THE MAID'S SECRET

The next morning, the house felt different, Heavier. Colder. Like someone had dimmed the lights inside every room, even though the sun was out in full force. I moved silently through the hallways, trying to avoid notice especially hers. But Onyeka had a presence that filled every corner. Her perfume lingered long after she passed, and the sound of her heels echoed like a threat. At breakfast, the main dining table was set for two. It was always like that when Chinedu stayed in. Silver cutlery, folded napkins, imported tea. A private chef from France prepared everything, even though he rarely ate more than toast. I stood by the kitchen doorway, peeking. They were seated across from each other Onyeka in another flawless dress, her back straight, posture perfect. Chinedu, meanwhile, looked like he had not slept. Their words were low, but their body language screamed volumes. Onyeka leaned forward. Chinedu leaned away. She smiled. He blinked too slow. You could tell he wanted to be anywhere else. And still they had history. History i could not compete with. In the kitchen, Sarah caught me staring again. "You are not very good at hiding your feelings," she said, sipping coffee. I turned away. "I don't have feelings for him." She chuckled, you keep telling yourself that. I grabbed a tray and ignored her. But she was not wrong. Later, i was assigned to bring fresh fruit to the upstairs lounge, i hesitated. That meant walking past Onyeka's guest room. The moment I stepped into the hallway, i heard her voice. It was not loud. But it was sharp. "Tell me the truth, Chinedu. Is there something going on with her?" I froze. The "her" was not named. But i knew. You're imagining things, Chinedu replied, his voice clipped. "Am I?" Her tone turned playful. Because i have seen the way you look at her, like you forgot i ever existed." Long pause. "No one forgets you," he muttered. Another pause. "Then prove it." Silence. Silence so thick it made my heart pound. I ran before i could hear more. Back in my room, i tried to distract myself by folding sheets, cleaning windows anything to keep my hands busy, but my thoughts stayed on that hallway. The words, the tension, the silence. What was he proving? And how? I hated that it mattered to me. But it did. That evening, a bouquet of red hibiscus flowers was delivered to the mansion. Not from outside but from the private greenhouse in the back. Madam Amara told me to place it in the guest suite. Onyeka's suite. I did not want to go, but i could not say no. When i opened the door, she was seated at the vanity table, brushing her hair like a queen from a fairytale. I froze. She looked at me through the mirror. "Come in." I stepped inside slowly, holding the flowers like a shield. They're from Chinedu, i said quietly. She smiled, but there was no kindness in it, only triumph. "How sweet," she replied. He always did know how to apologize. I placed the vase on the table, careful not to spill water. Onyeka turned and faced me directly. You are very pretty, she said. I blinked. "Thank you." "And naive." I swallowed. "i just do my work, ma." She leaned closer, good because this house? It does not belong to girls who forget their place. She did not raise her voice. She did not need to. Every word cut like glass. I left the room without looking back That night, i did not sleep. I kept replaying everything she said, every look, every word between her and Chinedu. Maybe Sarah was right. I was getting too close. Too comfortable. And in houses like this, comfort could kill.