Elena stood on the front steps of the giant estate and took a deep breath.
She adjusted her crisp black and white maid uniform before smoothing down her apron.
The mansion belonged to Marcus Vance, a famous real estate mogul in the city.
Marcus had recently hired Elena to help care for his young son, Leo.
The family had gone through a lot of changes over the past six months.
Marcus had lost his late wife a year ago, leaving him alone with young Leo.
Three months ago, a glamorous woman named Evelyn had moved into the grand home.
Evelyn wore designer silk dresses and walked around the estate like she owned everything.
Elena walked inside the marble foyer, admiring the grand chandelier hanging high above her.
She wanted this job desperately because the pay could help cover her mother's medical bills.
Elena placed her small bag in the staff locker room near the back kitchen.
She met the head housekeeper, Mrs. Gable, who gave her a quick warm smile.
Mrs. Gable explained the basic daily routine for looking after the huge home.
She warned Elena that Evelyn was very picky and often lost her temper quickly.
Elena nodded politely, promising to work hard and keep her head down during shifts.
She walked out to the grand hallway to start dusting the wooden railings upstairs.
From the top landing, she heard soft crying coming from down the main corridor.
It was small little Leo, sitting on the plush carpet with his colorful building blocks.
Elena smiled softly and approached the little boy with a gentle voice and warm posture.
She sat down on the carpet next to him and handed him a fallen toy.
Leo looked up with teary eyes and slowly gave Elena a small sweet smile.
Just then, high heels clicked loudly against the expensive hardwood floor behind them.
Evelyn stood there in a bright maroon satin dress with a sharp cold glare.
Evelyn: Why are you wasting time sitting on the floor with him?
Elena: I heard him crying, ma'am, and wanted to check on him.
Evelyn: You are paid to clean, not to coddle my future stepson.
Elena stood up quickly and bowed her head respectfully toward the tall woman.
Elena: I apologize, ma'am, it will not happen again today.
Evelyn scoffed loudly, turning on her heel and sweeping past Elena without another word.
Elena felt a strange chill in her chest as she watched Evelyn walk away.
She could tell that Evelyn did not have a bit of love for little Leo.
Elena decided right then that she would watch over the boy whenever possible.