or made a wish. The cake had been cut into,
ruining the original shape.
“Oh, you shouldn’t have! Thank you, Chris,
I’ve never had such a nice cake!”
<
Brenda had been here the whole time, and
knew exactly when the cake came out. But
she didn’t ask Mom or me, she simply
thanked Chris.
My displeasure was growing.
Mom gently patted my hand. “Take the rest,
Brenda. I’m trying to lose weight. In a few
days Hailey and I will make another one, it’ll
be better.”
“Oh, wonderful! Well, I’ll take it then. Thank
you, Mrs. Davis. Thank you, Hailey.”
I thought that was the end of it.
く
Then, halfway through the night, I got up to
get a drink of water. As I approached the
stairs, I saw a light in the kitchen, and could
hear Brenda talking to Chris.
“Did you see that car? How much did that
thing cost? It’s just a birthday! What a
waste!”
I ignored it, and she was still running her
mouth behind our backs?
I was about to go out there and fire her when
Brenda’s voice rang out again.
“It’s my birthday today too, and what did I
get? A piece of cake? Get out of here! Once
<
you two get married, you can’t let her send all
your money to her family!”
Frank chimed in. “Spoiled woman, just like her
mother.
“What’s an old broad like her gonna do with a
fancy car? Should’ve given it to me! Chris,
you need to get her pregnant already, that’ll
lock things down!”
My mind reeled. The housekeepers rotated,
so I never really knew who was staying. But
what was Frank doing here?
Also, what did he mean by “Chris?” What did he mean by “Get her pregnant?”
<
Bad thoughts swirled in my mind. As if to
confirm my fears, that familiar, gentle voice
sent a chill down my spine!
“I’m already planning the proposal. It’s just a
matter of time, don’t worry.”
Chris had never told me who his last name
was. He’s an orphan, I assumed he didn’t
have a last name.
Now that I knew the truth, everything that had
seemed strange in the past suddenly made
sense.
No wonder Brenda and Frank knew what we
liked and didn’t like when they first started
く
working here! I thought it was because they
had a lot of experience, but they had inside
information!
No wonder Brenda put on a show of being
mistreated in front of Chris! She was trying to
manipulate him!
My face must have looked terrible. My grip on
the glass tightened, turning my knuckles
white.
I knew Chris was secretly planning to
propose, but I didn’t let on, so I wouldn’t ruin
the surprise.
Now it felt like the whole relationship had
く
been a lie!
He wasn’t an orphan, he had an entire family
that he had gotten into our house.
I didn’t believe for one second that there
wasn’t another reason behind it.
Taking a deep breath, I quietly went back to
my room.
I wanted to see what he would do.
If he was just saying that to appease his
parents, I could give him a chance to explain.
But if he actually tried something, I would
く
know that he had a purpose for being here,
and I wouldn’t be so forgiving.
The next morning, Brenda was as happy as
ever, acting like last night hadn’t happened.
“Hailey, come eat. You know, girls shouldn’t
try to be too skinny. It can affect your ability
to have kids!”
I sat down, but didn’t touch anything.
I usually work out before breakfast, but
Brenda had never said anything. Did she think
that everything between me and Chris was
settled, so she was acting like she was
already my mother–in–law?
く
“Brenda, after this month, you’re gone. I’ll pay
you everything you’re owed.”
“What!”
Brenda’s voice was loud and shrill, her face
was contorted in anger. “Is this because of
last night? I won’t do it again! Please, give me
another chance!”
I shook my head, sensing the hatred in her
eyes.
“It’s a mutual agreement. I don’t think that
you’re right for this house. I’ll find someone
new for next month. This is a notice, not a
discussion.”
L
Then I left the dining room, to go for a
morning run.
Once I was outside, I pulled out my phone.
We’ve always had security cameras in the
house, Mom and I are the only ones who
know. Nothing had ever happened, but now I
know why it was there.
In the video, Brenda went upstairs and knocked on Chris‘ door. They went to the
balcony, and I put on my headphones so I
could hear what they were saying.
