The Truth

Ch.6: Coworkers, Warnings

Walking through the Caesar Mansion was like being transported into another world, one where money wasn't just spent-it was practically worshipped. The place was massive, more like a castle than a house, with halls that seemed to stretch on forever. I could barely wrap my head around it. Everything gleamed, from the marble floors to the chandeliers hanging from ceilings so high they might as well touch the sky. I was pretty sure the air in this place was worth more than my entire life savings.

"So far, how do you like it?" Chloe's voice cut through my awed silence, snapping me back to reality. She walked beside me, pointing out different rooms and features as she gave me a grand tour of the mansion.

"It's... pretty modern and beautiful," I replied, trying to sound casual, even though I was scared to death of accidentally dirtying the pristine floors with my very presence. I forced a smile, but inside I was a bundle of nerves. One wrong move, and I'd be leaving a footprint worth more than my paycheck.

Chloe noticed my hesitation and smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. There aren't that many maids here. The lady of the house prefers to have only the most trusted staff. And based on your record, you're a perfect fit."

I nodded, but her words made my stomach flip. The lady of the house? Of course, Ryan Levi Caesar had a wife. I'd seen her in headlines, on TV, in glossy magazine spreads. She was a model, I was sure-Alessia? Or was it Celia? I couldn't remember her name exactly, but I knew she was stunning, and here I was, feeling like an imposter in her domain.

As we continued the tour, Chloe led me through the various wings of the mansion, pointing out the key areas I'd need to know. "This is the main living area," she said, gesturing to a massive room with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked perfectly manicured gardens. "It's where the family usually entertains guests. You won't be responsible for this area, though. Your duties will primarily be in the private quarters."

We moved on, passing a dining room that could easily seat twenty people, a library that looked like it belonged in a university, and a kitchen that was larger and more state-of-the-art than most restaurants I'd worked in.

"Your main responsibilities will include keeping the private quarters clean and in order, assisting with any personal requests from Mr. Caesar, and maintaining confidentiality about anything you see or hear. The family values privacy above all else," Chloe explained as we walked.

I nodded along, trying to absorb everything. The mansion was beautiful, but it was also intimidating. I couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't belong here, that I was just a small-town girl trying to play a part in a world that was far beyond my reach.

Finally, we reached the staff quarters, a more modest section of the mansion where I'd be staying. Chloe handed me a key to my room and a small handbook outlining the rules and expectations of the job.

"One last thing," she said as we stood outside my door. "Mr. Caesar is very particular about his privacy. You'll need to be discreet at all times. And remember, you were chosen for this position because we believe you can handle it. Don't doubt yourself."

I gave her a grateful smile, though the nerves were still bubbling beneath the surface. "Thank you, Chloe. I'll do my best."

She nodded, giving me an encouraging smile before leaving me to settle in.

As I unpacked in my small but comfortable room, I tried to focus on the positives. This was a fresh start, a chance to leave behind the mess I'd been living in. Sure, I was scared and out of my depth, but I was here, and I was determined to make the most of it.

I could do this. I had to.

The rest of my first day at the Caesar Mansion turned out to be more eventful than I expected. After Chloe left, I was introduced to my two new co-workers. It was surprising to learn that the entire household staff consisted of just three maids, including me, along with two butlers and a small army of bodyguards. The mansion might have been enormous, but it was run by a tight-knit team.

"I'm Kira," one of the maids said, her warm brown eyes meeting mine as she extended a hand. She had glorious brown hair that contrasted sharply with my own darker locks.

"And I'm Hazel!" the other maid practically yelled, her blonde curls bouncing as she enthusiastically shook my hand. Her energy was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile back at her.

"I'm Angelica," I introduced myself, feeling a bit shy as Hazel pulled me into a quick hug while Kira waved at me with a more reserved smile.

"You're so pretty!" Hazel beamed at me, her compliment catching me off guard. She seemed genuinely excited to have me on the team.

"Thanks, you too," I replied, a little flustered by her enthusiasm.

Kira chuckled softly, giving me an approving nod. "Welcome to the team, Angelica. It's nice to have you with us. We don't get new faces here often, so this is a big deal for us too."

As I settled in, it felt like I was finally starting to fit in. The atmosphere was warm, and both Kira and Hazel seemed like the kind of people I could easily get along with. But just as I started to relax, the conversation took a more serious turn.

"Before we get too comfortable," Kira began, her tone shifting to something more cautious, "there are a few things you need to know about working here."

Hazel nodded, her bubbly demeanor dimming slightly. "Yeah, there's something we need to warn you about."

I raised an eyebrow, suddenly feeling a bit on edge. "What is it?"

Kira glanced around, as if making sure no one else could hear us, before lowering her voice. "It's about Mrs. Caesar... Alessia. She's very possessive over Mr. Caesar. I mean, fiercely possessive. If she even suspects that someone's getting too close to him, things can get... difficult."

Hazel leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Alessia doesn't like other women being around him too much, especially if they're young and pretty. She's been known to make life hell for anyone she sees as a threat."

My stomach tightened. I had assumed Ryan Caesar's wife might be a bit of a diva, but this was sounding more intense than I'd imagined. "So, what should I do?"

"Just be careful," Kira advised. "Stay professional, do your job, and don't get too involved in anything that doesn't concern you. Alessia can be charming, but if she sees you as a problem, she won't hesitate to make things difficult."

"And Mr. Caesar," Hazel added, her tone serious for the first time. "He's... well, he's not exactly warm and fuzzy. He's cold, very focused on his work, and doesn't tolerate mistakes. He's not someone you want to be on the wrong side of."

I nodded slowly, taking it all in. It wasn't exactly the warm welcome I'd hoped for, but it was important to know the dynamics of the place. "Thanks for the heads-up, both of you. I'll be careful."

Kira smiled softly. "We've got your back, Angelica. Just stick with us, and you'll be fine."

Hazel perked up again, her earlier cheeriness returning. "Yeah, we're a team now! And trust me, we have fun here too, even if it's a bit crazy sometimes."

I couldn't help but smile at that. Despite the warnings, I felt a little more at ease knowing I wasn't alone in this. I had two new friends, and together, we'd navigate whatever challenges this place threw our way.