Sarah adjusted the collar of her simple blue maid uniform as she stood outside the massive gates.
The iron structure towered above her like a cold boundary separating two entirely different worlds.
She took a slow, steadying breath to calm the nervous fluttering deep in her chest.
Today was her very first morning working at the vast Vance estate on the hill.
She needed this job more than words could ever express to pay her mother's medical bills.
The heavy iron gates clicked open automatically with a soft pneumatic hiss.
Sarah walked up the long gravel driveway toward the shimmering glass entrance.
Manicured green lawns stretched out for acres on either side of the wide pathway.
She reached the tall double doors made of rich dark wood and polished brass handles.
A stern butler opened the door and gestured for her to step inside quietly.
The central foyer featured high arched ceilings with a dazzling crystal chandelier hanging above.
Light marble floors reflected the soft morning sunlight pouring through the towering windows.
Sarah looked around in quiet awe at the priceless paintings hanging on the walls.
James: Keep your eyes forward and mind your duties today.
Sarah: Yes, sir, I am ready to begin immediately.
The butler led Sarah down a long hallway toward the primary living quarters.
He explained her routine tasks clearly in a brisk and professional voice.
Sarah listened to every instruction carefully so she would not make any mistakes.
Her main responsibility was cleaning the ground floor and helping with the young baby.
Arthur Vance was a powerful wealthy businessman who owned a international shipping empire.
His young wife Victoria was a striking socialite who cared deeply about public image.
Sarah soon heard the soft melodic sound of a baby babbling nearby.
She walked into the sunlit nursery and saw little Leo resting in his crib.
The seven-month-old child smiled up at Sarah with big bright blue eyes.
Sarah felt an instant wave of warmth and love fill her entire heart.
She reached down gently to touch the baby's tiny soft fingers.
Sarah: Hello little sweet boy, I will take good care of you.
Leo giggled sweetly as he held tight to Sarah's slender index finger.
Sarah smiled brightly knowing this innocent child deserved all the love in the world.
She carefully tidied up the vibrant nursery toys while keeping a watchful eye.
A sudden cold voice from behind made Sarah turn around very quickly.
Victoria Vance stood in the high doorway wearing an elegant maroon satin dress.
Her sharp brown eyes looked down at Sarah with clear cold disdain.
Victoria: You are the new house maid Arthur hired yesterday?
Sarah: Yes ma'am, my name is Sarah, it is a pleasure.
Victoria: Do not touch my son unless I specifically order you to.
Sarah: Of course, ma'am, I understand completely.
Victoria crossed her arms tight and checked her designer watch with impatience.
She did not look at her smiling baby with any real warmth or tenderness.
Sarah felt a sudden chill in the air as Victoria stepped into the room.
It was clear that Victoria saw the little baby as an inconvenient duty.
Sarah made a quiet pledge to protect little Leo no matter what happened.