The morning light poured through the tall glass windows of the grand mansion.
Clara knelt on the cold marble floor with a heavy sponge in her hand.
Her knees ached from the hard tiles after hours of continuous labor.
She wiped away a tear before anyone could see her crying.
Victoria: You missed a spot right near the rug!
Victoria stood at the top of the glass staircase with her head held high.
She wore a fine gold dress and held a glass of dark wine.
Clara: I am sorry, Miss Victoria.
Clara: I will clean it again right now.
Clara moved her sponge across the floor as fast as she could.
Her hands were red and rough from the bucket of strong cleaning bleach.
She had been working since dawn without a single break for breakfast.
Victoria: Look at you, trembling like a helpless weakling.
Victoria: You should be grateful I even allow you to live under this roof.
Clara kept her head down and said nothing in response.
She knew that talking back would only bring more harsh punishment.
Victoria took a slow sip from her wine glass and laughed quietly.
Victoria: Mark is away on business, so I run this house now.
Victoria: If you complain, I will throw you out into the street tonight.
Clara squeezed her eyes shut and forced herself to stay silent.
She placed her hand gently over her lower stomach for comfort.
A small life was growing inside her during these difficult weeks.
Nobody in the mansion knew her deep secret except for Mark himself.
They had married in secret five months ago before his sudden business trip abroad.
Mark wanted to protect her from his greedy family members who hated modest people.
He asked her to stay safe in the house while he handled company business.
But Victoria had taken control of the estate the moment Mark flew overseas.
She demoted Clara to a simple maid and stripped away her freedom.
Victoria: Do not just sit there daydreaming, girl!
Victoria: The foyer must be spotless before the evening dinner party begins!
Clara: Yes, Miss Victoria.
Clara leaned down and continued scrubbing the wide stone entrance.
Her back felt weak, but she kept going for her baby's sake.
She prayed that Mark would return home soon to fix this nightmare.