The grand hall of the Sterling estate was filled with bright crystal chandeliers, white oak hardwood floors, and high ceilings that made every sound echo. Wealthy guests walked around in expensive suits and silk dresses, holding glasses of sparkling wine while soft piano music played in the background. It was supposed to be a night of celebration for Richard Sterling and his new bride, Victoria. But five-year-old Leo did not care about the expensive party or the grand speeches. He felt completely alone inside the giant house. He squeezed through the crowd of tall adults, looking left and right with tears swelling in his dark brown eyes. The dark tuxedo he wore felt stiff and uncomfortable against his skin. Every adult he passed paid no attention to him, completely busy with their chatter about stock options and real estate values. Leo held his breath, scanning the long hallway that led back toward the private kitchen area.
Suddenly, his eyes caught a familiar grey uniform near the edge of the arched doorway. A woman stood there holding a silver tray with water glasses, keeping her head down respectfully. Her light brown hair was pulled back neatly, and her expression was gentle yet tired. It was Hannah, the woman who had cared for Leo every single day for the past three years. The moment Leo recognized her face, a sob broke from his throat. He did not think twice about the rule his father had set regarding the staff during formal parties. He sprinted down the long hallway, his small dress shoes squeaking on the polished wood floor. He ran as fast as his small legs could carry him, ignoring the surprised looks from guests who had to step back quickly to avoid being bumped.
Leo: Mommy!
Hannah turned her head fast when she heard the frantic voice. Her eyes widened as she saw the little boy running straight toward her. She barely had time to set the silver tray onto a side table before Leo threw his arms around her waist. He buried his face into the fabric of her grey uniform, weeping hysterically while shaking from head to toe. Hannah sank down to her knees right there on the floor, wrapping her arms around his small back to comfort him. She did not care if her uniform got wet with his tears. She stroked his soft hair gently, whispering warm words into his ear to quiet his fears. For three long years, since Leo was just two years old, Hannah had been the one to feed him, read him bedtime stories, and hold his hand whenever he woke up from bad nightmares.
Leo: You came back! I knew you would come back for me!
Hannah: Shh, it is okay, Leo. I am right here. I never left you.
Victoria Sterling stood near the center of the hall, holding a glass of champagne while talking to a group of local business owners. She froze when she heard the word Mommy echoed across the room. Her face tightened with immediate rage as she saw guests turning their heads toward the maid kneeling on the floor. Victoria set her glass down so hard on a marble counter that champagne spilled over the edge. She smoothed her expensive beige designer dress and marched across the polished floor with long, furious steps. Her high heels clicked loudly against the wood, cutting through the background piano music. Her eyes were fixed on Hannah with pure hatred and embarrassment. To Victoria, appearance was everything, and having her stepson call the house maid his mother in front of city elites was an absolute nightmare.
Victoria: Get away from her right now!
Before Hannah could even stand up or explain the situation, Victoria reached down and struck Hannah hard across the face. The loud crack of the physical strike echoed throughout the high-ceiling room, causing several guests to gasp in shock. Hannah's head snapped back abruptly, and she tumbled back onto the hard floor. Victoria did not hesitate for a second. She reached out with sharp, aggressive hands, grabbing Leo by his small upper arm and snatching him forcefully out of Hannah's reach. Leo screamed out in pain and terror as Victoria yanked him backward, pulling him behind her silk dress as if he were an object to be claimed. Hannah touched her burning cheek, her eyes filled with tears, but she kept her mouth shut to avoid making things worse for the little boy she loved.