Maya had known from the start that she was nothing more than a blood bag for her sister, Ann. Her parents never let her forget it.
"Your life belongs to Ann," her mother had once told her coldly, "and the sooner you accept that, the better for everyone."
Ann had been born with a rare blood disorder that made even the smallest cut life-threatening. A scratch could send her bleeding uncontrollably. Since childhood, Maya had been forced to donate blood for her sister, over and over again. She couldn't even remember when it began. She only knew that needles and the faint smell of antiseptic had always been part of her world.
Maya hated needles. The sight of them made her stomach churn and her hands tremble, but no one cared. Her parents would ignore her tears and push her toward the hospital chair. The only comfort she ever received came from the kind nurse who always offered her sweets afterward. At least someone cared, Maya would think bitterly, clutching the candy in her palm as though it could heal the sting of neglect.
She lived for Ann. She bled for Ann. She existed for Ann.
---
The loud, grating sound of her alarm clock dragged her out of her restless sleep.
"Arrrrghhhhhh," Maya groaned, slamming her hand on the nightstand. "Stupid alarm clock."
Her body felt heavy, drained of energy as always, but she forced herself up. Dragging her feet to the bathroom, she splashed cold water on her face and stepped into the shower. By the time she emerged, steam curling from the room, she had only a towel wrapped around her body and a frown tugging at her lips.
"Shit! I'm late again. Jane's going to be mad at me," she muttered while tugging on her clothes hastily.
Maya rushed downstairs, her bag clutched tightly in one hand. Before she could slip out the door, Nanny Emily's familiar voice called out from the kitchen.
"Miss Maya! Remember to eat something before going to work!"
Maya sighed but turned back, her tired eyes softening at the sight of the older woman. She walked over and wrapped her arms around her, burying her face briefly in Emily's shoulder.
"Good morning, Nanny Emily. How was your night? Did you sleep well?" she asked with a small grin.
The nanny chuckled warmly, smoothing Maya's hair. "My lovely Maya, I slept just fine. How about you?"
"I slept well too," Maya lied with a smile. In truth, she barely slept, plagued by thoughts that kept her tossing and turning. "Just woke up late… again."
"Oh, my darling," Emily sighed, her face etched with concern. "I know you need to work, but don't push yourself too hard. You look so pale these days."
"I'll be fine, Nanny. I promise," Maya said quickly. "I have to go now. See you later!"
She waved and slipped out before the woman could protest further. The air outside was damp, and gray clouds loomed overhead. Maya quickened her pace, eager to reach the bus stop before the rain poured.
---
Meanwhile, inside the grand Wilson mansion, Mrs. Wilson's sharp voice rang out.
"Emily! Emily!!
The nanny hurried forward, bowing slightly. "Yes, ma'am."
"Where is Ann? Is she still sleeping?"
"Yes, ma'am. She is."
"Good," Mrs. Wilson said with a satisfied nod. "Do not disturb her. She needs her beauty sleep. Make sure her breakfast is ready whenever she asks for it. She deserves to rest."
"And what about Maya, ma'am?" Emily asked softly.
Mrs. Wilson's eyes narrowed. "She's gone already, hasn't she?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"That brat," the woman hissed under her breath. "Useless girl. I can't wait to kick her out of this house once Ann no longer needs her."
Emily's chest tightened, but she stayed silent. She knew better than to defend Maya.
"Bring my breakfast upstairs," Mrs. Wilson commanded, turning toward the staircase. "And make sure the house is spotless. My husband is bringing a very important guest tonight. No mistakes, Emily. None."
"Yes, ma'am," Emily murmured.
"And be quick about it!" Mrs. Wilson barked, heels clicking against the marble floor as she disappeared upstairs.
---
A short while later, Ann twirled in front of a mirror, her silk dress shimmering under the soft light.
"Mum! How do I look?" she asked, her tone playful as she spun around.
Mrs. Wilson's face softened instantly. "Oh, honey, you look perfect. My angel." She cupped her daughter's face tenderly. "Tell me, where are you going, dressed so beautifully?"
"I'm meeting my friends for shopping," Ann giggled.
Mrs. Wilson arched a brow. "All right, but don't stay out too late. Your father is bringing an important guest tonight, and he specifically asked for you to be present."
"Ugh, not another one of his boring dinners," Ann groaned, rolling her eyes dramatically. "I don't care about his business partners."
"Ann, he's your father," Mrs. Wilson scolded gently. "You need to show respect. Make sure you return in time. That's final."
"Fine," Ann muttered, pouting.
"That's my girl." Mrs. Wilson kissed her cheek. "Now go and enjoy yourself."