Chapter 1 – The Day Grace Was Sent Away
Chapter 1 – The Day Grace Was Sent Away
For nearly three months, Grace Miller became the quiet heartbeat of the Carter mansion.
Every afternoon, Liam waited for her in the kitchen. Together they kneaded bread, peeled carrots, stirred soup, and laughed over crooked cookies that never looked the same twice. Little by little, food stopped reminding Liam of losing his mother. Instead, it reminded him of warmth.
Daniel noticed the change immediately.
His son had gained weight.
He smiled more.
Most importantly, the silence that had haunted the house no longer felt endless.
One evening, while they were having dinner, Liam looked up and quietly asked,
"Dad... can Grace stay forever?"
Daniel's chest tightened.
"I hope so, buddy."
Across the table, Victoria forced a smile while gripping her wineglass so tightly her knuckles turned white.
She wasn't jealous of Grace's cooking.
She was jealous of her influence.
Every servant listened to Grace.
Liam adored Grace.
Even Daniel had begun asking Grace's opinion before making household decisions.
Victoria hated losing control.
The next morning, Daniel left for a three-day business conference in New York.
As soon as his car disappeared through the front gate, Victoria's smile vanished.
She marched straight into the kitchen.
"Pack your things."
Grace looked up calmly.
"I'm sorry?"
"You're fired."
Grace blinked.
"Mr. Carter never mentioned—"
"I don't need Daniel's permission to remove a housekeeper."
Victoria tossed an envelope containing one week's salary onto the counter.
"Take it and leave."
Liam happened to walk into the kitchen just as Grace picked up her small bag.
"No..."
His tiny voice trembled.
"Grace?"
Grace knelt before him.
"I have to go for now."
Liam wrapped both arms around her neck.
"No! Please don't leave me!"
Victoria pulled him away.
"Enough."
The little boy stared helplessly as Grace walked toward the front door.
She looked back only once.
May you like
Liam stood frozen in the hallway.
Then the mansion fell silent again.
