Chapter 1

Lila Evans’ heart pounded in her chest as she climbed the marble steps leading to the grand Harrington Manor. The estate was nothing short of breathtaking, with its gardens, towering columns, and stonework. As she reached the massive front doors, she paused, eyes wide in awe. This was nothing like the modest life she’d known. Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted her simple, yet neat, uniform.

This is it, she thought, her excitement barely contained. The magnificence of the place was overwhelming. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above her, casting light across the polished floors. Elaborate paintings hung on the walls, depicting scenes from myths and legends she couldn’t quite place. Lila had always dreamt of living surrounded by such beauty, even if only as a servant.

“Miss Evans!” The sharp voice of the head maid, Mrs. Thornton, jolted her from her reverie. The elderly woman had been droning on about house rules and expectations, but Lila hadn’t heard a word. Her attention was fixed on the lavish surroundings, her mind lost in thoughts of what her new life might bring.

“Yes, Mrs. Thornton,” Lila replied, trying to focus. But her eyes kept wandering, tracing the delicate designs etched into the walls, the gold leaf that trimmed every surface. She couldn’t help it—everything was just so… perfect.

“As I was saying,” Mrs. Thornton continued, her tone stern, “Madam Harrington is very particular. You are here because your predecessor could not meet her standards. You will be her lady-in-waiting. Your tasks will range from assisting with her wardrobe to managing her personal affairs. Do you understand?”

Lila nodded, though her thoughts were elsewhere. *How did I even get here?* she marveled. Just weeks ago, she had been an assistant at a bridal shop, working under a demanding boss who catered to the city’s elite. It was there she’d met Mrs. Harrington, who had come in to have a wedding dress made for a distant relative. The encounter had been brief, but Lila’s former boss had spoken highly of her, and that was all it took. An offer to work at Harrington Manor had followed shortly after, and she had accepted without a second thought. How could she refuse? This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Madam will see you now,” Mrs. Thornton said, breaking Lila’s thoughts once more. She blinked, finding herself standing before a grand oak door adorned with intricate gold embellishments. The wood was so polished she could see her reflection in it—nervous, excited, and a little overwhelmed.

“Remember everything I’ve told you,” Mrs. Thornton advised, her voice softening slightly. “Working for Madam Harrington will not be easy. Always be on your toes and ready to serve.”

A sudden wave of panic surged through Lila. She had been so distracted that she hadn’t absorbed a single piece of Mrs. Thornton’s advice. She didn’t even know the woman’s first name. But she nodded meekly, hoping her anxiety didn’t show. As Mrs. Thornton walked away, Lila noticed how rigid and formal her gait was, almost comically so. *Is this what working here does to you?* she wondered.

Taking a deep breath, Lila raised her hand and knocked gently on the door three times, just as Mrs. Thornton had instructed. She stood back, waiting for a reply, using the time to study her reflection again. Her blonde hair was neatly tied back, her uniform spotless. She looked the part, at least on the outside.

Minutes passed, and the silence began to wear on her nerves. Had Madam Harrington not heard her? Lila hesitated, then knocked again, a little firmer this time. The reply came almost immediately.

“Enter.”

Lila pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside. The room was every bit as luxurious as she had imagined. Silk drapes framed the tall windows, and the air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume. Seated at a vanity, applying makeup with meticulous precision, was Victoria Harrington.

Lila’s breath caught in her throat. The woman was as stunning as she was intimidating. Dressed in a silk robe, her dark hair cascading in waves over her shoulders, Victoria was the epitome of elegance. Lila opened her mouth to introduce herself, but the words died on her lips.

“Have you no manners?” Victoria’s voice was icy, her gaze not lifting from the mirror. “Knocking so violently and insolently on my door.”

“I—I’m sorry, Madam,” Lila stammered, her face flushing with embarrassment. “I thought you didn’t hear me. I was outside for quite some time…”

“Are you implying that I’m deaf?” Victoria snapped, finally turning to fix Lila with a piercing stare.

“No, Madam! I just… I was just waiting…” Lila’s voice trailed off. How had this gone wrong so quickly?

“Do you have better things to do? Do you know how many women would kill to be in your position?”

“I’m very sorry, Madam. Please forgive me,” Lila pleaded, her heart sinking. She had barely started, and already she was making a mess of things.

Victoria huffed, clearly unimpressed, and turned back to the mirror, resuming her makeup application. Lila stood frozen, unsure of what to do next. She watched as Victoria’s hand faltered slightly, misapplying a line of lipstick.

“Well, don’t just stand there like a stone,” Victoria barked, her tone sharp. “Help me! And let me make this clear—if I ever have to teach you how to do your job, you’ll lose it just like that.” She snapped her fingers for emphasis.

“Yes, Madam,” Lila whispered, rushing to assist her. Her hands shook slightly as she corrected the lipstick, her heart still racing from the earlier reprimand.

It hadn’t even been an hour, and she’d already made a terrible impression. Lila knew she had to be careful from now on. If she wanted to stay in this world of luxury, she would need to keep out of trouble and avoid any scandal. But as she stood there, nervously applying Victoria’s makeup, she couldn’t help but wonder… Could she really do it?