Chapter 1: The Boy Who Chose the Maid
Chapter 1: The Boy Who Chose the Maid
Oliver's eyes lit up.
"Anna!"
Before anyone could stop him, the seven-year-old sprinted across the ballroom, weaving between startled guests until he reached a young maid carrying a silver tray.
The tray slipped from her hands, glasses shattering across the marble floor.
"I'm sorry!" Anna exclaimed, instinctively stepping back.
But Oliver wrapped his arms tightly around her waist.
"I knew you'd come."
The ballroom fell silent.
Damian frowned.
"Oliver, come here."
The boy shook his head.
"No."
Celeste forced a smile.
"Children become attached to caregivers. It's perfectly normal."
But Oliver looked directly at his father.
"When I miss Mommy, Anna stays with me."
The words hit Damian like a punch.
Anna quickly lowered her head.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Harlow. I never meant to overstep."
The elderly housekeeper, Mrs. Eleanor, quietly stepped forward.
"She didn't."
Damian turned toward her.
"For two years, whenever Oliver had nightmares, Anna was the one who comforted him."
"When he refused to eat, she sat beside him until he finished."
"When he cried for his mother..."
Mrs. Eleanor paused.
"...Anna never left him alone."
The guests exchanged uncomfortable glances.
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They had gathered to celebrate a new beginning.
Instead, they were witnessing the truth about the person who had quietly held the family together.
