Chapter 2

Ella’s POV

“Do your jobs properly, or you’ll return to where you all came from. Is that understood?” Mrs. Denver continued, her voice sharp. I could see the fear in my colleagues’ eyes. We were all maids here, and losing this job wasn’t an option.

Our agency had prepared us for this, and we scrambled for the opportunity. Back in Hong Kong, life wasn’t easy. So when Maya and I got the news that we’d be working for an influential family in America, we were overjoyed. At least we’d be leaving our unfortunate lives behind.

“Start preparing for my son’s visit. You’re dismissed,” Mrs. Denver added before walking away. We all returned to our assigned tasks.

Maya and I were on kitchen duty, preparing the afternoon meal.

“I can’t believe you fucked that guy, Isabella Ross. You’re such a bad girl,” Maya teased, nudging me playfully.

I felt heat rise to my cheeks. Did I really do that? I had lost my virginity to a man I didn’t even know. Maybe it was for the best because I’d never have to see him again. Facing him would be impossible.

“Give me the full details, Ella. I mean everything he did,” Maya grinned. “Maybe I should try him out too because it looks like he left a good impression on you. You’ve been smiling all morning. Should I be worried?”

We both burst into laughter, shaking our heads as we finished setting the table.

“Get some more plates here,” Mrs. Denver instructed.

It was unfortunate that a woman so influential and beautiful, even in her fifties, was single. I had done some digging and learned she had only one child and had been divorced for a long time.

The maids suddenly scrambled toward the grand doors, lining up in a neat row. I followed suit, unsure why, but I wasn’t about to stand out on my first day. Getting sent back to Hong Kong was not an option.

“How old do you think her son is?” Maya whispered. “I heard he’s ugly.”

“Stop talking nonsense, Maya. Have you even seen him?” I whispered back. “I just think he doesn’t like attention. And besides, how would you know what he looks like when we don’t even have a social life?”

We chuckled quietly, making eye contacts.

Just then, a sleek black Range Rover pulled into the driveway and my eyes widened in shock.

“Oh no,” I whispered.

Maya grabbed my arm. “Uhmmm, girl… isn’t this the man you went off with yesterday?”

I felt my breath hitch. What was he doing here? I thought we’d never see each other again. It hadn’t even been twenty-four hours, and now, sober and without the confidence of last night, I was seeing him again.

“Hi, Mother,” the man greeted, placing a kiss on Mrs. Denver’s cheek.

I froze as shivers ran the my body. Mother? He’s her son? The son she had been talking about? He’s this rich?! This can’t be happening.

“Hi, baby. How have you been?” Mrs. Denver beamed. “Finally, you took up my invitation to spend some time with me. Well, let’s go inside and catch up.”

As they passed, I noticed the other maids bowing slightly. “Welcome, Master,” they chorused.

I wasn’t told this was part of the job, but of course, I bowed too. I wasn’t about to stand out.

Then he stopped right in front of me.

I felt my heart pounding so hard I thought everyone could hear it. I had come here to work, to earn a living, and that’s what I needed to focus on. I’d just pretend nothing happened. Yes, that’s what I’d do.

“Do I know you?” His deep voice cut through the air.

I swallowed hard, my palms sweating. “No, Master. I don’t think you do,” I lied.

Of course, he knew me. His tongue had been inside me just hours ago.

He studied me for a second before walking away with his mother.

As soon as they were gone, Maya nudged me. “Ella, I know I was drunk, but I can’t forget a face. That’s definitely him.”

I sighed in frustration. “Of course, it’s him, Maya. What do you think? That I’m dumb? I clearly slept with him. I should know.”

Maya burst into laughter. “Chill, girl. I don’t think he remembers you.”

“I really hope he doesn’t,” I muttered. “My job is on the line.”

We continued with our chores, setting the table for their meal. Once they finished eating, we were sent back to the servants’ quarters.

This house was enormous. The Denver family really swam in riches. Now, his words from last night made sense—Do you even know who I am? Of course, I didn’t. I was practically an illiterate when it came to the rich and famous.

As Maya and I settled in, getting to know the other maids, a tall man in black shades walked up to me.

“Miss Ella, you’ve been summoned. Kindly follow me.”

I stiffened. What had I done so soon? Shit. I didn’t want to lose my job.

I followed the big guy, who looked like he could crush fifty people at once, through the massive mansion. We reached a set of grand doors and he knocked.

Immediately the doors swung open and there he was sitting in the corner of the room, holding a glass of wine.

Two guards stood by the entrance. “Leave us,” his voice came, firm and commanding and the man rushed out.

I swallowed and the first time, I felt nervous. I hadn’t felt like this last night. But things weren’t the same anymore.

The men left, shutting the doors behind them and I was alone with the man I had given my virginity to.

“Ella, right?” His voice was smooth, almost teasing. “Didn’t think I’d see you again.”

Neither did I, sir. I wanted to say, but my throat felt dry.

“Move closer.” He commanded.

I hesitated, then dragged my feet forward until I was standing right before him.

“I know you remember last night pretty well,” he said. “I made sure you did.”

For a second, I felt my cheeks burn but I knew I shouldn’t feel this way. I had hoped he wouldn’t remember.

He placed his drink down and stepped closer. So close enough that I could smell his intoxicating and expensive cologne.

“Ella, I—”

Suddenly, voices from outside interrupted him and the doors flung open.

A stunning woman stormed in, with fury in her eyes.

“Don’t you people know I’m his girlfriend? Why are you stopping me from seeing Jordan? And who the hell is this bitch?” she screamed.

I stiffened.

“Stay right there, Fiona,” Jordan’s voice came, cold and sharp. “Don’t come any closer.”