Annabella stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a clean, soft white towel that stopped just above her knees. Another towel was neatly tied around her hair, damp strands threatening to escape. Warm steam lingered in the air, the scent of vanilla and roses clung to her skin, trailing behind her like a signature.
She walked to the dressing mirror and sank into the chair before it, her reflection staring back at her – calm on the surface, restless beneath. Her mind was already racing ahead, calculating one thing and one thing only.
*How do I leave this mansion without Father noticing?*
She reached for her scented body oil and began rubbing it slowly into her skin – first her face, then her arms, then her legs – each movement lazy, practiced, indulgent.
The familiar scent usually soothed her, but tonight, even that couldn't quiet the impatience simmering inside her.
Once she was done, Karen stepped forward and gently untied the towel from Annabella's hair. She switched on the hair dryer, her movements careful, practiced, almost reverent. She worked in silence, fingers light, as if Annabella might shatter if handled too roughly.
Annabella leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes, surrendering to the warmth of the air and the soft hum of the dryer. Karen finished drying, applied hair oil, stretched her hair smoothly, then tied it into a neat bun – allowing a few soft strands to fall forward, framing Annabella's face.
Karen was good – exceptionally good – at almost everything.
That was exactly why Annabella had kept her around all these years.
Karen's mother, Gianna, had been Annabella's nanny since childhood. In truth, she had done more than watch her – she had helped raise her. But when Annabella turned sixteen, she dismissed Gianna without hesitation. Calling her old, boring, and unnecessary.
Annabella wanted someone she could command without second thoughts.
Still, Gianna had cared too deeply about Annabella's well-being to disappear completely. And so, she sent her daughter, Karen, who was just a year older, to take over her place, while she herself remained in the mansion as a cook – quietly watching over Annabella from a distance.
To Gianna, Annabella was still that little girl she once carried in her arms.
Three years later, Gianna resigned and chose to rest. Karen stayed.
"It's done," Karen said at last, stepping back, satisfied with her work.
Annabella opened her eyes slowly, her lashes fluttering as she stood. She dragged her feet toward her closet.
Calling it a closet was an insult – it was large enough to house a family of seven. Rows upon rows of dresses, shoes, jewelry – wealth displayed without effort.
She stopped before her collection of gowns, fingers trailing along silk and satin until they paused on a long blue silk off shoulder dress. It had a daring slit starting below the waist – one that would expose her legs almost completely. Without hesitation, she pulled it out and tossed it toward Karen.
Karen nearly missed it but caught it just in time.
Annabella moved to her shoe collection, eyes scanning pair after pair before settling on sleek black heels – perfect against her long, white legs.
Next came the diamonds.
This time, she had to walked through the collection slowly. There were too many to count. And why not? Her father owned diamond enterprises across continents.
"Which one to pick?" she murmured, lifting one piece only to keep it back again.
Then her eyes landed on another.
That one was designed exclusively for her. One of a kind.
"Pick this," she told Karen, already turning away.
☆
Back in her room, Karen helped her into the dress, smoothing every inch, ensuring it hugged her body exactly where it should. Annabella sat on the bed while Karen bent to help her into her heels.
Annabella wasn't fond of heavy makeup. She preferred her beauty untouched. So Karen applied only eyeliner and a soft pink gloss to highlight her lips. With the diamond resting against her collarbone, Annabella looked breathtaking.
Annabella turned before the mirror, inspecting every angle. Satisfied, she smiled.
"Let's go."
She stepped forward, Karen trailing behind.
From the top of the staircase, Annabella looked down at the first floor where the event was already in full swing. The crème de la crème of society filled the room. The Rodriguez family members were all present.
☆
The Rodriguez Family:
- Goarge (Head of the family)
First wife : Luna (deceased)
Current Wife : Willow
- Martin (Goarge's and Luna's son)
Wife : Missing
Children : Anabella (biological daughter) and Maxwell (Foster son)
- Jacob (Goarge's step son)
Wife : Juliana
Children: Arthur and Ava
☆
"Go check the back door for me," Annabella said, her gaze still fixed downstairs.
"I'll stay for ten minutes," she added calmly. "Then I'll disappear."
"Yes, my lady," Karen replied and hurried off.
Annabella descended the stairs slowly, one deliberate step at a time. Her heels clicked against the marble – unmistakable, commanding attention.
And as expected, every head turned.
• Oh my God, she's finally here.
• Look at how elegant she is.
• I wish I were her.
• Dream on. You can never be Annabella Rodriguez.
She ignored the whispers and walked straight to her father. Pride shone clearly on his face.
"Buenos días, Papa." she greeted him in Spanish.
"Ya es tarde, princesa. Dormiste mucho (it's already late princess, you slept long." he replied.
"Oh yeah," she smiled sweetly. "Estudié tarde anoche (I studied late last night)."
"Your uncle is here. Go greet him."
"Okay, Papa."
She turned toward her uncle Jacob and his son, Arthur. Arthur's eyes clung to her, lips curved around his wineglass. She rolled her eyes and approached.
"Good afternoon, Uncle." she greeted politely.
"Bella! I've been asking about you. How are you?"
"I'm doing great, Uncle."
"Hey, Bella," Arthur added.
"Hey… Arthur," she replied coolly.
"Estás más hermosa que la última vez que te vi, (you look more beautiful than I last saw you)" he said, scanning her shamelessly. Deliberately pausing on her naked legs and licking his lips softly.
"Yeah. I know," she replied, unimpressed.
"Princess, come say hi to my business partners," her father called.
She excused herself and returned to him.
"Princess, this is Mr. Lorenzo Morales – a childhood friend and now a trusted business partner. Lorenzo, meet my daughter."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Morales."Annabella said, offering her hand.
"The pleasure is mine," he smiled. Accepting her handshake.
"Your daughter is even more beautiful in person, Martin. Why not introduce her to my son? He's single." Lorenzo said.
"My daughter is not a transaction, Lorenzo," Martin replied calmly – yet firmly.
"Of course, of course," Lorenzo laughed.
"But they could at least know each other," He persisted.
"Fuck off," Annabella thought. "Your son isn't my class."
"Sure, Mr. Lorenzo," she said aloud. "That's not a bad idea." she faked a smile.
"See!" Lorenzo laughed.
"Come princess, say hello to Mr Gonzalez." Martin said dragging his daughter away gently.
As they walked away, Martin leaned closer.
"When you're with my partners, act professional. Soon you'll join the business world. Don't let them think you're easy to dealt with."
"Okay, Dad," she replied sweetly.
*In your dreams.*
She greeted more partners, smiled endlessly, accepted compliments she didn't care about.
"Aunt Bella!" a teenage voice squealed.
"Ava!" Annabella exclaimed as the girl ran into her arms.
"I missed you!"
"I missed you too .. but don't wrinkle my dress," Annabella joked.
"Let's sit together! I have so much to tell you."
Annabella glanced at her father, still busy.
Finally she can rest.
They sat. Annabella picked champagne. Ava chose lemon juice.
"So?" Annabella teased. "What do you want tell me? That you have a boyfriend now." Annabella said sipping her sparkling wine.
"Come on Aunt Bella, I'm only seventeen, I won't have a boyfriend just yet." She blushed.
"Then when I you having one? Once you're eighteen?" Annabella joked.
"Of course not." Ava protested. " It would be after you got married and have children." she added, laughing.
"Come here you little brat." Annabella grabbed her and ruffled her hair in a playful manner.
"Stop it aunt Bella." she giggled.
Ava is one the people that Annabella truly care about. She is very cute and fun to be with.
She also admired Ananbella so much that she listened to her more than her parents. She consider Annabella her role model and would like to be like her when she grows older.
They continued chatting lovely, Ava being talkative as always, telling Annabella all about her friends and classmates. Annabella listens to her with patience even though she's not actually interested in what she's saying.
"Excuse me Ava, I'll be back." Annabella cut her off in the middle of her charter and walk away when she saw Karen approaching them.
"My lady, I've checked the back door, it's locked." Karen reported.
"What!!" Annabella exclaimed.
"And the keys?" She asked.
"It's with your father." Karen replied.
"Oh! Shit." Annabella cursed..
"What now?" Karen asked.
"We will find another way of course." Annabella replied.
"Where is my brother?" She asked scanning the guests with her eyes.
"Mr. Maxwell is still in his room." Karen replied.
"Go tell father that my head started hurting suddenly. I'll go back to my room and rest a bit. Nobody should disturb me." She said and Walked away
She stepped into the elevator and pressed the fourth floor.
The Rodriguez mansion had four floors.
The fourth – Maxwell and guest rooms.
The third – Annabella's private sanctuary.
The second – Martin's quarters, study, gym.
The first – for staff.
☆
☆
☆
[Maxwell's Room]
•
Maxwell sat comfortably in his parlor, one ankle resting casually over the other, eyes glued to his laptop screen. His fingers moved quickly over the keyboard, brows slightly furrowed in concentration. Work had a way of swallowing him whole; when he was in it, the world faded.
He looked effortlessly handsome in a black suit that hugged his broad shoulders and well-built frame. His dark curls were neatly styled, and his trimmed beard only added to the charm that made him almost impossible to ignore.
Ding! Dang!
The sudden sound of the doorbell broke through the silence. Maxwell paused, blinked, then glanced at the video intercom. Seeing Annabella's face, he pressed the remote. The door opened automatically.
"Bro!" Annabella called, bursting in with excitement sparkling in her voice.
"Stop there!" Maxwell snapped, lifting his head sharply.
She froze mid-step, confused. "What's wrong, bro?"
He leaned back, eyes narrowing playfully.
"Now spin for me. I want to check something."
His tone was mock-serious.
"Bro!" She laughed but twirled anyway, spinning lightly like she owned the universe.
"Perfect," he whispered, winking as he made a circle gesture with his fingers.
Annabella laughed louder and sauntered toward him without hesitation, sliding into his seat right beside him – practically pressed into him – leaving no space between their bodies.
"Wow, personal bubble completely murdered," he muttered under his breath.
"What are you doing?" she asked, peeping into the laptop like it belonged to her.
"Nothing much. Just some business that needs handling." He snapped the laptop shut.
"Why aren't you downstairs?" she lifted her head to meet his eyes.
"I'll join later. I needed to finish this first."
"Oh." She sighed and leaned back.
Maxwell studied her face.
Something was off.
"What's wrong? You don't look happy." he asked.
"Everything is wrong, bro," she replied, her tone dipping.
His brows pulled together. "What happened?"
He tilted his head, thinking.
"Let me guess… you want something. Maybe a new car?"
"No," she murmured, eyes drifting into empty space.
"Okay… Someone offended you?"
"Nooo." She winced.
He raised both hands. "Alright. I give up. Tell me what's wrong."
His gaze softened, fixed on her.
"Today is Amelia's birthday," she said quietly.
"And…?" His brows lifted.
"And Dad is holding this stupid business party at the same time. There's no way he'll let me leave." Frustration filled her voice.
"You asked him?"
"Not like he would allow me." Her voice softened further.
"You know how Dad is when it comes to business."
"Why not use the back door?"
"It's locked. Papa has the keys."
"So what do you want now?" he asked.
She didn't answer – instead, she slid closer, grabbing his arm and resting her head on his shoulder.
His muscles went still.
"You know how close I am to Amelia. She was the first to show up at my twenty-first birthday. She's my best friend. And now… I can't even make it to hers." Her voice cracked.
Maxwell exhaled slowly.
*Here we go*
"How about… you help me escape without Dad realizing?" She lifted her head, eyes wide and blinking twice – the innocent attack she knew worked on him.
"No way. You want your father to kill me?" Maxwell shifted away immediately.
"He doesn't have to know." She leaned in again, persistent.
"Please, bro." Her lips formed a pout.
"You know you're the only person I can count on."
She makes the puppy-dog eyes. His greatest weakness. He hates to see her sad.
Maxwell stared at her face, fighting the sudden storm inside him. The room felt quiet, everything started playing in slow motion.
"Please… please… please…" Annabella wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing her face closer.
Her face was too close. Her breath brushing his cheek. Her soft pink lips tempting – and suddenly his mind wasn't behaving. He didn't even hear her words anymore.
"Is it a yes?" she whispered.
"Yes," he breathed, swallowing hard before he could stop himself.
"Yes! Yes! You just said yes!" Annabella jumped up, excitement bursting from her, dragging him back to reality.
"You said yes – no going back!" She pointed at him triumphantly.
"Of… course." He let out a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Now let's see what to do," he murmured.
He grabbed his phone and dialed.
"Come to my room now," he said when the call connected.
"And bring a set of clean workers' uniforms."
He hung up.
"Who's that?" Annabella asked.
"Karen." he replied simply.
"Oh." She leaned back – then instantly straightened.
"And the workers' uniform is for who?"
"For your baby," Maxwell replied, smirking.
"No way!" she chuckled.
"That's what you need right now, Ana. A disguise. That way you can walk out through the main gate. No one will recognize you."
"A disguise is fine – but a workers' uniform? Hell no." She scoffed.
The bell rang again. Karen's face appeared on the intercom.
Maxwell pressed the remote. The door opened.
Karen walked in, carrying the uniform neatly folded.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Maxwell," she greeted with a slight bow.
"Afternoon. Keep the uniform and you can leave." he replied coldly. That's how he behaved with everyone except for his Ana.
"Yes, sir." She placed it on the table. Her eyes brushed Annabella's stormy glare – then quickly looked away as she exited.
"Isn't there any other option? Anything – just not this rag," Annabella snapped, frustration thick in her voice.
"It's do… or leave," Maxwell replied, turning away.
He hated her attitude toward the poor – had talked to her countless times about it. But Annabella only pretended to listen.
She stared at the uniform for a solid minute.
"Okay, fine. For Amelia." She grabbed it and headed to the changing room.
Maxwell smiled.
A minute later, she came out struggling with her zipper.
"Can you help me with this pin? My hands can't reach it."
"Sure, Lazy Baby." Maxwell said, standing.
Annabella rolled her eyes.
He stood behind her, fingers brushing her back, immediately sending sparks through him. He unhooked one pin… then another.
His hand lingered — sliding lightly along her spine before he could stop himself. She trembled beneath his touch. He leaned closer, His breath hovered over her ear.
"How about…" he whispered, voice low, sinful, "I help you take the dress off as well?"
He pressed a kiss behind her ear.
She closed her eyes, shivers racing down her body. A soft sound escaped her when his lips touched her neck and his hand slipped inside her gown…
"Haven't you unpinned it yet, bro? Why is it taking so long?" she asked suddenly, snapping him out of his thoughts.
He jerked his hand away.
"Yes – it's done," he said hoarsely.
Annabella caught her dress and hurried back into the changing room, shutting the door.
"Damn you, Maxwell," he muttered, dragging his hand through his hair.
"She's your sister. Behave."
"She's not your fucking real sister," his mind whispered.
"Shut up!" he snapped at himself.
"You're such a bastard," he cursed himself and collapsed onto the sofa.
He put his head on the table and tried to calm down.
A few minutes later, Annabella returned — fully dressed in the uniform, face covered with a mask.
Maxwell looked up — then smirked.
"This uniform actually looks good on you."
"Thanks for the insult," she replied flatly.
"Best of luck. You can do this." He gave a thumbs-up.
"Amelia will pay for making me do this," she muttered, marching out.
She stepped into the elevator and pressed first floor. Her heart raced.
When the doors opened, she slipped the pin from her hair, letting it fall freely to cover more of her face. She grabbed a tray of wine, moving casually to blend in.
"Hey, pass that wine," an elderly man beside her father called.
Her heart slammed. She turned – hoping he meant someone else.
But as unlucky as she seemed, no one was behind her.
"Hurry up." the man urged.
She nodded and walked toward him, forcing calm, handing him the glass with her head lowered.
Martin watched her. Something about her posture tugged at him.
He leaned forward slightly – curious.
But before his eyes could truly focus, Annabella slipped away.
He shook his head. He was imagining things. There were hundreds of workers – impossible to know them all.
His name was called to give a speech. He adjusted his suit and went onstage.
Annabella seized the chance and hurried toward the exit.
"Oh, shit..!" she cursed when she bumped into someone causing the wine in her hands to splash all over his suit.
"I'm so sorry, sir," she said quickly, face turned away.
"How dare you! This suit is worth your family's entire fortune!" the young man snapped.
"What the hell?" she whispered to herself.
"It was an accident. I clearly didn't see you coming," she replied through clenched teeth.
"So you're blind now? And you dare talk back?" His voice rose.
"I'm sorry," she repeated, fists tightening to hide the anger burning inside her. People were watching. She couldn't afford attention. Not like this.
"How about you kneel… and lick my shoes. Maybe then I'll let it go." he smirked.
Annabella slowly lifted her head.
Rage detonated inside her. Her nails dug into her palm, fighting the urge to destroy him. She wanted to slap him, break his pride, humiliate him…
But her father was nearby. So were the guests.
One wrong move, and she'd ruin everything. Her reputation. The Rodriguez name.
And Martin would never forgive her.
She stood frozen, trapped, suffocating on fury and humiliation…
Unsure what to do next.