Amelie stirred the pot, the aroma of spices filling her small kitchen. Her daughter, Rossie, played happily on the floor, her laughter a sweet melody. Life wasn't easy after Tom's death, but Amelie was determined to provide for Rossie. That's why she took the job as a maid for the wealthy Vargas family.
The afternoon breeze blew gently, softly caressing Amelie's tear-stained cheeks. In front of her stood a black gravestone inscribed with the name of her husband, Tom. Rossie, her innocent three-year-old toddler, pointed occasionally at the frangipani flowers scattered on the ground. "Papa... Ros," she said softly, in a childish voice.
Amelie's heart ached at the sight of Rossie's sadness, and she suddenly remembered that Rossie no longer had a father.
Amelie hugged her daughter tightly. The scent of wet earth and frangipani mingled with the lingering smell of grief. It had been three months since the accident. The accident that took Tom, the Henry family's personal driver, from her side. The police called it a pure accident, a single-vehicle collision. But Amelie's heart screamed otherwise. Something was off. There were too many coincidences. Too many secrets that Tom had kept in his final days.
Amelie still remembered the day of the tragic accident that took Tom's life. That morning, Tom had been unusually quiet and had little appetite.
Amelia wiped the tears streaming down her cheeks and recalled Tom's last words.
"It shouldn't be my turn to drive Mr. Henry today. I don't understand why there was a sudden change in the schedule," said Tom with a tired face. The man had been working hard for a week and coming home late, so he should have had the day off today.
"Why don't you just ask for a day off? I can see you're exhausted," replied Amelie in surprise.
Tom shook his head and smiled softly as he held his wife's face.
"It's okay, tomorrow I'll ask for permission not to go to work, and I'll use the overtime pay from this week to take you and Rossie to the Valley restaurant. Isn't tomorrow our wedding anniversary, dear?"
Amelie suddenly blushed. She had just remembered and was very happy to hear Tom's words.
"Wow, I can't wait for tomorrow," Amelie chuckled as she smiled, puckering her lips and gently kissing Tom's lips.
The cold wind blew against Amelie's cheeks again, breaking the beautiful woman's reverie.
Rossi, her daughter, was still holding the gravestone, saying softly, "Papa... papa."
Amelie's heart broke, and she pulled Rossie into her arms and said.
"Your daddy is okay, sweetie, he's in Heaven now," whispered Amelie, her voice hoarse. She stared at the reddening evening sky, as if searching for answers there. "Mommy will be strong. For you, Rossie."
Amelie's heart was filled with determination. She had to get back on her feet. She had to provide for Rossie. Their savings were running low, and she couldn't afford to wallow in grief any longer. That night, after Rossie fell asleep, Amelie opened her phone and opened a job search app. Her sharp eyes scanned the types of jobs she could choose from. Nowadays, it was very difficult to find a job without a college degree, let alone connections.
Two months ago, Amelie had been hired as a caregiver for a wealthy family's paralyzed grandfather, with a fantastic salary.
But the grandfather's eldest son tried to seduce Amelie and was caught by his wife. Of course, Amelie was fired on the spot.
Amelie's beautiful brown eyes continued to stare at the ads on her phone app until her gaze was fixed on one ad.
"Wanted: Housekeeper. The Vargas Family. Attractive salary, please come directly."
Amelie sighed heavily. The Vargas family. A name she often heard among the upper class in the South. A wealthy family who lived in a magnificent house in the highlands. And rumor had it that the young master Vargas was a cold and mysterious figure.
Aaron Vargas, his name echoed among the business elite. A man with godlike looks, abundant wealth, and undeniable power. CEO of Vargas Corp, a giant conglomerate that dominated various industrial sectors. His name is listed among the richest people in the country, a clear proof of his success and burning ambition.
However, behind his dazzling good looks and stunning wealth, there is a cold aura and arrogance. Aaron Vargas is known as a difficult person to approach, unsmiling, and lacking in empathy. To him, other people are just tools to achieve his goals. Success is everything, and he does not hesitate to step on anyone who stands in his way.
Behind the high walls of his luxurious office, Aaron Vargas rules with an iron fist. His decisions are often controversial, but no one dares to argue. Vargas Corp employees work under intense pressure, afraid of making mistakes that could be fatal to their careers.
Aaron Vargas is a fascinating and terrifying paradox. A man who has everything, yet his heart is frozen by arrogance and unbridled ambition.
With a heavy heart, Amelie decided to give it a try. It wasn't her dream job, but it was the only way she could support them both, her and Rossie. Especially since Rossie was often sick; she was born prematurely and her little body was weak.
The next day, Amelie stood before the tall, dragon-carved gate. The Vargas family home stood majestically behind lush trees. Her heart raced, not just from nervousness, but also from a strange premonition that enveloped her.
After a brief interview with the head butler, Amelie was introduced to Mr. Vargas' trusted assistant, Eric. The man sat in a large armchair in the spacious living room, surrounded by abstract paintings and antique sculptures. He was probably in his late thirties, with a firm jaw and sharp eyes that seemed to pierce through her. A cold aura emanated strongly from him.
Eric gasped when he saw Amelie's face, which reminded him of someone important to his boss.
"So, you're Amelie?" Eric's voice was deep and flat, devoid of emotion. His eyes examined Amelie from head to toe. The gaze was too intense, too long. Amelie felt like an insect being observed.
"Yes, sir," Amelie replied, trying to keep her voice steady. She sensed something strange in Eric's gaze. It wasn't just the gaze of an employer toward a prospective employee. There was a similarity she couldn't explain, as if Eric was looking for something in her.
"What is your family name?!"
Eric's deep voice demanded an answer that he wanted to know right then and there.
"Hmm... Amelie Parker... my family name is Parker."
"That's my father's name. Since my husband passed away, I use my father's name again," Amelie replied softly.
Eric said nothing more. The man just nodded slowly, then signaled to the butler. "She's accepted."
"Teach her all the rules of this house, including the places she is not allowed to go."
"You know Mr. Aaron's temper, he can be furious with anyone who breaks his rules!"
"Yes, Mr. Eric, I will teach her immediately," said the butle.
Amelie felt relieved, but at the same time anxious. She finally got the job, but the mysterious gaze of Mr. Vargas' assistant continued to haunt her. It was as if she had not only gotten a job, but had also entered a labyrinth full of secrets.
But Amelie then felt more relieved than nervous and anxious, because the salary offered by the butler was very large compared to the usual salary for a maid.
Amelie was grateful that she could finally earn more than enough to support herself and Rossie.
Amelie was a beautiful woman around 23 years old. Her parents had passed away long ago, and she had no siblings. Amelia was only a high school graduate and only had fairly good cooking skills.
"Rossie, finally I can take you to the hospital for better treatment," Amelie murmured happily.
That day, Amelie listened to and followed the head maid's instructions obediently. As the day drew to a close and her shift ended, Amelie prepared to go home.
She left Rossie with her friend Sandra, who was on her day off.
But just as Amelia was about to leave, she was approached by Mrs. Linda, the head maid's assistant, a middle-aged woman who spoke softly.
"Amelie, I'm sorry you weren't informed, but today you're scheduled for the night shift. You can go home tomorrow morning to replace Kelly, who is sick."
Amelie was stunned, her thoughts drifting to Rossie, meaning she would have to leave her daughter with Sandra again.