JOAN'S POV Sadness. Confusion. These were the emotions that filled my heart as I sat in the hospital room. My heart felt like a heavy weight in my chest, and my mind swirled with so many thoughts and emotions. I had no idea what to do. The beeping of the heart monitor filled the room. It was a reminder of my mother’s fragile state. Each beep was a signal that she was still here, but only just. I watched her, my heart breaking at the sight. Tubes and wires were attached to her limp body, her chest rising and falling shallowly. Her face, once so full of life, was now pale. Her lips were colorless, as she lay motionless in the hospital bed. It felt like only moments ago that I was job hunting and them the call came. The panic in the nurse’s voice told me everything before the words even registered. My mother had suffered a heart attack. The ambulance had rushed her here, but she had slipped into a coma. A lump formed in my throat as I gazed at her. She had always been my rock. Now,
The day of the interview finally arrived, and I couldn't help but feel nervous. It turned out that Stephanie did put in a good word for me. I received an invitation via call while I was in the hospital. They formally invited me for the interview and confirmed that my name was on the list. When the day came, I found myself nervously adjusting the collar of the dress I had borrowed from Bea. She was just as excited about the interview as I was and had taken it upon herself to ensure I looked my best. She chose one of her nicest red corporate dresses for me, curled my hair, and even insisted I wear makeup and heels. I had argued with her, thinking I might be overdressed, but now, sitting among the other applicants, I wished I had gone even further with my outfit. The women around me were sophisticated. They looked like they had stepped straight out of an I*******m feed, with their perfectly styled hair, designer dresses, and expensive accessories. I saw at least five of them park th
My heart skipped a beat as I looked up to see none other than Derrick Stonewood himself standing before me.I froze. I couldn't move if I wanted to. My breath got caught sharply in my throat. Here he was, the man whose empire everyone admires is standing before me... Inches away. We were so close to the extent that if we both made one wrong move, we would be pressed together tightly. I was literally just right in front of him. Derrick arched an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by my sudden presence.I stammered, trying to find the right words. "I...I'm sorry, sir" Derrick Stonewood stood tall before me. He was even bigger in real life than he was in his pictures. He was about two times my size. He could practically crush me if he wanted to. I had to raise my head just to look into his eyes. His presence was commanding and magnetic. I know I had just met him but I could tell quite some things about him just from his looks. His tall frame exuded confidence. He was devilishly hands
The next day marked first day of my job as a maid in the Stonewood mansion. When I got to the mansion, nervous excitement coursed through my veins.Before I left for home, I went back to the people who interviewed me. I was excited and relieved beyond words. They gave me a contract to sign which I did after reading it thoroughly. It was an NDA. It made me promise not to disclose anything that occurs in the mansion. Everything I witness here has to remain a secret. I was required to stay in the mansion five times a week. I begged them to make it four times because of my mom which they obliged to. I was also given a uniform which I was required to wear all the time during work hours.Apart from that, I was satisfied with all the terms given. I was shocked when I heard the salary I would be paid. It was outrageous. No wonder it was strictly by invitation. I knew the salary had to be high when I saw the ladies that showed up. It was enough to cover my mom's expenses with time and
DERRICK'S POVI was in my office sorting out some of my work papers.I did my best to focus on my work. I really did. However, no matter how hard I tried, my thoughts kept drifting back to.... Her. Joan.Yes,that's her name. Every single time I closed my eyes, I could see her gorgeous face. Her image was imprinted in my mind, refusing to leave.This is unusual because I just came in contact with her yesterday.I had never met anyone so beautiful... Anyone so mesmerizing. Yes, that's the word. She had the most beautiful pair of brown eyes I had ever seen. I could look at her forever. She had such captivating beauty and an innocent demeanor. She stared at me innocently. I could destroy her if I had the chance. I can imagine doing dirty things to her. She had such a small frame. She was so small that I could crush her with my bare hands if I wanted. I could pin both hands on top her head with one hand and I wouldn't need to use all my strength.Her curves showed in the tight dre
DERRICK'S POV "How's your end of the business?" I asked my sister; Irene "What are the updates?" We were both seated in my office. She sat in front of my desk. She looked focused as she looked for answers to my questions. She typed away on her MacBook as she gave me the documented details she had. "I ran updates on the trap houses here in the city" She responded. "And? Did you go there yourself or did you make use of the spies?" "I went there myself. The spies are working but with what's happened with Bones, I don't want to risk it. We can't trust anyone anymore" I nodded in understanding. She's right. The incident with Bones made me double check all my underground businesses. I thought the few men who were close to me could be trusted. Turns out you can't trust people after all. We have to be more careful. We can't afford this kind of incident again. It's only a matter of time before people start to put two and two together. "How are the houses in Mexico?" I asked her.
DERRICK'S POVI sat at my desk in my office. I tried to focus on the countless papers in front of me yet no matter how hard I tried, my mind always shifted to her..... JoanHer face was etched into my mind. I couldn't help but admire her. She was so strikingly beautiful, and her figure in that dress....I didn't even want to think about it too much. If I did, I would definitely have a hard on. The dress did a good job in bringing out her curves. I liked the view of her in it and I was sure I would like what was underneath it even more. I closed my eyes, allowing myself to imagine Joan in that short maid uniform. I imagined her walking towards me slowly while looking at me with whole time. I just want to grab her by the neck, turn her around and roughly pin her to the desk. After that, I'll raise up her dress and look at her panties. I was sure her underwear would be soaked for me. She's probably attracted to me like I am to her. I can imagine the curve of her ass. I wondered what kind
JOAN'S POVThe clock on the wall struck midnight, yet I couldn't sleep. I was too disturbed by my thoughts. I laid in my new luxurious bed, surrounded by luxury furniture that seemed to belong in a palace rather than maid's room. Emily had graciously shown me to my room earlier, and the sight of it had left me in awe. It was bigger than I anticipated. I sat up in bed and stared at the place for the hundredth time. I couldn't believe it. The room was twice the size of my shoebox apartment. I couldn't believe I had been given my own space, complete with a personal bathroom. I actually expected to share a room with someone or even two people. I didn't expect to have a space as large this all to myself. I sat there, feeling happy and grateful. Earlier, I texted Bea to tell her how everything was going. I also called the doctor to find out how my mom was doing. He told he she hadn't woken up yet. I was worried. My concern for my mom filled my thoughts. I just wanted her to be okay. Look
JOAN'S POVIt was well past midnight when I slipped downstairs to the kitchen. I couldn't sleep so I decided to get a glass of milk to calm myself down. Just as I got the milk I needed, the muffled sound of voices caught my attention. I could hear a low argument coming from down the hallway. Curiosity got the better of me as it always did and I found myself walking closer. I stayed behind a pillar, straining my ears to catch every word.It was Derrick and Henry. They were both arguing about something. "You're hiding something, Derrick." Henry said "How long do you think you can keep it a secret?"Derrick’s response was calm "You have no idea what you're talking about, Henry. Stay out of my affairs, or you’ll regret it."I held my breath as I pieced together what little I could from their exchange. It was clear there was a rift between them. Just then, the sound of footsteps approaching shocked me. I ran back to the staircase, making my way up as silently as possible. Once I was in
JOAN’S POVIrene and I planned to spend the day getting our hair and nails done. I wasn’t the type to do this often. Hell, before I got engaged to Derrick, I couldn’t remember the last time I got my hair done. I usually did it myself. But Irene kept pleading for us to have a girl’s day out together. And how on earth could I say no to Irene?As soon as I stepped through the doors of the salon with Irene, my jaw nearly dropped. I’d never seen anything like this place before. The walls gleamed with soft pink wallpapers and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Everything here screamed luxury, from the fluffy chairs, to the bright vanity mirrors, the marble counters and even the stylists. Women walked around wearing robes with glasses of champagnes in their hands. They talked quietly as they were pampered by the workers. Irene noticed my awestruck expression and grinned. “I told you, Joan, this place is worth the hype. Nothing but the best for us.”“I can see that”“Don’t be too su
JOAN'S POVOne night, I accompanied Derrick to a dinner with the governor. The governor’s mansion was breathtaking. Everything here was sophisticated - the paintings, the chandeliers, the high ceilings, the wide hallway and the house itself. As we stepped through the entrance, the chandeliers sparkled above us on the marble floors. I tried not to gape but it was hard not to. I was in awe of thewhole place. It looked like something straight out a movie. Beside me, Derrick walked with confidence. His posture was straight and his expression was unreadable as always. He hadn’t spoken much on the drive over. Not like he ever spoke to me anyway. But now, as we walked through the crowd of high-profile guests, he seemed even colder. The dining room was already half-full by the time we reached our seats. As I took a look around, I couldn’t help but notice the familiar faces scattered around the room. The governor, several senators, and even the President of the United States who was seated
JONAS' POVI adjusted the tiny camera in the button of my shirt. I angled it just right before I slipped back into the dining room. Derrick and Joan were already seated. The silence between them was so thick I could practically feel it from across the room. They sat on opposite ends of the long table, hardly looking at each other while they ate. They didn't behave like a real couple. So far, there was no hint of affection, no evidence of warmth that might prove Henry wrong. Maybe he was right. Maybe this whole marriage was just a carefully constructed facade.I kept my eyes down, trying to busy myself with minor tasks as I positioned myself discreetly nearby, hoping to catch a clear shot of any interaction. Derrick buttered his toast in silence. Joan, on the other hand, stirred her tea absentmindedly. Her eyes were distant as if she was lost in thought. She looked fragile, almost vulnerable. Just as I thought I’d finally have a few minutes to observe, Ms. Sullivan appeared out of now
JOAN'S POVI sat on my bed, taking a look around my room. It was funny how much my life had changed in a few months. It's funny how things can change in the blink of an eye. The room was lavish, yet suffocating, and I often found myself feeling lost within its walls. Especially when the man I was supposed to call my fiancé kept himself as distant as a stranger. But that was the role I’d signed up for, wasn’t it? Pretend to be the girlfriend of America’s most eligible billionaire and make it look convincing.Only, Derrick didn’t make it easy. Not in the slightest.Today had been an exhausting whirl of decisions. Dresses, flowers, venues—it has taken me the whole day. I'd met up with the finest wedding dress designers and the best florists in the country. Irene had been by my side. She had been supportive as always. Her cheerful attitude helped to keep me grounded. She was good at calming my nerves, and I needed that because Derrick’s frosty demeanor had left me feeling colder than I
HENRY'S POVI sat back in my new apartment, the leather of the couch squeaking as I shifted to get more comfortable. A week ago, I never thought I’d be here, living in a space twice the size of my old rat-infested dump, but there I was. And it was all thanks to Sir Henry. I ran a hand through my hair, letting out a slow breath as I watched the rain trickle down the windowpane. It had been a whirlwind since Sir Henry Stonewood approached me with his offer—a life-changing deal that pulled me out of a sinking ship and straight into this luxurious high-rise.The terms were clear: find the truth about Joan and Derrick’s relationship. Sir Henry had been specific in his instructions—he didn’t just want rumors or speculation; he needed proof that their so-called “relationship” was nothing but a sham. The first few days were quiet, but now, things were picking up. I'd noticed that Joan and Derrick were a lot more careful in public. It seemed real enough. It was more than enough to convince an
JOAN'S POVAs the limo pulled up to the entrance of the gala, my heart raced. The moment the door opened and Derrick stepped out, the blinding flashes of cameras made my pulse quicken. He turned back toward me, offering his hand. His dark, commanding presence seemed to make everything around him fade, as if he alone controlled the scene. I hesitated for a second, not used to this kind of attention, but then I took his hand and stepped out into the madness of flashing lights and voices calling out his name.The photographers didn’t hesitate to capture every second, their cameras snapping away furiously as Derrick wrapped an arm around my waist, drawing me closer. His grip was firm—possessive almost—and I couldn’t help but feel the electricity between us. I knew this was all for show, a public display for the paparazzi and the high-profile guests that awaited us inside. But that didn’t stop the warmth that rushed through me at his touch.“You alright?” he asked in a low tone as he leane
JOAN'S POVI sat in front of the vanity mirror. The bright lights made the room feel warmer than it actually was. The makeup artist’s hands moved expertly across my face, dabbing foundation, brushing my cheeks with blush, and carefully lining my eyes. I could see the reflection of the glam team bustling around me, working on my hair and choosing the perfect jewelry. A strange knot of excitement formed in my stomach, tightening with each passing minute. I knew what was coming—tonight was a public event, and I’d be accompanying Derrick. Both of us would be attending a charity gala tonight. It would be the perfect soft launch for our relationship.Derrick. Just the thought of him made my heart race with a mix of butterflies and nerves that I could never quite shake. Every time I thought I understood him, he would do something to throw me off balance. But there was no denying the pull between us. Even now, as I sat in this chair, my thoughts kept wandering back to him.The door creaked
JOAN'S POVThe day went by fast. It was filled with wedding preparations. If I saw one more wedding brochure, I just might scream. I barely had time to breathe these days, let alone think. I wasn’t used to this kind of life—always in the spotlight, constantly scrutinized. The wedding, though just a contract on paper, felt too real sometimes. It wasn’t love that brought Derrick and me together, but necessity. And yet, here I was, preparing for a wedding that felt more like a spectacle than anything else.By the afternoon, I decided I needed a break. I hadn’t seen Miss Sullivan, Emily, or Sarah in a while. I missed them. They were the people I bonded with when I started working here as a maid, and in many ways, they still felt like my family.I headed down to the kitchen, hoping to find a bit of peace away from the madness. The second I walked in, the smell of baked bread and herbs hit me. Ms Sullivan looked up from kneading dough. Her face lit up when she saw me.“Joan, there you are!