Valerie's POV:
I woke up early, feeling a bit groggy from the excitement of my first day as a maid. I went through my morning routine, trying to hurry up so I wouldn't be late. I brushed my hair with my comb, attempting to tame the wild, brown locks that always seemed to have a mind of their own. I wasn't proud of my hair, but I loved it, and my mom loved it even more. She always said it was a part of who I was, and I shouldn't try to change it. People often complimented me on my dark eyes, saying they were almost black and could "draw you in." But I never really believed them - I thought they were just being kind.
As I got dressed, my mom called me downstairs. Our house was small, just one story, but it was home. My dad inherited it from his father, who inherited it from his father, who was a bit wealthy but lost everything in a bad business deal. My dad always said he would never make the same mistakes, and he worked hard to provide for us. The house was old, but we loved it. At least we had a roof over our heads, and I had my own room, which was more than some people could say.
I came downstairs, wearing my simple white shirt and black skirt, with a long-strapped handbag slung over my shoulder. I said to my mom, who was busy making breakfast in the kitchen, "I'm so late. I should have gotten ready earlier."
My mom smiled, "It's okay, dear, you're not too late. But before you go, how about some breakfast? You need something to eat before your first day at the Weldon's estate."
I hesitated, "Actually, Mom, I'm not going to eat today. I want to make a good impression, and I don't want to risk being late or feeling uncomfortable during my first day."
My dad protested, "But Valerie, you need to eat something! You can't go on an empty stomach all day."
I reassured them, "I'll be fine, really. I'll grab something later if I need to. And think about it, Mom, you always say that a little hunger can help us focus and work harder. I'll be okay, I promise."
My mom looked concerned but ultimately nodded, "Alright, dear. But be careful, okay? We love you."
Dad added, "And don't forget, we're proud of you no matter what. You're taking a big step today, and we know you'll do great."
With that, I took a deep breath, grabbed my handbag, and headed out the door, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as I started my new journey as a maid at the Weldon's estate.
â â â
I walked from our house nestled among the thick trees that symbolized the land of Eldrida. The 15-minute journey to the Weldon's mansion was a peaceful one, with only the sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling accompanying me. The long, paved road wound its way through the dense forest, with towering trees standing sentinel on either side.
As I emerged from the trees, the grand mansion came into view, its stone facade glowing golden in the morning light. I felt a sense of awe wash over me, and I couldn't help but admire the intricate architecture and beautifully manicured gardens.
I approached the entrance, and the guards nodded in recognition, and I greeted them with a crisp "Good morning, Mr. Brooks, Good morning, Mr. Thompson." They returned my greeting with a nod, and I passed through the gates.
The main mansion was a marvel, with rooms upon rooms of opulence and luxury. The family's private quarters were located on the upper floors, while the lower floors housed the grand dining hall, the singing hall, and the grand reception room. The library was a particular highlight, with its vast collection of ancient tomes and rare manuscripts. I'm not much of a reader but I sometimes like to spend my free time there because of the serene atmosphere and the smell of old books.
But I wasn't headed for the main mansion just yet. I made my way around the side of the house, following a path that led to the servant's quarters. These were smaller and more modest than the main mansion, but still comfortable and well-appointed. The kitchen, along with the rooms for the staff was located in the servant's quarters.
As I hurried down the hallway to the kitchen in the servant's quarters, I collided with a messy blond-haired boy who looked like he was in his mid-20s. I took in his features - straight nose, bright blue eyes, and a charming smile. He looked cute, maybe even the cutest guy I'd ever seen. I hadn't had time for boys, and neither had Mira- maybe because of her likeness for Prince Nova Calon.
The boy wore casual clothes - a black t-shirt and dark jeans - and looked unfamiliar. I realized I'd stared too long, my cheeks flushing pink. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going," I said, taking responsibility.
"It's okay, I wasn't either," he replied with a smile, waving off the apology. "I'm Magna Evans, I just joined here three days ago." He introduced himself with a charming bow of his head. "And you are?"
"Valerie Alaric," I replied.
"You are miss Weldon's best friend," It wasn't a question rather a statement.
Raising an eyebrow, I asked, "How did you know?"
Magna chuckled, his eyes sparkling. "Everyone talks about you, Valerie." He said it knowingly, like a secret only he was privy to.
"I hope in a good way?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
"Definitely in a good way," he reassured me with a flirtatious grin. "I can see that."
I blushed, looking at his feet, thinking, Was he flirting with me? No boy had ever done that, not that I wasn't pretty but I had hidden under the shadow of Mira Weldon, not that I was complaining but Mira was very pretty with her shoulder length hair and ice blue eyes she really stole the spotlight.
Before I could continue, Magna said, "It was nice meeting you, Valerie," with a charming smile. "I hope to see you around." He winked and turned to the door that lend into the gardens.
I stood, watching him leave with a blush still apparent on my face.
I shook my head and entered the kitchen, trying to put the encounter with Magna out of my mind. Head Maid Alia Mambo, a warm and kind woman in her late 30s with a messy bun and a gentle smile, greeted me. She was happily married and had a 5-year old daughter that I have met on several occasions and who I have come to love.
Alia wore a crisp black dress with a white apron, her uniform immaculate as always. "Valerie, here you are! Are you ready for your new day?" She said teasingly.
I nodded,"Something like that."
She laughed, " I know you will do great."
I smiled warmly at her. She really was nice. "Thanks."
"Okay then, I need you to clean the east wing today." She assigned me to the task.
I replied, "Okay," and headed to the room where we changed into our maid uniforms. I put on the familiar black collar shirt with a white apron, adjusting the fit. The only complaint I had was that the skirt was too short, but since I'd been coming to the mansion, they hadn't changed it. I was giddy to be wearing it, nonetheless. I tied my hair into a ponytail, securing it tightly to keep it out of my face while I worked.
After finishing my cleaning tasks, I headed to Mira's room, a place I'd visited countless times. I knocked and entered the room, it was a cozy sanctuary located on the second floor of the mansion, just down the hall from the library. The room had shelves filled with books lining the walls, their colorful spines and gilt-edged pages gleaming in the soft light. The bed was in the center of the room, it had a delicate lace canopy, which was adorned with a riot of pillows in pastel hues, and a soft, velvety blanket in a pale shade of pink. The walls were painted a soothing pale blue, and the furniture was a mix of elegant antiques and comfortable, overstuffed armchairs. The room was very spacious as big as my living room and kitchen combined. It also looked clean no doubt it was cleaned today by one of the maids. The window overlooked the garden; it was a very good view. To sum it up, the room was very elegant.
Mira was engrossed in a book on her bed. Mira had always loved reading since she was young, and it was one of the reasons why the library was well stocked in the mansion. She'd often recommend books to me, but I wasn't much of a reader and couldn't keep up with her voracious appetite for literature.
I teased, "Hmm, seems like you're busy." She looked up, smiled, and set the book aside, her eyes sparkling. She got up from the bed and stood in front of me, examining my uniform.
"Val, you look drop-dead gorgeous in the maid's outfit!" She complimented, her eyes shining with excitement.
I self-consciously tugged at the skirt, trying to pull it down a little. "It's too short," I said, feeling a bit exposed.
Mira caught my hand and squeezed it. "That's why it's so pretty!" She exclaimed in a sincere way and I believed her.
We both settled onto the bed beside the book she was reading earlier.
All of a sudden her expression turned excited and I knew what she was going to say next. "Next year is the prince's 20th birthday!"
I knew what that meant, even if I didn't say it out loud. In Calonia, the prince would start searching for a wife at 20 and marry by 21. Mira continued. "Do you know what that means?" She asked, barely containing her enthusiasm.
I shrugged nonchalantly, picking up the book she'd discarded. "No?" I replied, trying to sound disinterested.
Mira's face lit up. "It means the prince will pick his bride next year!" She squealed, her excitement palpable. I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "Oh, wow. That's awesome."
Mira noticed my sarcasm and asked, "Why that expression, Val?" I shrugged again, and she continued, undeterred. "Mum and Dad said they'll host the royal family next year." That got my attention. I wasn't surprised that they could, since Mira's parents were well known in the whole country. They were the directors of the national museum of Calonia located in Calon city. So the idea of them hosting the golden family was plausible.
I put down the book and turned to her. "Are you sure?"
Mira nodded vigorously, her ponytail bouncing. "Yeah, we're planning it! And, by the way, there's a new employee". She said changing the subject, "what was his name..oh, Magna. He's kind of cute but a creep." She shuddered.
I blushed and looked away, trying not to reveal my thoughts. Mira noticed, her perceptive eyes sparkling with amusement. "Don't tell me you like him?" She asked, almost shouting, her voice full of disbelief and playful teasing.
I stuttered, defensive. "I...I don't!"
Mira jumped up, squealing, and held my shoulders. "I give you my blessings!" She said, bowing her head in a mocking but friendly gesture.
I exclaimed, "Seriously?!" And then came Mira's laughter, echoing throughout the room.
â â â
Three months had passed, and Mira's teasing had proven prophetic - Magna and I were indeed dating. It was one of the best periods of my life, filled with laughter, adventure, and sweet moments. He was my first kiss, and I thought our connection was special. I was on cloud nine, and my happiness was palpable.
But, as the months went by, Magna started to withdraw. He became distant, barely speaking to me, and I sensed the relationship was on the verge of crumbling. I tried to brush it off, thinking he was stressed or preoccupied, but deep down, I knew something was amiss.
One day, I decided to confront him. "Magna, what's going on? You've been so cold and distant lately," I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
He sighed, his expression unyielding. "Valerie, I was wrong to think we had a connection."
I was shocked on what I was hearing. I tried to make him understand that we could take it slowly but he quickly shunned me and said coldly, "Everyone knows you are only working at the Weldon's because of favoritism from Mira and her family."
His words cut deep, like a knife twisting in my heart. I felt a stinging sensation, as if my very identity was being questioned. I tried to defend myself, but he barely listened, his eyes already disconnected from mine.
After that, he barely spoke to me, only passing rude comments and whispering disparaging remarks to the other workers. Mira was livid when she found out, demanding are parents fire him on the spot. My parents, too, were furious, wanting to confront him and defend my honor. But I stopped them, insisting I needed to handle it myself.
The breakup was a blur of tears, sleepless nights, and aching heartache. I went through the motions, trying to focus on my work, but it was a struggle. I felt lost and alone, like a part of me had been ripped away.
But, with time, I began to heal, pouring my energy into my duties and slowly rebuilding my sense of self. I realized that love wasn't worth sacrificing my dignity and self-worth. I decided then that I was going to stay away from love for the time being.
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There you have it, the first chapter. Please don't forget to vote and comment. Thank you.