Sofia hadn't expected anything unusual that morning, so when a maid appeared at her door holding a long, elegant box wrapped in silver ribbons, her breath caught.
"Mrs. Ravenstrong," the young woman said, her voice tinged with awe, "your husband wanted you to have this. He also asked me to remind you—he will be picking you up at six o'clock sharp this evening." Her smile was shy but sincere.
Sofia blinked, stunned, as she took the box into her hands. "Oh... thank you."
"It's Linda," the maid supplied quickly, cheeks blooming pink as she met Sofia's gaze. "I... I'm new here. Mr. Ravenstrong personally hired me to assist you. I started today."
Sofia's lips softened into a smile, warmth threading through her tone. "He never mentioned that. But thank you, Linda. I'll call if I need anything. To be honest, I'm not used to being... served like this."
Her honesty only made the maid blush deeper. "Of course, Mrs.—I mean, Sofia."
