Chapter 8 - A Kiss We Both Refused to Steal
By the time autumn arrived, the estate had changed. Rosa still cooked when she wanted to, but she also spent afternoons tending her roses and teaching younger employees recipes. Antonio had a new independent care plan and a medical advocate chosen by him. Mrs. Ellis restored the old family dining tradition: on Sundays, anyone who lived or worked at the estate could join the table if they wished.
I was no longer a maid. My job with Margaret gave me a desk, a salary, and a reason to believe I could finish my degree. But the hardest change was the way Nico looked at me. He listened when I spoke, remembered my classes, and sometimes stayed in the library after everyone else had gone. Our conversations began with legal records and ended with childhood memories, books, and the strange loneliness of being surrounded by people.
One rainy evening, we found ourselves alone in the conservatory. Nico had brought me a cup of tea exactly the way I liked it. “I used to think being responsible meant never needing anyone,” he said. “Then Rosa almost lost her home because I wasn't paying attention.” I set down my cup. “Being powerful doesn't make you all-seeing.” “No,” he said. “But it makes my mistakes expensive.”
He stepped closer, then stopped. “Sophie, I need to say something, and you have every right to walk away.” My heart pounded. “Then say it.” He looked directly at me. “I care about you. More than I should while you're working with my family.” I had imagined hearing those words. I hadn't imagined how much it would matter that he named the imbalance between us.
“I care about you too,” I admitted. “But I won't become another story people tell about the maid and the boss.” He nodded. “Then we do nothing until you're free to choose without my paycheck hanging over you.” We stood a breath apart. He could have kissed me. I could have leaned forward. Instead he took one step back. It was the most romantic thing he'd done.
A week later, Margaret offered me a permanent role at her independent law office as a records coordinator. The position came with training and the possibility of advancement. She assured me Nico had not asked her to hire me. I accepted. On my last day at the estate, Rosa wrapped a piece of cake for me and cried as though I were leaving the country.
May you like
Nico walked me to my car. “Would you have dinner with me?” he asked. “Not as my employee. Not as anyone's rescuer. Just as Sophie.” I smiled. “Only if you promise not to choose a restaurant where the staff aren't allowed to eat.” He laughed, deep and genuine. “That's a promise.”
Before our first date could happen, Margaret received an urgent court notice. Charles Ashford had filed a petition challenging Elena's trust, claiming she had been coerced while ill. He wanted control of the Bellwether assets frozen immediately. Nico called me after midnight. “I won't ask you to get involved,” he said. I looked at the documents spread across my desk. “You don't have to ask.”
