Chapter 2: Maid in the Shadows
Nathan Maxwell stood in the middle of his new bedroom, dressed in nothing but a towel, the fabric resting low on his hips, revealing the chiseled torso of a man who cared about his appearance—but not nearly as much as he cared about power. His dark eyes swept across the expansive space, but they were void of satisfaction. This room, this house, this empire—it was all his now. Yet it felt strangely hollow.
Downstairs, Emily moved through the kitchen like she belonged there. In many ways, she did. She'd been working in the Maxwell household since she was eighteen. At twenty-two, she was beautiful in an effortless way—long dark hair always tied in a simple bun, clear brown eyes that sparkled when she smiled, and a figure that curved in just the right places. But Nathan had never truly looked at her. Not really.
She, on the other hand, noticed everything about him. From the way his voice dropped when he was serious to the subtle smirk he gave when he was amused. She knew his favorite meals, his habits, his moods. He was arrogant, indulgent, careless—and she loved him anyway. Not that she'd ever tell him.
She heard his footsteps descending the grand staircase. Her heart leapt, and she quickly wiped her hands and adjusted her apron. As he entered the living room, their eyes met briefly. His gaze skimmed over her as if she were just another piece of the furniture. She offered a polite smile. He didn't return it.
"Steve," Nathan called out. The gate man appeared instantly, adjusting his uniform.
"Yes, sir?"
"Where's my car? I'm late for the board meeting."
"It's ready at the gate, sir. I'll have the driver pull up now."
Nathan nodded, already pulling on his designer jacket. "And make sure security is tight. I don't want reporters sniffing around."
"Yes, sir."
Emily stepped back into the hallway quietly. She watched him from behind as he adjusted his watch and walked out with the kind of confidence only someone born into wealth could possess. When the door slammed shut, she exhaled.
Kristy Bennett had been eagerly awaiting Nathan's arrival at the company. As his new personal assistant, she had made it her mission to be unforgettable. Her pencil skirt was tighter than necessary, and her blouse was unbuttoned just enough to be suggestive without being inappropriate. She had an hourglass figure, piercing blue eyes, and a mouth that rarely said 'no.'
When Nathan walked into the glass-walled office of Maxwell Enterprise, the entire floor buzzed with excitement. Staff whispered and giggled, stealing glances at the new CEO.
"He's hotter than I expected."
"I heard he dated a supermodel last year."
"No, no, a Hollywood actress."
Kristy waited by the elevator and straightened up the moment the doors opened. "Mr. Maxwell," she said smoothly, a seductive smile playing on her lips.
Nathan's eyes flicked over her appreciatively. "Kristy."
"I've cleared your schedule until noon for some orientation and media briefings."
"Smart."
"And I've ordered your favorite coffee."
"I didn't know I had one."
She giggled. "You do now."
Back at the mansion, Emily moved about in silence. She cleaned the marble floors, did the laundry, dusted the antique shelves. She wasn't required to do everything—there were other staff who came occasionally—but she liked staying busy. It helped silence the ache in her chest.
Around noon, Nathan returned unexpectedly. His blazer was slung over his shoulder, and he looked exhausted.
"Emily!" he called.
She appeared instantly. "Sir?"
"Is there food?"
"Yes, I made grilled chicken and potatoes."
"Good."
She served him in the dining area, placing the plate gently in front of him. He didn't look at her. But as she turned to leave, she heard him say, "Thank you."
Her heart fluttered.
That night, Kristy stayed late at the office. Nathan had invited her to go over some documents, but they both knew it was more than that. She ended up in his car, then in his penthouse suite above the company building. They didn't talk much. They didn't need to. She was beautiful, bold, and available—and that was enough for Nathan.
At home, Emily waited. She didn't know why. She told herself she was just making sure he returned safe. When Steve informed her he wouldn't be home that night, she swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded.
She returned to her room and lay on her bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling. "You're just a maid," she whispered to herself. "He doesn't see you."
The next day, Nathan returned with a hangover and lipstick still faintly smeared on his collar. Emily noticed but said nothing. As always, she cleaned him up—his suit, his room, the dishes. But her heart grew heavier.
Kristy, meanwhile, was becoming more possessive. She strutted around the office like a queen, glaring at any woman who dared look at Nathan. But she was rude, cold to everyone else, and arrogant.
At home, Emily remained the unseen shadow. She would serve Nathan his favorite wine, press his shirts, and make sure his bed was clean and his towels warm.
He never asked about her day.
He never asked if she was okay.
But Emily? Emily watched him fall asleep on the couch after a long day, cover him with a blanket, and whisper to no one, "I love you."
And so the days turned into weeks.
Nathan's name began appearing in more magazines. His face was everywhere—business news, gossip blogs, and social media. He was labeled the most eligible bachelor. Rumors of his affairs only added to his allure.
But not once did he turn his eyes to the one woman who truly saw him.
Emily didn't cry anymore. But every time he walked past her without a word, a tiny piece of her heart chipped away.
Still, she stayed.
Because love, no matter how unreturned, has a stubborn way of lingering.