The shadow wife

As I stood in the storage room with Sarah, my mind was racing with thoughts and feelings about what I had overheard. I couldn't believe that the Smiths were involved in something so shady. Blackmail? Extortion? It sounded like something out of a movie.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I thought about the package I had picked up. What was in it? And who was the target of the Smiths' scheme? Hope I won't get into any trouble

Sarah's voice brought me back to reality. "Lyra, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

I took a deep breath and nodded. "I'm fine, Sarah. Just a bit shaken up."

Just then, Mrs. Jenkins' voice echoed through the hallway, summoning all the staff to the foyer. "Everyone, please report to the foyer immediately."

Sarah and I exchanged a curious glance before making our way to the foyer.

When we arrived, Mrs. Jenkins was standing by the staircase, a stern expression on her face. Mrs. Smith, the matriarch of the Smith family, stood beside her, a warm smile on her face.

"Everyone," Mrs. Smith began, "I'm sure you're all aware that our beloved Anderson is returning home today. To celebrate his arrival, we'll be hosting a small party this evening."

The staff murmured in excitement, and Mrs. Jenkins stepped forward. "I'll be assigning tasks to each of you. Sarah, I need you to oversee the decorations and ensure everything is perfect for tonight."

Sarah nodded, a look of determination on her face.

"Lyra, you'll be helping the chef with the catering. We'll need all hands on deck to make sure everything runs smoothly."

I nodded, feeling a surge of excitement. I had never been part of a party preparation before.

As the staff began to disperse, the atmosphere in the house shifted. The air was electric with excitement, and the sound of laughter and chatter filled the hallways.

The house was bustling with activity, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride being part of the team that would make tonight's party unforgettable.

As the day went by, the house was transformed into a stunning venue. Sarah, with the help of other maids and her impeccable taste, had overseen the decoration of the foyer, living room, and dining room. The rooms were adorned with elegant candelabras, fresh flower arrangements, and intricate silverware.

The dining room table was set with fine china, crystal glasses, and crisp white linens. The aroma of roasting meats and freshly baked bread wafted from the kitchen, making everyone's stomach growl with anticipation.

Chef Emma, a renowned culinary expert, had prepared an exquisite menu for the evening. The guests would be treated to a five-course meal, featuring dishes such as seared scallops, roasted duck, and decadent chocolate cake.

As the evening approached, the Smiths' estate was abuzz with excitement. The sound of cars arriving and the murmur of conversation filled the air.

The first to arrive were the Watsons, a prominent family in the business world. Their son, Ethan, a charming young man with a bright smile, was a close friend of Anderson's.

Next to arrive were the Patels, a wealthy family with interests in real estate and technology. Their daughter, Sophia, a beautiful and intelligent young woman, was a classmate of Anderson's in high school as I've heard.

As the evening wore on, more guests arrived, each with their own unique story and connection to the Smiths. There were politicians, entrepreneurs, and socialites, all gathered to celebrate Anderson's return.

The atmosphere was lively and sophisticated, with the sound of laughter and music filling the air. Lyra and the other staff members moved discreetly through the crowds, ensuring that everyone had a wonderful time.

As the night reached its peak, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had played a small part in making this evening special, and it felt wonderful to be a part of it.

As the evening wore on, the guests continued to mingle and enjoy the music, food, and drinks. Suddenly, a hush fell over the room as the Smith family made their entrance.

Mrs. Smith, resplendent in a stunning red gown designed by Oscar de la Renta, smiled warmly as she greeted the guests. Her diamond necklace sparkled under the light, and her hair was styled perfectly in loose waves.

Mr. Smith, dashing in his bespoke Tom Ford tuxedo, stood tall beside his wife, shaking hands and exchanging warm smiles with the guests. Their daughter, Sophia, looked lovely in a Chanel dress, her hair styled in an elegant updo.

As they made their way through the room, Mr. Smith took his place at the microphone, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends and family, welcome to our home! Tonight, we gather to celebrate the return of our beloved son, Anderson. I'm so glad you could join us to share in this special moment."

He paused, surveying the room with a warm gaze.

"I want to thank you all for your patience. Anderson will be joining us shortly. In the meantime, please make yourselves at home. Enjoy the music, the food, and the company. We're so grateful to have you all here with us tonight."

As Mr. Smith finished his speech, the room erupted in applause, and the guests continued to mingle and enjoy the evening. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and everyone was eagerly anticipating Anderson's arrival.

Here's the continuation of the story:

As the party continued, with the guests laughing and chatting, Lyra couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. The Smiths' party seemed more like a business gathering, with the guests discussing deals and mergers, rather than celebrating Anderson's return.

Just as Lyra was starting to wonder where Anderson was, James slipped back into the party, his eyes scanning the room before coming to rest on Mrs. Smith. He nodded discreetly, and Mrs. Smith's face lit up with a warm smile.

A moment later, Anderson himself appeared at the entrance of the room, and the atmosphere shifted instantly. The guests turned to stare, and my eyes widened as I took in the sight of him. I couldn't choose between him and his elder brother who was more handsome

Anderson was everything I had imagined and more. The 25-year-old rich guy was an exceptionally handsome young man with a captivating presence. His relaxed and confident demeanor commanded attention, and his chiseled facial features were perfectly proportioned.

His eyes were a deep, piercing blue that seemed to gleam with a sense of quiet confidence and intelligence. His nose was straight and proportional to his other facial features, and his lips were full and inviting, curled into a subtle, enigmatic smile.

His hair was a rich, dark brown color that's stylishly messy, with a subtle hint of texture that added volume and movement. His skin had a healthy, radiant glow, with a subtle tan that suggested he spent time outdoors.

He was dressed in casual yet high-end clothing that accentuated his lean, athletic physique. His crisp white linen shirt was perfectly fitted, and his dark-washed jeans were tailored to perfection. His sleek designer sneakers added a touch of sporty elegance to his overall look.

A luxurious leather-strapped watch adorned his wrist, and a simple silver necklace with a small pendant added a hint of understated sophistication. Overall, he exuded an air of luxury, sophistication, and effortless cool, making him a truly captivating and memorable individual. My mouth fell open and I was lost for a few minutes before I snapped back to reality.

As Anderson made his way through the room, the guests parted to let him through, their faces filled with admiration and envy. I was mesmerized, as Anderson exchanged warm smiles and handshakes with the guests, his charisma and confidence filling the room.

As I stood there, holding a tray of champagne flutes, I watched as Anderson walked up to his mother, a gentle smile spreading across his face. He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the chin, and Mrs. Smith's eyes lit up with warmth. Her face glowed with a mix of happiness and pride, and she gazed at her son with adoration, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

Next, Anderson turned to his father, who opened his arms wide in anticipation. They shared a warm, masculine hug, their arms wrapped tightly around each other. Mr. Smith patted his son's back affectionately, his eyes filled with a deep sense of love and pride. I couldn't help but notice the strong bond between them, the sense of camaraderie and shared understanding.

Just then, Aria, Anderson's high school-aged sister, came bounding into the room, a huge smile on her face. "Anderson!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck. Anderson laughed and hugged her back, lifting her off the ground in a playful gesture. Aria giggled and playfully hit his arm, her eyes shining with excitement. She was a beautiful young woman, with long brown hair and bright brown eyes, and she looked up to her brother with clear admiration.

As I observed the Smith family's reunion, I felt a pang of curiosity. Who was this Anderson, really? I couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect family after what I had experienced earlier.

As I gathered empty glasses and champagne bottles from the living room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that the party was finally over. The music had stopped, the guests had departed, and the house was quiet once again. All the staffs were all cleaning up.

Just as I was about to head back to the kitchen, I heard a voice behind me.

"Looks like you've got your hands full," Anderson said, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.

I turned to face him, my eyes meeting his piercing blue gaze. He was even more handsome up close, with a strong jawline and chiseled features that seemed to radiate confidence.

"Just trying to get everything cleaned up," I replied, feeling a flutter in my chest.

Anderson nodded and walked over to me, his movements fluid and confident. "Let me help," he said, taking a few glasses from my tray.

As our hands touched, I felt a spark of electricity run through my body. I quickly pulled away, trying to compose myself.

"Thanks," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

We worked together in silence for a few moments, our hands touching occasionally as we passed glasses and bottles back and forth. I couldn't help but steal glances at Anderson, struck by his kindness and humility despite his wealth and privilege.

As we finished up, Anderson turned to me and smiled. "I'm Anderson," he said, holding out his hand.

I took it, feeling a jolt of electricity as our palms touched. "Lyra," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Anderson's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Nice to meet you, Lyra," he said, his voice low and smooth.

I felt my heart skip a beat as he held my gaze, his eyes locked on mine. I had to quickly look down to avoid his gaze but before Anderson could say anything further, Mrs. Smith swept into the room, her presence commanding attention.

"Anderson, darling, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice dripping with elegance.

Anderson turned to his mother, a hint of a smile still on his lips. "Just helping Lyra with the cleanup, Mother," he replied.

Mrs. Smith's gaze flicked to me, her expression dismissive. "Lyra is paid to do these things, Anderson. You don't need to involve yourself with such mundane tasks."

Anderson's smile faltered, and he looked like he was about to argue. But Mrs. Smith didn't give him a chance.

"Come, Anderson, you must be exhausted from your journey. Let's get you upstairs to rest," she said, her voice firm but gentle.

Anderson hesitated for a moment, his eyes still locked on me. But then he nodded, and Mrs. Smith took his arm, leading him away.

As they disappeared upstairs, I felt a pang of disappointment. What had just happened? And why did I feel like I'd been dismissed as nothing more than a servant?

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I was just a housekeeper, after all. It was silly to think that Anderson would be interested in me, or that I was anything more than just a part of the background of his life.

But as I went back to my cleaning, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had sparked between us, something that I couldn't quite ignore.

As the days went by, I noticed that Anderson was different from the rest of his family. While his parents and sister seemed to maintain a formal distance from the staff, Anderson was more jovial and friendly. He would often greet me with a warm smile and ask how my day was going.

I found myself looking forward to these brief encounters, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of ease around him but I had to remember my place and not feel too comfortable. But not everyone was pleased with Anderson's behavior.

One day, as I was dusting the living room, which is my daily assigned duty, I overheard Mrs. Smith speaking to Anderson in a stern tone. "Look son, I don't know how many times I have to remind you. You are a Smith, and you will conduct yourself as such. You cannot be friendly with the staff and nobodies. It's unbecoming."

Anderson's voice was calm and respectful, but I could sense a hint of frustration beneath the surface. "Mother, I understand what you're saying, but I don't see why I have to be so formal with them. They're people, just like us."

Mrs. Smith's voice was icy. "You will do as I say, Anderson. And speaking of which, your father has decided that it's time for you to join the company. You will start working there on Monday."

Anderson didn't argue but said "yes mother, I'm aware of my responsibilities and I'm not backing away from it. You don't need to worry okay"

As I continued to dust the living room, I couldn't help but overhear the conversation between Anderson and his mother. Mrs. Smith's voice was laced with a hint of manipulation.

"Anderson, darling, I've been thinking. Now that you're back and joining the company, it's time for you to settle down. You know, Sophia Patel is still single, and she's been asking about you."

Anderson's voice was firm, his tone unyielding. "Mother, Sophia and I were over years ago. Before I even left for college."

Mrs. Smith's voice took on a persuasive tone. "Oh, Anderson, Sophia is a wonderful girl. Her family is one of the most respected in our community. She's intelligent, beautiful, and comes from a good family. She's perfect for you."

Anderson's voice remained firm, his words laced with a hint of annoyance. "Mother, I appreciate your concern, but I decide who is best for me. Not you, not Father, and certainly not based on social status or family connections."

Mrs. Smith's voice was icy, her words dripping with disapproval. "Fine, Anderson. But mark my words, you will regret not taking advantage of this opportunity. Sophia is a catch, and you're letting her slip away."

Anderson's voice remained calm, his tone unwavering. "I'll take my chances, Mother. I'm not interested in rekindling something that's been over for years."

The conversation ended abruptly, with Mrs. Smith storming out of the room, leaving Anderson standing alone, his expression unyielding.