The next morning, Hannah woke early, her heart pounding with excitement and nerves. She dressed neatly, making sure everything looked perfect, and took a deep breath before leaving.
Rachel walked with her to the gate of the large, elegant house. "Remember," Rachel whispered, leaning close, "stay calm, do your job well, and… don't say anything unnecessary. Just focus on working. This could be your chance for so much more."
Hannah nodded, her stomach twisting with anticipation. "I will, Rachel. Thank you… for everything."
As they approached the grand entrance, Hannah's eyes widened. The house was even more magnificent up close—tall windows, a manicured garden, and an air of luxury she had never been around. She knocked lightly, and Victoria answered the door, her expression neutral.
"Good morning," Victoria said crisply. "You must be here for the position. Come in."
Hannah stepped inside, trying to mask her awe and nervousness. The interior was immaculate, every detail polished, every room pristine. She followed Victoria into a sitting area where they began discussing duties and schedules.
Hannah stepped carefully, trying to calm the fluttering in her chest. Victoria looked at her with a small, neutral smile.
"Grace," Victoria said, her tone precise, "I hope you will do your work well. There's something I forgot to tell you."
Hannah nodded quickly, trying to stay composed. "Of course, ma'am. I will do my best."
Victoria's eyes softened slightly.
"Good, I have two children in this house. Wait here for a moment; I'll bring them so you can meet them."
Hannah's stomach twisted nervously. Two children… she thought, her heart unknowingly racing as she tried to imagine meeting them.
Victoria stepped aside and called softly, "Isabelle! Felicity! Come here for a moment."
A few seconds later, a nine-year-old girl with bright eyes and a playful smile appeared first, followed closely by a smaller seven-year-old, holding a small toy in her hands. They looked at Grace—Hannah—curiously.
Victoria gestured. "Girls, this is Grace. She will be helping around the house."
Hannah's chest tightened as she looked at the younger girl. Something in Felicity's eyes, her expressions, the way she held herself—it felt hauntingly familiar, though Hannah couldn't place it yet.
"Hello… girls," Hannah said softly, kneeling slightly to be at their level. "I'm Grace. I'll be helping here from today."
Isabelle smiled and waved politely. Felicity stared silently for a moment, then cautiously returned the greeting. Hannah's heart thudded in her chest, an unexplainable warmth and tug of recognition she couldn't yet name.
Victoria watched carefully, her voice calm.
"I trust you will love and take care of them and work well, Grace. Make yourself at home."
Hannah nodded, trying to focus on her role, unaware that she was standing only steps away from the very child she had been searching for all these years.
Fate had brought them together… though the realization had yet to strike.
After meeting the children, Grace (Hannah) started helping around the house. She quietly cleaned, organized, and tried not to make any mistakes.
Victoria watched everything. Every time Felicity came close to Grace, Victoria frowned and spoke sharply.
"Felicity," Victoria said one afternoon, "stay away from Grace. She is working."
Felicity's small face dropped. She looked at Grace for comfort. Grace smiled gently and said softly,
"It's okay . You can play nearby."
Victoria felt anger inside but kept her face calm. I did not ask for this child in my house… She is getting too comfortable, she thought.
Grace noticed something was off but didn't understand it. She felt a soft warmth toward Felicity and liked her immediately. Every smile or question from the little girl made Grace's heart feel strange, like she knew her somewhere deep down.
Victoria kept herself busy, trying to hide her feelings. But every time she looked at Felicity, there was a small sharpness in her voice.
Grace did not know Victoria did not like Felicity. She only focused on the little girl, helping her and talking gently. She had no idea that her daughter—her Ella—was right there, so close, under Victoria's strict eyes.
Victoria had been teaching Isabelle to look down on Felicity. The older girl had slowly started listening, following her mother's words without question.
One afternoon, while Grace (Hannah) was busy tidying the living room, Isabelle accidentally knocked over a glass. Instead of admitting it, she quickly pointed at Felicity.
"Felicity did it!" Isabelle shouted.
Grace's heart sank. Felicity looked up, confused and scared.
"I… I didn't, I swear!" she stammered.
Before Grace could do anything, Victoria came rushing in. Her eyes were sharp, full of anger. Without hesitation, she smacked Felicity. The little girl cried loudly, clutching her cheek, tears rolling down her face.
Grace froze, shocked and angry. Her heart ached seeing Felicity hurt like that. She wanted to step in, to defend her, but she had to remain quiet for now, careful not to blow her cover.
Felicity's small sobs filled the room. Isabelle, meanwhile, watched calmly, a small smile hiding on her lips, proud that she had done exactly as her mother taught her.
Grace whispered softly, almost to herself,
Poor child… I don't know how much longer I can watch this.
Her heart tightened. She didn't yet know that this little girl, so fragile and kind, was her own daughter—Ella.
Night fell, and everyone gathered in the dining room for dinner. The table was full of food and fruits, but the air felt heavy and tense.
Victoria sat at the head of the table, her face calm but her eyes sharp. Isabelle, nine years old, sat quietly beside her, glancing at Felicity, seven, with a little smirk. Felicity picked at her food nervously, still upset from earlier incidents.
Grace, pretending to be the kind household helper, stood quietly nearby, serving the dishes and making sure everyone had what they needed. Her heart ached seeing the little girl trembling.
Victoria's voice was cold as she spoke, mostly addressing Felicity.
"Eat your food, but remember your place," she said sharply.
Felicity's small hands shook as she tried to pick up her fork. Isabelle ate quickly, glancing at Felicity with satisfaction, happy she had obeyed their mother's lessons.
Grace quietly moved closer to Felicity, offering a gentle smile. Poor child, she thought silently. She doesn't deserve this.
The clinking of plates and silverware filled the room. Words were few, but tension was heavy—resentment, fear, and unspoken anger filled the air.
After a while, Victoria stood abruptly.
"Everyone, finish quickly and go to your rooms," she ordered.
Felicity looked at Grace with sad, hopeful eyes. Grace whispered softly, just for her,
Don't worry, little one. I'll be here.
The two girls left the table slowly, while Victoria's sharp gaze followed them. Grace's heart tightened, knowing she had to find and protect her daughter.