WEAKNESS
1543 Words
CHAPTER 58: WEAKNESS
“You’re name is Indra, correct?” The man said, while eyeing the woman right in front of him.
She looks to be around on her 20’s. Her hair is short, but they look soft. Her eyes in a shade of gray, but her face purely emit an innocent, yet naïve aura. Her name is Indra, who was trying her luck today by applying to the first job she saw on the newspaper.
That brings her here—to the Duke’s mansion, a high and might family known for their fortune and power.
“It’s m name, Sir.” She nodded rather too quickly in a nervous jolt.
She gulps multiple times, while her hold tightened to her bag.
“Do you know how to cook?” He asked.
“I know some chores, I am an all around maid, I can do laundry, I know everything, and was ready to learn everything that I should know of—”
She needed this job badly. It is the only thing that would be able to support her.
“Then, you’re hired.” The stern expression on the man’s face loosens. “God, Derrick should have really been here and not me.” He groans afterwards.
Indra stood there, she was surprised from what she heard, “Excuse me?” She couldn’t believe it! “Did I heard it right? Am I hired? Then that means I can work here?”
“Absolutely.”
“When can I start?” Excitement flooded through her voice.
“Now.”
Just like what the man said, her job started today. It wasn’t hard, she already have gotten familiar with the routine, taught a few things before she was told to serve the patriarchal of the family as his personal maid.
Mathew Duke, the head of the mansion.
“Are you the new maid?” That was the first thing he asked.
When Indra was told that he would become her master, she was expecting an old man, and a husband to a younger wife, but it was least of many assumptions her mind speak of. Mathew was actually handsome. He haven’t had any greying hair, but black locks flocked on his head, combed behind while a few strand hangs on his forehead. He have a sharp jaw, captivating eyes that certainly captured Indra at first sight.
“Earth to you, Miss Angeles.” Mathew Duke snapped his finger.
Her reverie was quickly cut short.
“I—I’m sorry, Sir—” Her cheeks reddened.
Had he caught her drooling all over to him? That was humiliating!
“Nevermind that, just get me some tea.”” He waved his hand on the air.
It was just a relief that Mathew isn’t as scary as Lauren when she first meet him, his wife. Lauren is a total opposite of Mathew. She was snob, her lips are always in a form straight thin line, dark eyes and her posture as she marched on the hallway that sought after perfection inside her household.
“I—I will, Sir.” She was quick on her feet.
It didn’t took her awhile.
“Here’s your tea, Sir.” Indra slowly placed the cup on his table.
When he takes a small sip, a curious expression flashed before his eyes, “Fascinating, how can you brew it this good? Don’t tell it to my wife, but you make it more great than what she made for me, Indra, and for that, you deserve my praise.”
Her cheeks flushed red at his complement.
More good than Lauren’s tea? She chuckled at that thought.
Her first day did went well just like what she was hoping for. It continue, but good days are far ahead, when the storm came.
“WHO BROKE MY PLATE?!” Lauren Duke’s voice is the first thing that woke everyone in the mansion.
It echoed, bounding back from the walls and she wounded furious.
“What happened?” She asked in a low voice.
She was still groggy.
“Hush, I heard that Madame’s plate is broken.”
Plate? Broken? Is it enough to woke them up, and cause a clamor this early? She thought. She just really can’t understand rich people.
“Do you not know how much this cost?” Her nose flared with anger.
She raised the plate or the large pieces salvaged from it. When she does, Indra felt her stomach churn. The plate seems familiar. Where did she saw it—right, the younger maid was the one who broke it. And as of the moment, Indra knew how terrified she is.
“It came from the Yang dynasty, and it cost billion more than your lives!” Her breathing is ragged. “So, you better show up yourself before I call the cops and trust me, you’ll rot in that place!”
“M—ma’am—” Ali, the younger maid stepped forward. Her legs are trembling.
Indra was in utter disbelief. She did not turn her so that she would go unpunished, but she turned herself in.
“—it’s me—” She professed bravely.
“So that little vixen is you, huh?” Lauren stalked her like a prey. “GUARDS! SEIZE HER!”
When the security appeared, that was the last time they catch a glimpse of Ali in the mansion. Nobody dare talk about it, but they knew what misfortune she fell into.
One morning as usual, she was preparing Mathew’s tea.
“You are reading Lao tzu’s book?” She couldn’t help, but notice it.
That grab Mathew’s attention, “How are you familiar with it?”
“I used to study it, I like his entry—”
“What part?” Mathew furiously asked.
“Peace and harmony that this mansion doesn’t have.” She shouldn’t said those, but she was deeply worried for Ali.
In a short period of time, she grew to learn her. She was an orphan, who was working to fend for herself, because nobody would does that for her.
“Careful, Indra.” Mathew placed down his cup and eyed her. “Lauren might hear you—”
“Just how she heard the maids and still ignored it?” She felt compliant to free her thoughts. “Why didn’t y do something? You were there, but you just watch them take her away…”
Why is she telling him all of it anyway? As if he cares… but a little part of her wished he was.
“She didn’t mean it...” Indra but her lips. “She didn’t…”
“It was her mistake so it is only right that she should pay for it, Indra.” Mathew calmly stated.
“And you have the right to punish her just because you felt wrong she wronged you—?” Indra faced the male. “It’s funny how you read Lao Tzu’s teachings, but you couldn’t apply it here, Mr. Duke.”
Mathew did not speak. His curious gaze remain on her. Perhaps he was asking, conflicted why this mere girl was interfering to their lives unaware that he would soon do the same to hers.
“I—I’m sorry!” Indra’s eyes widened as the soul spilt on the carpet floor, an inch apart from Lauren’s feet.
“You were sorry?” She whipped her head to her direction.
She knew what was coming.
At that moment, Indra was reminded of Ali. She wanted to run, but then why would she and where would she go? She needed this job more than the fear she felt.
“I’ll clean this, Ma’am—arggh!”
But Indra’s words were cut off, when Lauren pulled her hair.
Her nails are sharp, and her grip is tight.
“You lowlife are useless!” She angrily spat. “You know what? Perhaps, I should make you lean this mess with your mouth. Isn’t that what maid does?”
She pushed her head to the carpet. Tears stung on her eyes. Indra felt helpless. She was under her mercy, and she couldn’t do anything about it.
“P—please…” She pleaded. “I—I didn’t mean to…”
But Lauren only eyed her with cruelty and malice.
“You are a thrash—”
“LAUREN!” A familiar voice yelled.
It is Mathew, who marched at the scene.
“What?!” Lauren did not let go of Indra’s hair.
“Let her go or I’ll be the one to punish you.” He warned her.
“You wouldn’t dare!” Lauren frowns.
“Trust me, you won’t like it.” He continued.
“Arggg!” Lauren grunted before marching towards the stairs leaving heavy footfalls from behind.
Indra let out a loud breathe as she fell on the floor with a soft thud. On her side, Mathew joined her.
“Who said peace and harmony won’t be possible here?” That’s what he said, and for the first time… Mathew Alfred Duke smile.
He smiled, and her heart skip a beat, which Indra still regret up on this day. She had fallen, unaware of what cost it would ask her…soon.
- Writer
