At eighteen, Eva loses everything and must go work as a maid for the Cooper family. The moment she looks into blue eyes of the son, Adam, she knows he’s trouble. Arrogant and heartless, he’s never wanted for anything, and now he wants Eva. But she only has one rule: she won’t fall for him…
Age Rating: 18+
Note: This story is the author’s original version and does not have sound.
Welcome to Heartbreak by Marlon Napier Jr is now available to read on the Galatea app! Read the first two chapters below, or download Galatea for the full experience.
Read the full uncensored books on the Galatea iOS app!
1
At eighteen, Eva loses everything and must go work as a maid for the Cooper family. The moment she looks into blue eyes of the son, Adam, she knows he’s trouble. Arrogant and heartless, he’s never wanted for anything, and now he wants Eva. But she only has one rule: she won’t fall for him…
Age Rating: 18+
Original Author: Marlon Napier Jr
Tears kept falling down my face, but I couldn’t stop them no matter how hard I tried.
I could see through my blurred vision that I was leaving my hometown to a place I’ve never been before, going somewhere I wished I wouldn’t have to go.
My aunt told me the name and directions to the city I was headed to, so I could tell the cab driver. Directions to a place I didn’t know.
Not that it mattered now. Nothing mattered anymore. I was broken, damaged. My life was ruined and I didn’t know what to do.
I was certain of one thing though: I was going to live with my aunt, in a house where she worked as a maid.
I cried even harder now, much to the dismay of the cab driver. I’ve left all my friends and the place I once called home.
Home? No, not home. I’d left the house where I lived. I couldn’t call it home anymore. I had nobody waiting for me there. The only person that had always been there, watching out for me, had died.
My mother had died.
There. I said it.
Saying it didn’t help though, it only made me cry even harder, because now I was once again reminded of my mother, the only person who had always been there for me, had died
It had been a cruel event.
Without warning, her eyes had turned opaque, and she stopped talking.
Losing all the strength her fragile, little body held for so long, she’d fallen on the floor, clutching her chest and crying in pain, and I was hit with the realization that she was having a heart attack.
I remember grabbing the phone and calling 911. It had been too late when they’d knocked on the door to try to rescue her from what had taken her away from me, from everyone else.
Why her? She was perfectly healthy, no matter how fragile she seemed! She had two jobs that provided me with everything I wanted or needed! She always gave everything she could!
Anyone who knew her loved her!
She was my mother! Why take her away from me when she was the only thing had left?
My shaky hands wiped the tears off of my tanned face; the gesture was useless since I couldn’t stop crying, but I didn’t care.
Time passed and I didn’t notice. By the time I could open my eyes and watch my surroundings clearly, the cab driver was opening my door. “We’re here, Miss.
“If I’m not mistaken, this is the right house.”
I couldn’t speak as my eyes faced the huge, white mansion that stood before me.
I got out of the cab, so I could take a good look at the place I was about to walk into and spend the rest of my miserable life in. Just like my aunt.
The dark green gate seemed secure enough when it came to someone robbing the property.
Between the gate and the mansion was a beautiful garden that spread to the sides and to the back of the mansion.
It was impossible to see how much of the surrounding area belonged to the Coopers because it was so big, and from where I stood, I couldn’t see where it ended.
Also, in front of the mansion, two expensive cars were parked. The first, in an extravagant shade of red, was a Porsche. From where I stood, all I could see was that it had only two doors.
I guess I could say it was a small car, considering the shining BMW parked next to it.
Not only was it larger, but it also appeared to be longer, coming out as the more comfortable car, yet no less expensive, I’m sure.
It was hard to guess which beamed more, the extravagant Porsche or the lustrous charcoal-colored BMW.
“Here are your things, Miss.” The cab driver called my attention when he placed all of my bags at my side.
I eyed him with dark blue eyes. “Thank you,” I said, and tossed my wild hair back and reaching for my wallet, taking out enough money to pay the cab driver. “Here,” I handed him a bunch of notes.
He checked it and then said, “Well, have a good day, Miss.” He got in the car again, and drove away, looking relived to get rid of the weepy teen in the back seat.
Taking a deep breath, I looked up at the sky, whose color was changing into dark blue. It was late already. I looked at my watch and saw it was 8 PM. The trip had taken three hours total.
Reaching for my phone, I called my aunt and told her I’ve arrived.
Aunt Deena was the only person I had contact with on my father’s side of the family. He’d died before I was born so I never really got to know him. It had never bothered me though. I had my mother.
Had. Now, all I was left with were the memories I had of her.
I never used to see my aunt that much, really. In fact, whenever I was with her, I couldn’t sympathize with her as much as I wanted to.
She was a difficult person to deal with, though she cared for her loved ones. At least that’s what my mother told me once.
Before my mind could drift off to any other thought, I heard my aunt’s voice calling me from behind the green gate. “Eva!
“Oh, you arrived at such a bad time… they’re having dinner!” She was obviously talking about the family she worked for as a maid.
Maid, I thought to myself. I’d graduated from high school and was ready to go to college… if my mother hadn’t died and I hadn’t been left with any money, which was spent on the funeral she deserved.
“I’m sorry,” I apologized as she got closer, “I didn’t mean to arrive at such a bad time.”
I saw her pressing a remote she had in her hand, and suddenly, the gate opened. I grabbed my stuff and walked into the yard. Then, I faced my aunt.
She hugged me the moment I approached her, and it was impossible not to notice how nice her dark hair smelled.
No tears seemed to threaten to fall from her eyes, even though they were trying their best to fall from mine.
Thankfully, I was able to hold them back.
“Come on, Eva.” My aunt said, breaking the hug and helping me with some of my stuff. “I have to introduce you to the Coopers!”
I cleared my throat, “Introduce me?” I asked, surprised. “They’re rich, why would they want to know who I am?”
“The Coopers like to know who works for them.
“You should feel lucky because Mrs. Cooper let you work for her without meeting you first.” She said, hurrying towards the mansion, while I was struggling to keep up with her.
The moment my feet touched the white marble steps, I started thinking about the family I was going to be introduced to.
God, it would be so embarrassing. Even if I was eighteen years old, I was as shy as a five year old.
I didn’t notice my aunt opening the main door that led to the richly decorated foyer, as I thought about what kind of people I was going to work for.
“They’re in the dining room, second door to the right.” She started. “Place your bags here, Simon will put them in your room later.”
Simon? Whoever that was, he was doing me a huge favor, because I was tired of carrying these heavy bags.
“Come on, come on.” My aunt pulled me as she led me through the long and well illuminated hall to the door she mentioned. It was a broad and tall corridor that ended with a lustrous set of staircases.
I could see doors and corridors in each side of the staircase that would certainly lead me to other parts of the mansion that I’d get to know about tomorrow.
The mostly abstract paintings, either big or small, that decorated the walls, pricy porcelain that gleamed in cabinets and expensive furniture seemed to be a trait of wealthy people.
Carpets of different shades, all in different shades of brown, yellow and red, enriched the impeccable floor and the hall itself.
At some point, my eyes raked over the overpriced furniture, to the walls, but I couldn’t find any photographs of the family.
As I considered which type of people they could be, I heard my aunt the second time. “Don’t say anything unless Mr. or Mrs. Cooper asks you something.”
I didn’t even have time to reply, because a second later she opened the door and threw me to the sharks.
My eyes widened as I faced an old fashioned dining room with a touch of modernity.
But my mind soon forgot about how the room was decorated, because I was faced with the silent family that was staring straight at me.
At the head of the table was, who I assumed was Mr. Cooper – it had to be. The man of the house always sat in that chair.
He had a severe look, and his frosty blue eyes felt like they were easily piercing through my body, assessing and judging me. He had very short black hair and a pale complexion.
At his right side, I supposed, was his wife, Mrs. Cooper. She was smiling at me and showing me her all too perfect white teeth – so I smiled back politely.
Her skin was very well treated, despite being at the least 40 years old.
Her blond hair fell beautifully over her proud shoulders and back, framing her face and giving a beautiful contrast with her brown eyes.
On Mr. Cooper’s left, was an empty seat. But another seat over, a boy sat. He was staring at me, and God, I felt so humiliated. He seemed to be eighteen – my age – and that made it all worse!
His eyes, although blue, didn’t compare with Mr. Cooper’s. As for his hair, it shared the same color as his mother’s, but a length similar to his father’s.
“Welcome to our house.” Mrs. Cooper said, getting up. “I’ve ordered the maids to arrange a room for you, so you should be fine.”
“Thank you.” I said quickly, anxious to escape that test.
“What is your name?” She asked nicely. However, frustration boiled within me; I was certain my aunt had told her my name. Had she forgotten it already?
“Eva. Eva Hudson.”
“And-”
“Gabi.” Mr. Cooper’s cultured voice boomed, cutting off his wife. “The girl must be tired, let her rest so that she can start her day early tomorrow.
“We have Adam’s graduation party, remember?” He didn’t even look at me.
“Of course.” Mrs. Cooper said, not angry at all for being interrupted. “Just so you know, I am Gabriella, and this is my son, Brad.” She pointed at the boy in front of her.
I nodded with an uneven smile on my face, and finally, my aunt spoke for the first time since I stepped into the dining room. “Well, we’ll let you have dinner quietly.”
“I’m sorry for the interruption.” I apologized politely.
Mrs. Cooper smiled. My aunt hurried, “Come on, Eva, let’s go.” Before I could turn around, I heard my aunt speak again, “Oh, hello, Adam!”
Another one I have to meet? I asked myself. Nevertheless, I took a deep breath and turned around to meet the last one.
My body froze instantaneously when I saw him behind me. He was tall and had broad, muscular shoulders and narrow hips. If my eyes were dark blue, his were bright, icy blue.
They looked beautiful and dangerous, probably able to attract or attack anyone dumb enough to get close or cross the limit.
His hair was dark brown and just touched his jaw. It framed his face perfectly.
His skin was just like Mr. Cooper’s, although Adam had a pinkish hue on his cheeks, softening his milky complexion even more. Still… that didn’t make him appear any less mean or dangerous.
On the contrary, his beautiful complexion highlighted the mean strike in his eyes. He didn’t even offer me a smile, and he wasn’t interested in me at all. At least Brad had smiled.
“That’s our new maid, Adam.” Mrs. Cooper revealed. But even after his mother had spoken, the young man said nothing. In fact, his only answer was an almost noiseless grumble.
I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He was really tall. I knew I wasn’t that tall, but my head reached, what, his chest? I felt like a dwarf!
Oh well, I always used to feel belittled near these kind of – rich – people.
I lowered my head once he passed by me to sit down at the table to have dinner.
A mayhem of emotions exploded in my chest. I felt frustrated and angry. Sad, and heartbroken. I didn’t want them to look at me that way. I didn’t deserve it.
I may be their maid, and maybe they were the ones who would pay my salary, but they had no right to look at me that way, to look down on me because I didn’t have the same social status they have, or ignore me as if I was nobody.
My aunt placed her hand on my shoulder at that moment, and I fought to keep my emotions in check. I heard her saying, “If you need anything, just ask.”
As for me, I turned around quietly and let my aunt lead me out of the dining room. Once I stood in the hall again, I looked for my bags but couldn’t find them there.
The moment I opened my mouth to ask, my aunt already answered my unasked question. “Simon must have already taken them to your room. He knew you were coming and knows where your room is.”
My aunt started pulling me towards the huge set of stairs that were located at the end of the huge hall. “Your room is on the last floor.
“There were no other rooms available on the maids’ floor, so Mrs. Cooper was kind enough to let you stay there. Otherwise, you would have had to share a room with someone else.”
Thank god Mrs. Cooper had been that kind. And no, I wasn’t being sarcastic. I hated the thought of sharing my room. My room is my room, my space and nobody else’s.
Especially when I need one to be alone and shed the tears I’ve been holding back since I’d gotten here.
I climbed past two floors before arriving to mine, where there was only one room. Since my aunt didn’t say anything about the other floors, I supposed she would inform me about them tomorrow.
If I had to work here, I had to know where everything was, including the places I was forbidden to enter.
The floor was full of dust and needed a good cleaning and it looked like nobody had come up here for a long time.
Given this house was so goddamn spotless, I expected this part of the house to be dirt-free as well, but no.
I opened the door to my new room, and took a look inside it.
The first thing I noticed was the white curtains that weren’t exactly white anymore, and behind them was a hardly noticeable glass door.
I slowly opened the door, and found myself standing on a balcony. My very own balcony! I decided to return back inside my new bedroom, and take a better look around.
There was only one Queen sized bed, which I considered to be quite good, since I expected a smaller one. Its frame was made of a dark wood that was in a desperate need of cleaning.
I could see it was already made, with what appeared to be white sheets and a blanket that I was sure I wouldn’t be using even once during the summer.
Opposed to the bed was a plain brown door, and when I scurried in to find out what was behind it, I was actually smiling. I had a bathroom for myself too! How awesome was that?
In the corner, close to the glass door and the bathroom, was a tall, narrow wardrobe, but I didn’t worry about the size of it since I didn’t have that many clothes.
There was also a set of drawers by each side of the bed, and a desk right beside the door.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad room. I was expecting a lot worse.
It’d need some urgent cleaning, but aside from that… not even the disgusting beige-colored walls ruined the excitement that had momentarily built inside me.
I’ll take care of it when I have the time, I promised myself.
“What do you think of it?” A voice asked behind me. I turned around, and I spotted my aunt in the doorway. “I know it’s not much, but it was the best I could-”
“Thanks,” I cut her off. “For doing this for me… for giving me a home… when you knew I really needed one.”
“It was the least I could do for you and your mother, Eva.” She smiled sweetly and patiently, something she rarely did. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long.
She straightened her shoulders and turned serious again. “If you need anything, I’ll be one floor down, the third room on the right, okay?”
“Okay.” I doubted I’d need something. All I wanted was to be left alone with my sorrow. “Hum, do I have any chores for tonight?” I asked my aunt feebly.
“Oh no,” my aunt shook her head. “Mrs. Cooper understood your situation and said you wouldn’t need to do anything tonight. You can rest for the time being. I’m sure you’re tired, it was a long trip.
““I was tired, but not from the trip. Even though it had been a long trip, three hours of driving, I wouldn’t consider it so long that it would leave me tired.
“Well, have a goodnight, Eva,” she said.
“You too, Aunt Deena.”
I was finally left alone.
The second she closed the door, I threw myself on the bed, the only thing that seemed clean enough for me to use. And even if it wasn’t, I really wouldn’t have the patience to clean anything now.
I shifted to a more comfortable position, and finally let my tears fall freely from my eyes and my mind flashed back to all of the memories I had with my mother…
After a while, I tried to mentally prepare myself to spend the rest of my life working as a maid.
Sighing, I mentally saluted myself, Welcome to heartbreak, Eva.
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2
“Wake up, sunshine!” I heard a perky voice in the background, though I completely ignored it. I wanted to sleep.
I was tired and felt my eyes puffy, probably from the hours I’d spent crying last night. “Come on, Eva! It’s past 7 Am, you have to wake up!”
“7 Am?” I started complaining, “That’s so early!”
“Well, it’s life.” Still, I didn’t get up. Since the woman – it was a female voice – finally understood I wouldn’t get up with words, she placed her hands on my arms and started shaking me.
I lost that battle the moment I felt everything in my head shake as well. “Fine, you won!” I told her, before she would go on cause permanent damage.
Then, I lifted my torso, rubbed my puffy red eyes and got up gradually. “Happy?”
“Very much.” I tried hard to focus on the woman and after some seconds, I succeeded. She seemed pretty young, actually. She probably was just a few years older than me, though she was much prettier.
She was beautiful. In fact, she was my exact opposite.
She had straight blond hair from what I could see of her ponytail, but dark brown eyes that shimmered thanks to the sunlight that came from my balcony, a tanned complexion and natural red-ish lips.
Although she was wearing the maid’s uniform, it didn’t hide her hourglass figure.
When I thought about that, Brad and Adam, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper’s sons, appeared on my mind looking at the woman with hungry eyes.
“I’m Eva.”
“I know. I’m Rebecca, but you can call me Becca like all the world does.” So far, she seemed nice. As she pointed at my bed, she started saying, “I have your uniform here.
“I advise you to get dressed quickly, because we’re a little late and we still have to clean up the brothers’ rooms.”
Oh my god, I’m sure we’d both awaken now, and we had to start cleaning rooms already? Aren’t the brothers sleeping like all the world is, but the poor maids?
“And I also advise you to do something to your hair, because if Mrs. Cooper sees you working with all of that hair loose, she’ll have a heart attack.
“I suggest you do a braid or a ponytail.” Her eyes narrowed as she looked at my so-wild hair. “Maybe… in your case, you better do a braid. Your hair’s too wild for a ponytail.” She was right.
A ponytail wouldn’t make such a different since my hair was long.
“Where’s the bathroom?”
She raised an eyebrow and pointed at her left. “You have a bathroom in your own room.” Oh! I almost forgot that little – and awesome – detail.
“With the exception of the Coopers, you’re the only one who has a bathroom in her own room. Well, I should be going; I’ll be waiting for you downstairs.”
Before she turned around, I asked, “Where’s my aunt?”
“Deena went to do some shopping for the party. Don’t worry, you’re in good hands.” And then, she winked her dark brown eye at me, and left me alone.
Since she’d said we had a lot to do, I hurried to the bathroom. I didn’t take a bath – I was too late for it, I’d take one at night -, but I washed my face and brushed my teeth.
Afterwards, I traded my clothes for that ugly uniform. It was literally ugly! It seemed Mrs. Cooper had seen a movie with old maids and picked their uniforms to be ours! At least, it fit me perfectly.
Last but not least, I made a long braid with my thick and black hair, and put on some comfortable shoes.
I was officially ready to start working. Unfortunately.
I left my room and went downstairs where I found Becca taking orders from an older woman. “You can clean Brad’s room while Eva can clean Adam’s.
“His is the cleanest so it will be easier for her to get used to this, understood?”
“Yes, Glenda.”
“And after being finished with that, both of you will go straight to the kitchen to help the others carrying everything to the backyard.”
“Ok, and- oh, Eva, you’re here!” Becca nodded at me and I was caught. Damn. I didn’t want to face that woman. I didn’t like her bossy tone.
Still, I came down the rest of the stairs and reached Becca, only to turn around to also face the elder.
“This is Glenda, Mr. Cooper’s right hand, second in command.” I tried hard not to smile at Becca’s joke.
“Don’t act smart on me, Becca.” She reprehended the girl, and next, her dark brown eyes moved from her to me. “But yes, that’s a way of putting it.
“I am the one you will come to when you don’t have anything to do. I am the one who gives the orders around here, and I only answer to Mr. and Mrs. Cooper.” God, couldn’t she be any bossier?
In fact, every aspect in her made her look too dominant.
Her short and grey hair – she must be around sixty years old -, her stocky small body, hardened complexion that not even offered me a welcoming smile, made her seem plain mean. Just like… Adam!
“Anyway,” Her eyes jumped toward Becca again, thank god. “You two have to clean the boys’ rooms, so off you go. After it, come to me, understood?”
“Yes.” Becca and I said at the same time. After Glenda turned around and left us alone, Becca hurried to say, “I have the things we need here so we can already go upstairs.”
I nodded and watched her turning around to grab everything a person could think of to clean a room. I sighed. Seven AM in the morning and here I was… ready to clean someone’s room.
Oh Mother… why did you leave me?
“You’ll be cleaning Adam’s room.” Becca told me when we reached the first floor, where the family and the guest rooms were.
“Adam’s last room on the left corridor and Brad’s this side.” She pointed at each corridor. Why was Adam in a different corridor than his brother?
Becca threw me some products, and said, “Off you go, now! Clean the better and fastest you can, ok? We have a lot to do today.”
“Sure.” Since I’d heard Adam’s room was the cleanest, I hoped I’d be done with it in half an hour or so. What was there to clean in a spotless room?
After receiving an encouraging smile from Becca, we both turned around and followed separate ways.
Last room on the left, I repeated for myself, I hope he’s not sleeping or something.
I walked silently throughout the corridor, afraid to wake up someone with my almost noiseless steps. I reached Adam’s room in a heartbeat, but didn’t do anything.
I stood before the door and took a deep breath, remembering how arrogant Adam had seemed and acted when I saw him yesterday. Still, I had to do this.
I knocked on the door and waited. Nothing. Oh god, please don’t be sleeping! I don’t want to wake you up! Who would want to wake up such big and bad-looking humored guy?
I knocked again, more heavily, and waited. Once more, nobody answered.
I lingered there for a moment, but finally arranged the guts to put my hand on the doorknob and walk in without his order. Holding my breath, I looked inside the room.
The bed was across the door and the balcony. It was already made, for my content. But what made me grin was that there was no one in the room, thank god.
Since there was a wall one both sides of the door, I walked forward and then noticed the huge extension the room had.
At the bed’s left side was the balcony, and since it was opened and the view was over the backyard, I decided to take a peak. I still hadn’t seen the backyard.
When I lay my eyes on it, I immediately saw a bunch of maids placing all sort of things over tables that had been placed there to the party, I guessed.
I looked back at the room again. Back turned at the bed, all I could see was this empty space, which was only filled with desks, though every single one of them had stuff over it.
But what caught my attention were the tons of photos that were on the three walls. I approached one and gazed at them. The guy I’d seen yesterday, Adam, was not in most part of them.
At first, I wondered why. After all, this was his room so why not have photos where he was featured?
But I got my answer the moment I turned to another one of the three walls and sighted a professional camera over one of the tables.
It seemed freaking expensive so I dared not to touch it unless needed. So if he was the one who took the pictures… then he was good at it, because they were all very well taken.
Mostly, they all had people she’d never seen, but a small part of them feature horses and forests.
The tables belonging to the main wall was filled with pictures spread all over them. To tell the truth, that was the only mess I saw to clean.
I placed the products on the floor and started to create stacks of photos over the place, and while I did it, I lay my eyes on them, and this time, they were mostly of horses.
If he was the author, he surely had some kind of passion for these animals. Then again, they were indeed beautiful.
When I was done with that chore, I started cleaning the non-existent dust from the other places. I placed everything back on its place after doing it.
Since the bed was already perfectly made and the gigantic, built in closet was fine as well, I moved on to his private bathroom.
It didn’t seem dirty as well, but bathrooms were always rooms that needed to be cleaned. I started my work while humming a song for myself.
The more I cleaned, the more I thought this had an equal display of my own bathroom. I felt honored. Then again, I really hadn’t paid much attention to it, since I’d been in a hurry.
The moment I moved to the huge bathtub – it was practically a Jacuzzi – I heard the door opening, and then, two angry voices.
“You had no right!”
“Why? It’s just a party! Gabi and I wanted to congratulate you, Adam!” I recognized the serious, cultured voice as being Mr. Cooper’s. I’d only heard him once, but his voice had stuck.
So that meant the other voice was Adam’s. “I didn’t want any freaking party!” Adam yelled. I could hear his steps around the room. “If I’d wanted one, I’d have told you, dad!”
“Gabi invited all of your friends and-”
“This was all Gabi’s idea, wasn’t it?” He shouted again. “She loves parties, doesn’t it? I bet she loves spending your money on them as well!” Why was Adam calling Mrs. Cooper, Gabi?
Wasn’t she is mother? This was just what I needed. My first day and I was already eavesdropping on Mr. Cooper and his oldest son.
“Don’t talk about Gabi like that, Adam!” Mr. Cooper reprehended him, now raising his tone of voice as well. “You know her since you were four years old.
“You should know better that she is not that type of woman! Maybe you’re watching too much movies!”
Oh great, where the hell had I gotten myself into? “Oh, shut up, dad! I’d already told you I didn’t want any graduation party!”
“I know, but we thought about surprising you and-”
“ Gabi thought about surprising me!” Adam cut in, correcting his own father. Still, Mr. Cooper continued. This time, he didn’t yell anymore, though his tone wasn’t just serious.
It was like he was threatening Adam.
“You will go to this party, Adam. The only thing you need to do is put on a suit, talk to people and let them congratulate you. After all, it’s not every day you graduate from med-school.
“ Then, you can go back to your goddamn horses.”
This time, Adam didn’t fight back. Silence ruled his room for a couple of seconds, until I heard steps going back out of the room, and then, a door being slummed shut.
“Stupid ass.” I heard Adam complaining. Boy, I’d never confront my mother – or father – like that, no matter how pissed off I’d be. They’d done something nice for him.
I really didn’t understand why he’d had that reaction. Maybe he was like those spoiled brats that wanted everything the way they wanted.
I tried to step out of the bathroom without him listening to my steps. He was so angry that was really afraid of being caught. This all looked like I’d been eavesdropping on them on purpose!
The moment my hands touched the door, I heard him, “Who the hell touched my photos?”
Busted. Oh well. He’d find out it had been me anyway, so might as well get over it. I really should have cleaned the other brother’s room. He’d looked much nicer than this one.
I walked out of the bathroom and stood up to him. “Guilty.”
Adam turned around and I froze again, as his icy blue eyes met mines. “Why the hell did you touch my photos?” He was completely furious. Didn’t he know I was the new maid?
Couldn’t he give me a break just this time?
“I’m sorry.” That was the only thing I could say now. “Glenda told me to clean your room and I saw those photos spread all over the table so I thought-”
“You thought wrong!” He yelled at me. Boy, whoever was on the other side of the door could surely listen to his yells.
“I’m sorry.” I apologized again. “I didn’t know, I’m new and-”
“I don’t care! You’re warned! If you ever touch my photos again, I’ll make sure you’re fired!” I was too shocked to even defend myself.
All that was left for him to do was hit me across the face or something. I watched him rubbing his face with both his hands, and closing his eyes for a moment.
Then, calmer, he asked, “How did you get in? I didn’t hear you when my father left-”
“I… I was on the bathroom.”
His eyes widened straight away. “You were listening to the whole conversation?” He stepped toward me.
“No!” I said quickly.
“Then what the hell were you doing hidden in the bathroom?” He stepped toward me again and I started feeling threatened and little by all of his height and tamed body.
“I was cleaning up the bathroom when you arrived!” I started explaining, “If I’d gotten out of the bathroom and interrupted the conversation, you or your father would have probably shot me!”
The more he approached me, the meaner he seemed.
Finally, he stopped walking just when he was right in front of me. Looking into my dark blue eyes, Adam lowered his head to better take a look at my face.
Leaning down on me, he said quietly, but with a threatening tone, “Get. Out. Of. My. Room.”
“Gladly!” Then, I turned around and walked out of his room, slamming shut the door, hoping Glenda would never tell me to clean that room ever again.
God, he’d really been arrogant, stupid… spoiled brat! I didn’t mean to listen to their conversation and as for the photos, I thought I was supposed to organize them!
On my way downstairs, I found my aunt. She must have seen I was pissed off, because she hurried to ask, “Something happened, Eva?”
“No,” I lied.
She didn’t seem to believe much, but she didn’t ask me anything more, thank god. “Since you’re here, I suppose you’re finished with Adam’s room?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” She reached for my arm and pulled me towards her. “It’s time for me to show you the house so that you won’t get lost.
“Then we’re supposed to help the other maids carrying everything to the backyard. The party starts around 2 PM and we have plenty to do.”
I said nothing and let her start walking, guiding me throughout the huge house. No, not the house, I corrected myself, throughout the huge mansion.
The tour around the house took almost two hours, because there were some rooms where my aunt would just start changing things. Well, that I could say of her, my aunt was a cleaning freak.
The mansion was actually bigger than I initially thought. It happened that this huge fortress had over thirty rooms! Thirty ! Who the hell needed all of those bedrooms?!
They also had two huge salons, which Mrs. Cooper used to throw parties.
Of course, they had around four living rooms, four offices, two medium dining rooms – I’d seen one – and one really huge, where Mr. Cooper usually had business dinners, my aunt had explained.
It was also worthless to say that they had a huge pool outside, as well as an amazing inner pool. Next to it, was a gym equipped with everything a sportsman could think of.
My aunt had also said Brad loved tennis so a tennis court was outside. Then, there was something that I asked her.
I remembered all of those photos with horses Adam had and I wondered if they had any actual horse.
My aunt answered Adam loved horses, so on the south part of the property, she revealed he had six horses and took care of them himself.
Poor horses, I thought for myself. They’re stuck with an arrogant asshole.
After the tour, my aunt and I went to help the other maids.
I helped Becca carrying stuff to the backyard, like chairs, small tables, dishes, food, drinks and a long paper with thick letters that said, “Congratulations, Adam!”
Congratulations my ass.
When everything was ready, it was almost two pm.
The maids were all reunited in the kitchen, while the butlers were receiving the guests in the entrance and leading them to the backyard, where everything had been set for them.
I’d been warned and forced to do a new braid, since Glenda had said we had to look pretty. Yes, she’d said it.
At least, thanks to the busy day, I hadn’t yet thought of my mother. It was good, because I wouldn’t start crying in the middle of a backyard filled with rich and spoiled people. But I knew better.
When the night would come, the moment I’d lie on my bed, I’d start thinking about her and my heart would ache, like if a part of it was missing. And it was.
As I looked at the trays we’d have to carry, I bit my bottom-lip. I was one hell of a clumsy girl. I didn’t want to trip on my own two feet and break or slip something over some rich person.
It would be humiliating!
I had both Becca and my aunt at my side when Glenda finally said, “Well, ladies, the guests are on the backyard and are waiting for us to serve them.
“Remember, keep your eyes open when carrying a tray, because people are unpredictable and that means someone might appear in front of you when you least expect.
“And we all know Mr. Cooper himself doesn’t want disasters, understood?”
“Yes.” They all replied in unison. Damn, Glenda was one hell of a strict commander.
“Now, the trays are all here. Each takes one and walks outside, graciously.” Glenda said like if this was some kind of pageant contest. All of the maids went to get a tray for themselves.
Before I actually grabbed one myself, it took me about two to three minutes, until I finally got one with drinks.
“Be careful with that, Eva.” I heard my aunt’s voice behind me. I smiled. I wouldn’t ruin anything.
“Don’t worry, auntie.” I looked over my shoulder when I was about to pass through the kitchen’s door. “I’m careful enough to know this is my job and-”
Then, I saw her face changing. Her mouth was suddenly opened, shocked, and then yelling, “Look out!”
It was too late when I looked forward and saw Adam passing right in front of me. I couldn’t do anything when I crashed against him and the drinks were spilled over his shiny suit.
Silence. All the maids that were nearby were shocked and didn’t dare to say anything. Why the hell didn’t they come to help me?! Still, I hurried to say, “I am so sorry!”
Adam was equally shocked as he looked at his black jacket and buttoned shirt, all wet from the red wine. I closed my eyes when I saw him lifting his head.
I counted mentally. One, two… three!
“You again?”
I faced his cold blue eyes, “I’m sorry! I didn’t see you and-”
“The hell you didn’t!” He shouted. Thank god we were still getting out of the kitchen. None of the guests passed through here so… and what was he doing here anyway?
“I-”
“Just shut up, will you?” He said to me, in the most arrogant way I’d ever seen someone talking to me. Then, he turned around and went, probably, to his room in order to change clothes.
I immediately turned to face my aunt, “I didn’t see him!”
It wasn’t my aunt’s voice I heard first, “You’re a disaster!” It was Glenda’s. “Look at what you did! You spilled a whole tray over Mr. Cooper’s older son!
“Mrs. Cooper surely didn’t evaluate you, otherwise you wouldn’t be here!”
I looked at my aunt, for some backup. But all I got was her closing her eyes and taking her hand to her forehead. “Foolish girl! Go to your room and change your uniform!” She practically yelled at me.
“I’m sure your aunt has given you more than one!”
It was worthless to fight with Glenda while all the other maids just stood there watching. Besides, it had been my fault. I should’ve looked forward while walking with the tray.
Sighing, I just turned around and led myself to my room. God, I’d embarrassed myself in front of Glenda, my aunt and the other maids.
Of course that spoiled brat named Adam didn’t make things easier for me by reacting that way. I was guilty for the little accident, but he didn’t need to overreact!
I’m sure he had plenty of clothes to replace the dirty ones!
As soon as I got to my room, I took off the dirty uniform and swapped it by a new one.
I hate this! I hate everything! I felt tears on my eyes, but I wouldn’t let them fall. I wouldn’t cry over such stupid situation.
Minutes later, I was ready to crash against someone again. I closed the door of my room and went downstairs.
When I got to the floor where the Coopers’ bedrooms were, I noticed Adam coming out of his room. He’d clearly changed clothes, though he looked just the same.
Although he was kind of sexy with that suit, his sexiness really didn’t appeal to me when I reminded myself of how bad-humored he was. Not to mention he was actually older than me.
Yes, I kind of knew that because he’d graduated from med-school, and that meant he was about, four, five years older than me. Too old for me. Well, not that I wanted something with that arrogant ass.
Before he could see me, I hurried up my pace, thought it was too late to do anything, again.
“You, in my way, again?”
I turned around to face his frosty blue eyes, “Do you have any problem with it? As far as I know, I’m allowed to walk in the same places than you.” I bit my lip right away.
I usually didn’t lose patience about anything, but the way he acted towards me annoyed me.
“Who are you anyway?” He asked me, though he really didn’t want to know.
“I’m the girl that was introduced to you yesterday when you arrived to have dinner.” I explained him, “Eva Hudson, Deena’s niece.”
“Oh,” He said. It was intentional, ” You. I remember you. What happened to your hair?” I rose my eyebrow, caught off guard with such question. “I remember you had this wild hair.
“ Gabi obligated you to cut it?”
Rolling my eyes, I started walking, “No, I made a braid because of that same reason.”
“Hum.” His fake interest was suddenly gone when I noticed him hurrying and passing by me. The last thing he said before I lost track of him was, “Make sure you don’t do the same to other guests, kid.”
Kid? Kid?! He has got to be kidding me. Did I look like I had ten years old? I may be younger than him, but I’m old enough to not be called kid anymore! I shook my head. That guy was really stupid.
I sighed and made my way to the kitchen, where I found Glenda alone. I’m sure she was waiting for me. “You’ll not carry any trays.” She said as soon as she laid her dark eyes on me.
me. Smartly, I didn’t protest. I didn’t want to do the same mistake again.
“What will I do, then?”
“You will grab this,” She threw me a garbage bag and continued, “And you’ll walk around the backyard, invisible , and you’ll pick up any garbage that’s on the floor.
“ Mrs. Cooper hates to see her backyard so dirty when she’s throwing a party.”
Was she serious? “Is this a joke?” Was she really going to force me to walk around the backyard, catching the garbage from the floor?
“No, I’m not. Everyone has to start from the bottom.” Bottom?! This was below bottom! “Now go. I’m sure the grass is already filled with napkins and other things.”
I took a deep breath as I turned around and left the kitchen, trying to control the anger I felt for Glenda. I squeezed my hands and almost buried my own nails on the palm of my hands. What a bitch!
Trying to control the anger, I walked out of the house and stepped in the backyard, filled with people, mostly around their twenties, after all, this was Adam’s graduation party.
I went around the whole group and found a hidden spot near the buffet. I stayed there, watching all of those rich bastards that didn’t care about the poorest, me , for example. I sat on an empty seat.
me If my mother was alive… she’d never let me go through this.
“Having fun?” I heard behind me. I’d never heard the voice so I turned around and recognized the boy as being Brad, Adam’s younger brother.
“No.” I replied honestly as my dark blue eyes gazed at him.
He was just wearing some jeans and a black blazer over a blue shirt, which made his blue eyes pop out of his beautiful face, though no more handsome than Adam’s. “I’m bored.
“I have to pick up the garbage and I don’t feel like lowering my body the whole time to pick up nasty stuff when I’m surrounded by people I’ve never seen in my life.”
Maybe I’d spoken too much. Still, Brad answered with a smile. “It sucks to leave your life to be a maid, right?” My eyes narrowed. How did he know that?
Reading the question in my eyes, he explained, “My mother told me all she knew about you. So I know you came here because your mother died.”
I looked away. I tried to lock my mother away from my thoughts by thinking about other stuff, like…. for example… Think, Eva. Brad treated Mrs. Cooper by mother, and Adam didn’t. I wondered why.
“Relax, I won’t tell anyone. My father doesn’t care about the maids and Adam’s too egocentric for it anyway.” Wow, nice brother Adam had. Badmouthing. “So your secret’s safe with me.”
“How old are you?”
“Same as you.” Eighteen then. “Eva, right?”
“Yeah.” I got up to see him better.
He smiled at me, “I heard you spilled some wine over my older brother.” I blushed as he brought up the issue. “Oh, don’t worry. Adam deserved it.
“My mother spent this last week preparing everything for this party and when he found out, he practically told her to go to hell.”
“I know. He doesn’t look too happy from where I’m standing.” I commented as my eyes flew from Brad to Adam.
He wasn’t that far from me and Brad so if we wanted, we could both listen to what he was saying to girl in front of him.
“That’s Rachel.” Brad revealed. “She’s his girlfriend.” Poor Rachel. Did she know he had an awful humor?
“How long?” I asked.
“One year.”
Ok, so… she probably knew about his bad humor.
I stared at her. She was gorgeous, actually. She had straight brown hair that fell on her back and shoulders without any flaw.
She had a tanned complexion, great cheekbones and perfect lips, doll lips, actually. Her eyes were a mixture of green and brown, though they were browner.
She was probably athletic because she was a bit skinny, but had enormous breasts. And the black dress she wore made all men eat her with their eyes.
“She’s very pretty.”
“I guess.” He shrugged. “For the ones who like the style of whore mixed with a model. I’m not saying I don’t like her, though. She’s really nice, actually.
“She’s just not my style.” Now he was badmouthing his brother’s girlfriend. Great start. I could actually tell his cynicism around us.
“What about you?” I asked. I was done talking about Adam. “You don’t have any girlfriend?”
“Nah.” He shook his head. “I prefer staying single. I prefer to live adventures.” In that very moment, only one word was one my mind. Playboy! I now felt like a dog ready to bark and bite him.
I hated playboys! They were the shittiest scumbag on Earth! Ok, I seriously needed to calm down. He really wasn’t acting like a playboy since he wasn’t hitting on me.
Playboys always hit on a girl whenever they could.
Calm down, I said to myself.
“Are you ok, Eva?” He placed his hand on my shoulder.
I immediately stepped backwards. “Yeah. Well, I better get started. I don’t want your mother to fire me.” I showed him the garbage bag and smiled nervously. I could act so stupidly sometimes.
Before he could say anything else, I turned around and dip myself into that young crowed, my head low so that no one would see my face, or how young I looked, so that they wouldn’t wonder why was I working as a maid.
I actually started picking up stuff from the floor. People could be so dirty when they were at someone else’s house…
I lost track of time when suddenly someone passed by me and made me lose my balance. Clumsy as I was, I fell. It’s not hard to guess I fell at his feet.
his I looked up and saw his already shocked and infuriated icy blue eyes. Sighing, I began, “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to-”
“Who is this?” I heard behind me.
I hurried to get up and turned around, only to face one of the most attractive men I’d ever seen. Oh, he was… an angel.
His grey eyes combined with his black hair, tanned skin and delicious lips… not to mention his tall body, just like Adam’s, was perfectly tamed from what I could see from his tight clothes.
“Just a new maid.”
“Name, please.” He smiled at me.
“I don’t remember.” Adam said in the rear, with the most bored voice I’d ever heard from him.
I smiled like a girl with jumping and excited hormones and hurried to introduce myself, “I’m Eva.”
“Vince.” He reached for my hand and kissed it.
Then, I heard, once again behind me, though this time it was a female voice. “People can so see you’re not that rich, Vince.” She laughed. Her voice was king of… thick. “She’s a maid.”
“That doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate her beauty.” Vince said, looking at me with those colorless eyes. Me? Pretty? With this uniform and with my hair on a stupid braid? I don’t think so, Vince.
“Her blue eyes are prettier than yours, Adam.”
“If you liked my eyes more than hers, I’d think you had a problem.” Adam said, completely disinterested in the conversation. “Let her go, Vince. She has work to do.”
“I understand.” He replied to me. “Well, I hope to see you often-”
“I don’t think you’ll be seeing her often. If she keeps acting clumsy, Gabi will probably fire her.”
I couldn’t help it. I turned around and tried my hard to not yell, “Look, I didn’t do it on purpose, ok? And I’m sorry I touched your photos! It won’t happen again!”
“I’m sure it won’t.” He said, not believing me at all and not even bothering to look me in the eyes.
My blood boiled. “I have to go.” I didn’t even looked one last time at Vince. “I have to clean the mess these pigs make.” And I surely didn’t care if Adam had heard what said.
Still, while I walked away, I could still hear them, “I know you’re kind of cold to everyone, but you’re angrier that the usual, aren’t you? I can feel it, babe.”
Those were the last words regarding Adam and his girlfriend, because afterwards, I spent the whole day doing my job and avoiding him.
The fewer waves I did around him, the less chances I’d have to get fired.
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