The 157th MAID

The soft morning light filtered through the grand windows, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. Celeste stirred, her body aching and her mind clouded with lingering fatigue. As her eyes fluttered open, the ornate gold patterns on the walls and the faint scent of roses reminded her she was no longer in the hellhole she once called home. This place, with its towering windows and luxury, was something she could never have imagined.

But then it hit her like a crashing wave. Miss Fiona was gone.

Her heart clenched as the memory of yesterday's tragedy washed over her. The sorrow in Zhypher's piercing eyes, his helpless tears, and her own collapse all came rushing back. She sat up, clutching her head as it throbbed, her heart racing when she heard footsteps approaching her door.

The door creaked open, and a woman stepped inside. She appeared to be in her early thirties, her face pale and drawn, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

"Celeste, you're awake," the woman said softly, her voice a mix of exhaustion and kindness. "How are you feeling now?"

Celeste straightened herself, still unsure of her place in the mansion. "I'm okay… just tired, I guess."

The woman offered a faint smile. "I'm Niana, Zhypher's sister."

"Oh…" Celeste's voice trailed off before she gathered the courage to ask the question weighing on her heart. "How is Mr. Zhypher? Is he… okay?" She hesitated, her fingers nervously twisting the edge of her blanket. "Does he hate me for what happened?"

Niana sighed deeply and sat beside her. "He's not okay, Celeste. My mother was his world. He loved her more than anything. We tried everything—every treatment, every prayer—but sometimes, no matter how hard we fight, God has other plans." Her voice broke slightly, but she quickly steadied herself.

Celeste's throat tightened, and tears welled in her eyes. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to upset him… I just—I…" She stood abruptly, kneeling before Niana. "Please, Miss Niana, tell him not to kick me out. I have nowhere to go. I'll do anything to make things right!"

Niana's eyes widened as she reached down to pull Celeste to her feet. "No, Celeste. You don't have to beg. That's not why I'm here."

"But I'm sure he'll hate me! He'll think I'm to blame—"

"Enough," Niana said firmly but gently, holding Celeste by the shoulders. "Listen to me. You didn't do anything wrong. None of this is your fault. In fact…" She hesitated before continuing, "I came here to ask for your help."

Celeste blinked in confusion. "My help?"

"Yes," Niana replied. "From today onward, your job will be to take care of Zhypher. He needs someone here with him, someone to help him get through this."

Celeste's mouth fell open in shock. "Me? But I… I'm not sure he'll even allow me to stay, let alone help him."

A flicker of a smile crossed Niana's face. "He may have a fierce temper, but I trust you. I've seen how you handled everything so far—you're resilient, and that's exactly what he needs right now."

Celeste's heart warmed slightly at the unexpected praise. "Thank you for believing in me, Miss Niana. I won't let you down."

"I know you won't," Niana said. "We'll be gone for most of the day to complete my mother's ritual. We'll be back by 9 p.m. In the meantime, take the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the house. And if you need anything, call me." She handed Celeste a small piece of paper with her number written on it.

Celeste nodded, clutching the paper tightly. "Thank you… but are you sure I'm ready for this?"

"You'll do fine," Niana reassured her. "And remember, you're not the cause of his pain—you're part of the solution."

As Niana left the room, closing the door behind her, Celeste let out a long sigh. The weight of her new responsibility pressed down on her, but she also felt a faint glimmer of hope.

Her eyes drifted to her open luggage, the only possession she brought to this new chapter of her life. It held one spare dress and a photograph of her parents. Picking up the photo, she hugged it tightly to her chest. Her mother's warm smile and her father's kind eyes seemed to remind her she wasn't completely alone.

"Maybe God hasn't abandoned me entirely," she whispered to herself, brushing her fingers over their faces. Tears welled up in her eyes, but this time, they carried a mix of grief and determination.

Celeste sat on the bed, staring at the photo for a moment longer. A quiet resolve began to build within her. Whatever challenges awaited her with Zhypher, she would face them. She had to—because this time, failure wasn't an option.