.

“You’re welcome,” both chefs chimed in unison. I smiled politely, still in awe of the place. As Rose moved across the kitchen to open a glass door leading to a balcony, I could see the lush, sprawling garden just beyond.

Rose motioned for me to take a seat at a small table overlooking the garden. I tried to keep my attention on her, though my gaze kept drifting to the stunning view outside—a perfectly manicured garden with winding paths, blooming flowers, and towering trees.

“It’s beautiful here,” Rose said, catching my wandering gaze with a knowing smile. “The garden was one of the main reasons I opted to work here. I’m sure you’ll like it. The owner puts alot of effort into it”

“I already do,” I replied, feeling a little dazed.

“Mr. Aiden isn’t home at the moment, so you won’t be meeting him just yet. I’ll be handling your interview today. As I mentioned in the email, I appreciated your enthusiasm and honesty in your cover letter. You expressed such a genuine willingness to work. Would you like to tell me more about that?”

“Yes,” I said, almost too eagerly, surprised that my honest ramblings might actually land me a job this grand. “Growing up as an only child, I’ve always enjoyed meeting new people and taking care of others. Eventually, I realized I love helping people by taking care of their spaces—it’s my way of serving. I live in a house with three friends, and I take care of our place. I love it, and I think working in a household like this will allow me to bring that same dedication to a new level.”

“That’s wonderful, Miss Newton,” Rose replied, nodding. “But let me clarify—you would be the only full-time housekeeper on the property, and the position requires working mostly alone. This is a single-occupant household.”

“Oh,” I said, surprised. “Just Mr. Aiden?”

“Yes, just him. He values his privacy and doesn’t like to be disturbed. So, your work here should mostly be out of his line of sight.”

“Of course. I’m very discreet; I won’t cause any disturbance,” I assured her, trying to hide my surprise. “But how rich is Mr Aiden”

Rose’s smile faltered slightly. “I mean, truly, he prefers not to see you 95% of the time.”

I blinked, taken aback. “But… how do I serve him if I can’t see him?”

Rose gave a knowing smile. “He doesn’t need to see you to benefit from your work. I trust you can manage that.”

Realizing I may have seemed hesitant, I quickly nodded, my excitement returning. “Of course, I understand.”

“It can feel isolating,” Rose added, her gaze softening. “Is that something you’d be comfortable with?”

“Absolutely,” I replied without hesitation, trying to convince myself as much as her.

“Then welcome to Cooper Oak, Miss Newton.” She rose and offered her hand, a firm, welcoming shake. “Now, let’s go over your salary and accommodations.”

I followed her, still reeling.  there was a strange feeling lingering in the back of my mind, something concealed behind the rules about keeping out of sight. But for $10,000 a month, I was ready to dive in.