She woke up as the last stars were fading in the sky. Today was her first day at work. In the past, she would have been excited about it, like any other person entering a new workplace, but not today. After what had happened, she felt suppressed. Inside her, there was a strong desire to stay in bed and not go to work, but a sense of responsibility wouldn't allow that. She approached the mirror, took a deep breath, trying to find the strength and determination to get through the day.

Having gathered herself, she stepped outside. She glanced around for the car that was supposed to pick her up. However, at the exit from the building, there was only a black luxurious car. Next to it stood a young man in a strict black and white suit, white gloves, and a black hat, clearly indicating his status as the driver. He looked at her with an impassive gaze and said, "Miss Maria..." With these words, he opened the car door.

Her eyes widened, and it seemed like she had completely forgotten that just a while ago she felt suppressed and didn't want to go anywhere.

"Excuse me, but are you sure you came for me?" she asked with doubt in her voice.

"Yes, miss," he replied shortly.

Without asking unnecessary questions, she got into the car, and he closed the door behind her. They drove in absolute silence along the familiar road.

"How rich must this person be to afford driving ordinary help in such an expensive car?" she thought to herself. "Or maybe he's just so concerned about his privacy that he won't allow outsiders to come to his property?"

Immersed in her thoughts, she didn't notice how the car approached the gates of the estate. When the gates opened, they entered a deciduous forest, which, like before, blazed like a fire in the rays of the rising sun. It seemed to her that the further they drove into the depths of the forest, the denser the trees grew, as if protecting the estate from prying eyes.

Passing the stone gatehouse where she had the interview, they turned the corner, revealing an incredible sight. Enveloped in the riot of colors of autumn trees stood a majestic Gothic mansion several stories high, as if taken from the pages of a novel. It would take an eternity to examine every detail of this Gothic masterpiece. The entrance group was adorned with figures of gargoyles, standing guard over secrets. The windows of the mansion were decorated with intricate elements. Towers rising above the magnificent mansion seemed to reach for the heavens. The road leading to the building was paved with stone, and in front of the house, there was a fountain. The statue of a mystical creature in the center of the fountain gave the courtyard a majestic character.

Driving past the entrance group, the car approached a small inconspicuous door in the building, presumably intended for the entrance of the staff. At the door, Sir Thomas was waiting for her.

"Hello, sir," Maria said with a soft smile on her face.

"Good morning, miss. How did you get here?" he politely asked.

"Good. May I ask you a question?" she asked, a little embarrassed, and added, "Do all your employees drive in such luxurious cars?"

Sir Thomas's face became serious, and he explained, "Until you sign the contract, Miss Maria, you are not an employee but a guest. And since you are a guest, we will do everything to make you feel comfortable."

These words made Maria feel ashamed, and her face flushed.

"I understand," she whispered quietly, lowering her gaze to the floor.

The butler opened the door, and they entered inside.