Chapter 1 The Pretty Maid

YEAR 1988

HAUGEN ISLAND

"Your long black wavy hair reaches your curvy waist. You have red, thin lips. Slant, shy eyes. Pale skin... and ample bosom. And you're eighteen. You could pass as a student here." There's a hint of disappointment in Madame Ingrid's voice while examining my appearance.

"My family can't afford the expenses. I will be a servant in this manor, Madame."

"Well, that's a shame. It is a privilege for you to be working here. Let me just clarify you one thing, everything goes on Lord Constantine's way." she smiled, a protruding one.

Madame Ingrid is in her mid-forty; sophistication and elegance are still showing as her blonde hair is styled cleanly, her long burgundy gown is in simple, yet classic design. She is the most trusted person here in the mansion. She teaches the girls the lessons on how to be a proper wife for the rich young master of Haugen Island.

"One more thing, do not go in the left wing of the manor. You are not permitted. You will never be allowed to step a foot there. All you have to do is to follow my orders— comb the girls' hair, soak their feet, match their clothes. Do you understand, Miss Valentine?"

"Yes, Madame. You can trust me."

"Very well. Now, go to your assigned room, wear your uniform and get back here in the office in 10 minutes." she instructed and looked at the other maid

to give me a basket full of white clothes.

I uttered my gratitude and left the office. I walked in the long, silent hallway and reached my bedroom. It is dull and lifeless; gray walls, blue velvet sheets, large wooden wardrobe.

I undressed my plaid skirt and puffy blouse and only was left is my ruffle tights. I wore my maid uniform and looked in the old mirror.

"You can do this, Trudy." I whispered to myself.

I am doing this for my family in the town. I had to quit my dream of going to community college and work here in the island as a servant girl instead. It was a town gossip that Lord Constantine is one hell of a billionaire. He owns the Haugen Island and the Haugen Manor. Every girl in town wants to enroll in the mansion and be his wife. But no one has actually seen him. Some old folks say he's locked up in his mansion like a cripple, sitting on his wheelchair all day long.

"Trudy, this is Lila. She's a servant girl as well, she's been here for almost 2 years. She will guide you." Lila seems a little older than me. She is blinded in her right eye, looking so shy and uncomfortable.

"Our lessons usually start at 10 in the morning. The girls will wake at 7, they will have a healthy and bounty breakfast. They will beautify themselves, then lessons."

"Uhm, what kind of lessons are they taking?" I asked politely.

"History. Cooking. Sewing. Tea Making. Walking. Talking. Pleasing. Smiling." Madame Ingrid answered.

"The girls will arrive later from their vacation. The classes will officially start tomorrow. Today, you will clean the bedrooms. There will be ten pretty ladies... you must respect them at all times. Understand?" she proudly added.

"Yes, Madame. Thank you."

When we were finally dismissed, we got out of the room. "You should save yourself..." Lila uttered.

"Huh? Is there something wrong?"

"This is a terrible place. The people are monsters... they will tell you bad things."

"Are they hurting you?" I asked and touched her shoulder.

"Not anymore. Not that you're here now. They hate new faces." she confessed.

"Should I be worried?"

"Don't be. Don't be like me, Trudy." she faintly said.

I was given my chores so I sprinted to the girls' area to fix their beds. There are five big rooms, with two queen-sized beds each. There are large canopies, Monet's paintings, wooden wardrobes, dressers, carved mirrors, and nights stands. It looks like a royalty's room. Wow, they really are wealthy enough to afford this school.

I changed the bedsheets into pink ones and made every design of the room pink and sophisticated. I dusted the windows and the tapestries and let some sunlight in the room. I was almost done when I rummaged through the basket and I found an antique vase. I placed it in the drawer and went out to pick some wildflowers.

I ran down the stairs and headed out in the most desolate area of the island. The manor stands on top of an island, surrounded by the sad, crystallizing sea. Across the sea is the small town where I used to call my home.

I was humming while picking up some lovely yellow flowers when I heard the crying of a flock of birds. I looked up and followed their direction. They seem frightened. I wonder where they are going? My eyes got the attention of the windows of the left wing— the forbidden room. It is isolated from the mansion's building, only a bronze-bricked bridge connects it to the entirety of the building. It looks very sacred and creepy.

"Holy shit—" I swear I saw someone standing by the window, looking in his territory, particularly, in my direction. It was a tall man. I believe he is the master of this island, the one and only Lord Constantine. He was wearing a semi-formal suit, with his popular 80s wavy mullet haircut. His aura is oozing with elegance and power.

He is still staring. But I couldn't be the one he's looking at, right? I continued on picking up some flowers but then I heard noises coming from the dock. The boats pulled over on the secondary dock. The man assisted the passenger. They're here! The girls are arriving!

I sprinted and hurriedly went back to the manor. I had to get there before the girls but unfortunately, Madame Ingrid and Lila are already in the lobby. All the servants are standing in line, welcoming the girls.

"Trudy, you might wanna welcome our guests..." Madame Ingrid's voice sounded like a warning.

I bowed my head down and hid the flowers behind my back.

"It's so good to be back!"

"Ingrid, is my room ready?"

"I'm so excited for new lessons!"

"Wow, look at this place!"

"Hey, girls, new face!"

The students suddenly looked in my direction. "What are you hiding there, filthy girl?" the blonde girl reached for my hand and saw the bouquet of handpicked wildflowers.

"Uhm, these are freshly picked wildflowers, Miss..." I stammered in intimidation.

"Miss Georgina. Call me Miss Georgina." she enunciated.

"Yes, Miss Georgina. I'm sorry..." I panicked.

"Take my belongings in my room. Quickly!" she demanded.

The girls left their luggage in the lobby and ran around the mansion. They seem so excited to be back.

"Hold on! Ladies, I would like to make an announcement." Madame Ingrid's voice echoed in the room, making everyone stop and listen.

"Your classes will officially start tomorrow. Your schedules will be brought to you later after dinner. I'm sure Lord Constantine will be pleasured to meet you in the ceremony."

"When will be the crowning ceremony? I'm sure I will be picked as his bride!"

"No, I will be his bride! I deserve it!"

"Is Constantine getting better? What if he won't be satisfied with us?"

"To be honest, Georgina, we are still doing our best to nurse Lord Constantine back to his health. His condition is not getting any better. He's still miserable in his bed... but we take him for his morning stroll sometimes."

Miserable? So, he really is sick and disable? But I saw him in his room earlier... he was standing proudly. I was about to make a point when Madame talked again.

"For now, let's hope for the best. Once again, welcome back and enjoy your stay. Lord Constantine needs one of you to be his wife."