I stood in front of a towering aluminum gate, its sleek, metallic surface gleaming under the overcast sky. The estate stretched endlessly behind it, a narrow, neatly paved road winding away into the distance, flanked by tall trees on either side. There wasn't a house in sight. A small plaque on the stone wall beside the gate reads, Aiden's Residence. Odd, I thought. People usually put their family name on these kinds of plaques.
I scanned the road beyond the gate again, squinting as if that might conjure a distant mansion, but it was only me and the quiet. Behind me, the main road stretched away, deserted. Only two cars had passed in the last several minutes, leaving me in near silence, with a sense of isolation that began to feel unnerving. No guard, no doorbell, not a single soul around to guide me.
Just as the emptiness began to overwhelm me, my phone buzzed in my hand. It was Liam.
"Hey," I answered, relief in my voice.
"What's going on?" he asked, his voice crackling slightly through poor reception.
"I don't even know how to get into this estate," I said, glancing at the locked gate in frustration.
"What do you mean? Didn't they leave any instructions?" He sounded puzzled.
"Nothing useful," I replied. "I'm just standing here staring down this perfectly trimmed road, no house or sign of life, just the gate and silence."
"What directions were you given?" His tone grew impatient.
"They just said someone would come get me."
"Then call them," he replied, exasperated.
"Well, if i have their number, i would have. Should I send an email?" I muttered into the phone, glancing around helplessly.
"And there's no button or anything to call them?" Liam asked. Just then, my gaze landed on a small, discreet camera system mounted on the wall near the gate.
"There's a camera," I said, almost relieved.
"Then press it, or whatever you're supposed to do," he replied, sounding frustrated.
"I honestly didn't see it before! I must've been too nervous." I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "You are not helping my situation"
"Alright, calm down," Liam said, softening. "You'll do great." And then the line clicked off. I stared at my phone in disbelief, scoffing. "Couldn't he stay on the line to see if this even works?"
I stepped closer to the camera, nervously smoothing my clothes and attempting a composed smile. If someone was already watching, I must've looked ridiculous pacing around out here. But I brushed off the thought, held my head high, and pressed the button, pasting on a polite, professional smile.
"Hello?" A voice rang out abruptly from a speaker somewhere near the gate, startling me.
"Hi, I'm Nelly Newton. I'm here for an interview," I replied, quickly regaining my composure.
"Someone will be with you shortly," the voice responded. A moment later, the gate clicked open, leaving a narrow gap. "Come in," the voice added.
I slipped through and closed it behind me, hearing the gate lock with a final, metallic click. I stood alone on the estate's pristine pathway, feeling an odd sense of being watched—as if the interview had already begun.
Just as I tried to shake off the nerves, a sleek black car appeared in the distance, gliding down the driveway towards me.
As the car approached, my jaw dropped at the sight of the gleaming black SUV rolling up the driveway. The model was unmistakable—just days ago, Liam had been showing me pictures of this exact vehicle: the 2024 Cadillac Escalade. I stepped to the side of the road as it turned smoothly and parked. Everything about it—from the luxurious finish to the quiet hum of its engine—seemed to embody the kind of wealth this estate clearly held.
A man stepped out of the driver's seat, giving me a polite nod and a warm smile. "Are you Miss Nelly Newton?"
"Yes," I replied, nodding.
"Please, come with me." He opened the back door of the SUV, gesturing for me to step inside.
I climbed in, instantly captivated. The interior was exactly like the photos I'd seen—spacious with three rows of plush black seats. The leather was sleek, cool to the touch, and the scent was both calming and luxurious, like someone had marked it as their own without adding a single personal touch. This car wasn't just high-end; it was intentional, understated, and full of character. I couldn't help but wonder: was this the owner's car? And just then, with a glance at the roomy interior, another thought struck me—What if they have kids? Multiple kids? I'd never handled children before, and that realization made my nerves tingle again. But the soothing ambiance in the SUV kept my anxiety in check, keeping me in the moment.
"We're here," the driver's voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Already?" I blurted, quickly masking my surprise. "Thank you."
I met his gaze, and he offered me a reassuring nod. "Good luck, Miss Newton."
"Thank you," I replied as I stepped out. And in taht moment i was tempted to ask the driver few question about this household but a quick glance at him again told me what i needed to know—he doesnt want me to bother him.
I'd been so lost in admiring the car, that I hadn't noticed the grand structure before me. Now, standing before it, I felt almost overwhelmed. It was breathtaking, a stunning blend of architecture that looked too flawless to be real. I consciously kept my mouth firmly shut, i cant have my jaw dropping oor my mouth gaping out here but inside, my brain was buzzing—What do people even do to deserve a place, a life like this?
"Miss Nelly, I'm Rose," a warm voice called out. I looked up to see a middle-aged woman with a bright, welcoming smile, walking toward me from the grand doorway. Her calm, natural warmth eased my nerves, and I smiled back as I approached, trying to keep my steps as light as possible. I had nothing to my name, and one misstep here felt like it could break something priceless.
"Welcome to this beautiful home," Rose said, meeting me halfway. "Let's do the interview in the kitchen, if you don't mind. We'll take the side path around the house."
The way she said "house" made me want to laugh; this was no ordinary house. This was a sprawling masterpiece, more like an industrial mega-mansion than a residence. The sleek, modern architecture looked like something crafted by AI, too perfect to exist in reality.
I followed Rose around the house, excitement bubbling up as I tried to take it all in. Even if I didn't get the job, this place was already an unforgettable experience. We walked along a vast terrace, showcasing a natural landscape that stretched far beyond, dotted with distant buildings whose purposes I could only guess. Turning a corner, we came upon a lush garden bursting with color. Rows of fruit trees were heavy with ripe, vibrant produce, and flowers bordered each path, adding a breathtaking touch of color against the green.
"I told Williams to harvest this yesterday," Rose murmured to herself as we climbed a small set of steps toward an imposing door. Before she'd even opened it, the rich aroma of grilled chicken and fresh-baked goods filled the air, making my stomach rumble. The door swung open, and the scents intensified, flooding my senses as I stepped into a kitchen that was easily the size of my entire apartment.
Two chefs were busy at their stations, one carefully arranging ingredients while the other monitored a simmering sauce. The counters were covered with fresh vegetables, herbs, and what looked like freshly baked bread. I couldn't help but let my eyes wander, taking in the gleaming stainless steel appliances, the towering cabinets, and the sheer spaciousness.
"You're welcome," both chefs chimed in unison. I smiled politely, still in awe of the place. As Rose moved across the kitchen to open a glass door leading to a balcony, I could see the lush, sprawling garden just beyond.
Rose motioned for me to take a seat at a small table overlooking the garden. I tried to keep my attention on her, though my gaze kept drifting to the stunning view outside—a perfectly manicured garden with winding paths, blooming flowers, and towering trees.
"It's beautiful here," Rose said, catching my wandering gaze with a knowing smile. "The garden was one of the main reasons I opted to work here. I'm sure you'll like it. The owner puts alot of effort into it"
"I already do," I replied, feeling a little dazed.
"Mr. Aiden isn't home at the moment, so you won't be meeting him just yet. I'll be handling your interview today. As I mentioned in the email, I appreciated your enthusiasm and honesty in your cover letter. You expressed such a genuine willingness to work. Would you like to tell me more about that?"
"Yes," I said, almost too eagerly, surprised that my honest ramblings might actually land me a job this grand. "Growing up as an only child, I've always enjoyed meeting new people and taking care of others. Eventually, I realized I love helping people by taking care of their spaces—it's my way of serving. I live in a house with three friends, and I take care of our place. I love it, and I think working in a household like this will allow me to bring that same dedication to a new level."
"That's wonderful, Miss Newton," Rose replied, nodding. "But let me clarify—you would be the only full-time housekeeper on the property, and the position requires working mostly alone. This is a single-occupant household."
"Oh," I said, surprised. "Just Mr. Aiden?"
"Yes, just him. He values his privacy and doesn't like to be disturbed. So, your work here should mostly be out of his line of sight."
"Of course. I'm very discreet; I won't cause any disturbance," I assured her, trying to hide my surprise. "But how rich is Mr Aiden"
Rose's smile faltered slightly. "I mean, truly, he prefers not to see you 95% of the time."
I blinked, taken aback. "But… how do I serve him if I can't see him?"
Rose gave a knowing smile. "He doesn't need to see you to benefit from your work. I trust you can manage that."
Realizing I may have seemed hesitant, I quickly nodded, my excitement returning. "Of course, I understand."
"It can feel isolating," Rose added, her gaze softening. "Is that something you'd be comfortable with?"
"Absolutely," I replied without hesitation, trying to convince myself as much as her.
"Then welcome to Cooper Oak, Miss Newton." She rose and offered her hand, a firm, welcoming shake. "Now, let's go over your salary and accommodations."
I followed her, still reeling. there was a strange feeling lingering in the back of my mind, something concealed behind the rules about keeping out of sight. But for $10,000 a month, I was ready to dive in.