The morning sun shone brightly through the tall glass windows of the Vanguard family estate. Clara held a feather duster in her small hand and quietly wiped the dust off the antique wooden tables. She moved very slowly because her baby bump was growing bigger every day. Her simple gray uniform felt soft against her skin, but her heart felt heavy with a secret she carried.
Clara was not just a maid working for minimum wage in this gigantic mansion. She was secretly married to Julian Vanguard, the sole heir to the vast Vanguard inheritance and current CEO of the largest shipping firm in the city. They had married six months ago in a small town courthouse away from the greedy eyes of high society. Julian wanted to protect Clara from his hostile family, who cared only about money, status, and luxury cars.
Julian: Please stay safe inside the house today, Clara.
Clara: I will be fine, Julian. I just want to clean a little.
Julian had kissed her forehead gently before leaving for his early morning boardroom meeting across town. He loved Clara because she was kind, honest, and humble, unlike the fake socialites he grew up around. But he knew his cruel cousin Evelyn was visiting the mansion today to prepare for the evening charity gala. Evelyn was a spoiled woman who spent millions on clothes while treating servants like garbage.
Clara walked into the grand kitchen to get a fresh glass of cold water. Her back hurt from bending down, but she smiled thinking about the nursery they were building. She knew Julian loved her deeply, but living two lives was becoming very hard for her. She did not want luxury or expensive diamonds; she only wanted a peaceful family home where her unborn child could grow up surrounded by love.
Suddenly, the sharp sound of high heels clicked loudly across the polished marble floor of the hallway. Clara froze as the heavy double doors opened, and Evelyn walked in wearing an expensive silk coat. Her eyes were sharp, cold, and filled with arrogance as she stared down at Clara's simple shoes.
Evelyn: Why are you standing around lazy maid? Fetch my coffee!
Clara: I am sorry, Miss Evelyn. I will make it right away.
Evelyn sneered as she wiped her fingers along the wooden counter looking for dust. She hated seeing new faces in the mansion, especially women who looked young and gentle. Clara quickly turned on the coffee machine, trying her best not to make any mistakes that could bring trouble.
Clara poured the hot coffee into a fine china cup and handed it over carefully. But Evelyn intentionally bumped her own elbow against the counter, causing the dark liquid to spill over her silk sleeve. She gasped loudly, her face turning red with sudden anger as she pointed a finger at Clara.
Evelyn: You clumsy foolish girl! You ruined my thousand-dollar outfit!
Clara: I am so sorry, Miss Evelyn! It was an accident!
Evelyn raised her hand and slapped Clara hard across the face before Clara could even step back. The loud sound rang out across the giant kitchen as Clara stumbled backward, holding her red cheek in shock. Tears filled Clara's eyes, but she swallowed her pain quietly to avoid making a scene before the big party tonight.