CHAPTER 2: THE SECRET DECISION
CHAPTER 2: THE SECRET DECISION
The guests had left.
The mansion was quiet.
But Daniel Whitmore was furious.
"What do you mean she's being dismissed?"
His voice echoed through the study.
The head housekeeper sat stiffly across from him.
"We thought it would be best."
"We?"
The woman swallowed hard.
"Several members of the household staff."
Daniel's eyes narrowed.
"For what reason?"
Another uncomfortable silence.
Then she finally answered.
"People were talking."
"Talking about what?"
"That Miss Brooks was becoming too important to Sophie."
Daniel stared at her.
Unable to believe what he was hearing.
"She's a maid."
"Exactly."
The woman looked away.
"Some people felt Sophie was becoming attached."
Daniel laughed.
A cold laugh.
"My daughter lost her mother."
Nobody spoke.
"And you're punishing the one person who comforted her?"
The housekeeper's face turned red.
Meanwhile, upstairs, Anna was packing her suitcase.
She already knew she was leaving.
She had known for weeks.
Rumors spread fast among staff.
She folded the last of her clothes.
Then heard a knock.
The door opened.
Sophie rushed inside.
"No."
The little girl wrapped her arms around Anna.
"You can't leave."
Anna fought back tears.
"I don't get to decide."
"Then I'll ask Daddy again."
"Sophie..."
The child looked up.
Terrified.
"Everybody leaves."
The words hit Anna like a punch.
Her mother.
Gone.
Now Anna too.
The little girl was preparing for another goodbye.
Anna hugged her tightly.
And downstairs...
Daniel finally discovered who had actually ordered Anna's dismissal.
The name on the paperwork made his face go dark.
Because it wasn't a staff member.
It was someone much closer.
Someone he trusted.
His fiancée.
May you like
Vanessa Clarke.
END OF CHAPTER 2
TO BE CONTINUED...
