Glimpse of Hope

Ina's heart sank as she read the job posting for a maid position. The pay was decent, and the prospect of a full-time job in one of the city's most affluent neighborhoods seemed like a dream come true. However, her hopes were dashed when she saw the requirement that the applicant must be without children.

Ina sighed, feeling the weight of her situation pressing down on her. She was pregnant, a fact she hadn't fully come to terms with yet. Though her pregnancy made her hesitant, but the desperation for a job and a stable income pushed her to apply despite the odds.

As she arrived at the entrance gate of the grand estate, the gatekeeper, a middle-aged man with a no-nonsense attitude, looked her up and down before speaking. "I'm not in charge of the applications. Wait here while I fetch Maria. She's the one you need to speak to."

Ina nodded, trying to maintain her composure despite the nervousness gnawing at her. She stood to the side, her eyes scanning the impressive facade of the mansion.

Moments later, Maria, the housekeeper in charge of hiring, appeared at the gate. Her gaze swept over Ina, taking in her worn clothes and tired expression. Without a word, Maria shook her head dismissively and turned to leave.

Panic surged through Ina as she realized Maria's rejection. She couldn't afford to lose this opportunity, not when she was already struggling to make ends meet. With a surge of determination, Ina stepped forward. "Please, I know I may not look the part, but I'm willing to work hard. I need this job."

Maria paused, her expression softening slightly at the desperation in Ina's voice. "I'm sorry, but we have certain standards to maintain here."

Defeated, Ina watched as Maria retreated back into the mansion. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes as she contemplated her next move. She was about to turn away when a sleek car pulled up to the gates.

Adam, the owner of the estate, observed the scene from the comfort of his car. His sharp eyes caught sight of Ina, and a flicker of recognition passed through his mind. She bore a familiarity that he couldn't quite place, a resemblance to someone from his past.

Despite his busy schedule and strict demeanor, Adam couldn't shake off the feeling of intrigue that Ina evoked. He made a mental note to inquire about her later but decided not to intervene at that moment.

Adam proceeded to drive into the mansion, his mind preoccupied with work matters. However, as he settled into his office later that day, Ina's image lingered in his thoughts. There was something about her that tugged at his memory, a puzzle he couldn't solve.

Summoning Maria to his study, Adam cut straight to the point. "Maria, I saw a woman at the gate earlier. Who was she?"

Maria, ever composed and respectful, replied, "She's just another applicant for the maid position, sir. However, I didn't accept her application."

Adam raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Why not?"

Maria hesitated before answering, choosing her words carefully. "Her appearance was not in line with the standards we maintain here. I thought it best to reject her."

Adam nodded, understanding Maria's perspective. However, the nagging feeling of familiarity with Ina nagged at him. "Do you know where I might have met her before?"

Maria shook her head. "I'm not sure, sir. She didn't seem familiar to me."

Adam's mind raced with possibilities. Who could she be and why was he so drawn to her? The mystery intrigued him, stirring emotions he hadn't felt in a long time.

"Bring her application to me," Adam instructed Maria. "I want to take another look."

Maria, accustomed to Adam's decisive nature, nodded and left to retrieve Ina's application.

Meanwhile, Ina sat in the staff quarters, her heart heavy with disappointment. She had dared to hope for a chance, only to be rejected based on her appearance. Her thoughts drifted to her unborn child, a constant reminder of the challenges she faced.

Just as she was about to resign herself to the idea of yet another closed door, Maria returned with surprising news. "Ina, your application has been accepted."

Ina's eyes widened in disbelief. "Really? But I thought..."

"Sometimes, second chances come when we least expect them. Follow me. "Maria replied

Maria's expression remained neutral as she led Ina to the staff quarters.

The atmosphere was formal, and Maria's demeanor reflected the strict guidelines she had to adhere to.

Ina, grateful for the chance but aware of the underlying tension, followed quietly. The staff quarters were functional but lacked the warmth of a welcoming environment. Maria showed Ina to a small, sparsely furnished room.

"This will be your room. You can settle in here for now. Tomorrow, you'll start your training. "Ina nodded, suppressing her disappointment at the lack of warmth in Maria's tone. "Thank you, Maria. I'll be ready.

"Maria simply nodded before leaving Ina alone in the room. Ina took a moment to collect herself, reminding herself that this was a step towards stability, regardless of the circumstances. was given the previous night and patiently waited for maria to call her over which she did

The next morning, Ina woke up feeling seriously nauseated but taking in the fact that she had taken nothing the previous night she knew it was due to the pregnancy not wanting maria to come and meet her unprepared she quickly tied up and dressed in the attire she was giving the previous night and she did not have to wait long for because Maria came knocking on the door and urging her to hurry up but when Ina opened up the door fully dressed she was surprised which was a first.

Maria took her into the mansion and Ina was amazed at how big the place was it was expensively decorated and even her father's house wasn't as big as this the thought of her father brought about sad memories which brought tears to her eyes only if she had not accepted for martin when he had first asked her out and also listened to her father's advice of not putting him as an owner of the company but i had not listened if only i could turn back the hands of time............................................