The sound of lightnings and thunder rumblings filled the atmosphere furiously, forcing me to take a glimpse at the already formed rain clouds in the sky. It was quite obvious that a storm was fast approaching.

That wasn't actually the problem, neither my problem at a moment like this. I couldn't stop thinking back to what my dad was discussing with the anonymous guy the other day. I just had a bad feeling about it I guess?

I'm just nineteen years of age with no experience of job and technical skills, I really didn't care much about furthering my education any more, as the money issues in my family kept rising each day. Although I always came to a conclusion of everything being my fault, I didn't wish for my family's efforts and hard work to be degraded to nothing. I had to do something...anything...

It wasn't long before dad starting fixing me up for services as a maid servant and housemaid in different luxurious mansions. What made everything easier for him was that I held a high reputation for them as a qualified maiden- one that had lots of experiences in domestic activities and happenings.

"Always remember Rosalie, we can't be with you forever so you need to start making your own decisions now. You're already a woman, and you need to start acting like one as well". That was the last statement he had made to me before I departed with my luggages to my assigned destination. I didn't know whether he was being friendly or hoarse in his advice, but my mind wasn't emotionally stable to think the otherwise now. My mum had clearly turned her back on me when my dad starting to fend my services with the little income he had, but I didn't blame her at all...I mean how could I, when I'm the source of their sufferings.

The rain had finally lashed out it's judgement on me once I departed from the airport on me, by raining cat and dog. There weren't any taxis or buses passing by at this hour of the night and I already figured out this was gonna be the worst first day at work from the beginning.

I didn't let the rain ruin my mood this evening and stood by a nearby bench which was half- hidden under an oak tree. I felt goosebumps form on my skin as more drops of water trailed down my chest and legs.

It has been thirty minutes since I found shelter under this tree and the sky was already growing darker and darker by the minute. If I didn't find a good place soon, I'd surely freeze to death.

My teeth had starting clenching and my limbs had started trembling from the cold wind that flew under my barely covered limbs.

Just when I wanted to give up and head for the street, a pair of headlights started to make it's way down the corner of the lane I was hiding. I was running out of lucks this night, if this vehicle happens to ignore me or run me over, I'm finished.

Clutching my denim jacket for warmth, I dragged my numb feet to the bus stop stand and waved my hand furiously to indicate the driver to stop. It wasn't easy calling out to him as the heavy rain drenched my voice as a whisper.

Surprisingly, the vehicle came to a halt by the oak tree and honked to attract my presence. Sighing in relief, I wobbled my way to the vehicle with my belongings in each of my arms. The driver scanned his eyes over my soaked figure before showing up with an umbrella above my head.

"Who'd be crazy enough to stand under this storm by this time of the night?". He scolded with a stern face, gesturing for me to hop into the car. I couldn't really see what he looked like but yeah, that didn't really matter- so I thanked him severally before compelling my feverish legs to cooperate with my brain.

I clasped my hands together and bit my lips to stop myself from shaking vigorously as the vehicle's engine roared back to life. I watched silently at the edge of the window, the moving landscapes and the approaching moon from the ends of the city-London is indeed a beautiful and buzzing city, unlike Canberra in Australia, which has limited economical investments and supplies.

My dad- Dr. Cooper happens to be a full-blooded Australian citizen, while my mum- Ms. Emilia is part Italian and part Canadian, which makes me sort of a mixed blood. My dad met my mum years back in a restaurant where he was having a business lunch with his colleagues when mum suddenly walked in as the waitress, it wasn't long before he fell in love with her afterwards. Guess you could call their encounter- love at first sight.

But from what he had told me, It wasn't easy in the communication processes as he was of a full-blooded country and she was of a mixed race, but nevertheless, the two lovebirds were determined to put aside their differences and tolerate their different classes and cultures, before starting a new life in Australia.

I actually feel so bad for leaving my hometown to a strange land- since I've never left the borders of Australia before, that sent chills over me as I'd surely go homesick within few days time. I'm forever glad I was able to learn one or two sentences from my native language before leaving.

The journey to the destination was peaceful and relaxing, but with some awkward minutes of tension between I and this strange driver.

I silently went into prayers and brushed my fingertips against the cross necklace that hung across my neckline as a reminder of my faith.

"I believe you're looking for the Normans?". said the young strange man, finally breaking the tension between us. I am horrified when he mentioned the Lords whom I was going to work for; never have I opened up to this stranger concerning my destination, which made everything seem a bit cringy and suspicious.

As if reading my mind, he stated. "I was sent to pick you up, I'm the Norman's butler, call me Aaron". He introduced himself flatly in a clear fluent british tone. "You're more feeble than Cooper described, I doubt you'd survive a week there".

His words were like daggers at my chest. Did he really have to be harsh or rude to me, especially in a state like this? Whatever, I can't deal with that now, especially for the fear of being tossed out of the car without thinking twice. I just hope that things turns out good for all of us.

All I could do was force a smile. "Well, I believe all that would change when I resume fully".

The driver didn't answer back and put his full attention on the road. I could still him glaring at me several times from the car mirror.

"Jeez, what's his deal?". I thought, a little pissed off by his coldness towards me. I'm guessing that today's weather really put everyone off their best composure, at least that's what I thought.

"Mademoiselle, we're here". I didn't hear when the driver had announced our arrival and just kept on staring at the countless stars in the skylight, quite lost in numerous thoughts.

"Father never believes in my dreams and always calls it a waste of life time. So why now did he suddenly travel to Europe and push me into working for these persons?". I wondered, glancing at few passersby that were either hanging out under the moonlight or cafés. I just hope that whatever business he's doing there would being luck to them. I'd do anything for them to be happy again.

The sound of the door shutting besides me made me jolt out of my thoughts, and my stomach tightened at the image of the furious butler.

"W-we're here already? T-thanks for the ride". I stuttered from two things; cold and fear. All kind of rumours about this family have been flying about for the past three months now, though dad reassured me that they were all just bluffs of lies and envy. The fact that more than ten maidens who had worked here few months ago mysteriously died and never returned still haunts me terribly as I'm much of a crybaby in situations like this.

"Thanks for your help, I appreciate it-". I let out a sigh of relief and came down from the car. "-Aaron".

He gave me a strained smile and helped me with my luggages as we walked to what seemed like a huge fortress. Turning around, I caught a glimpse of a beautiful water fountain and some golden statues portrayed in a nearby breath-taking garden.

I gasped in awe when I spotted ten luxurious vehicles parked neatly across a remotely private garage from across the garden. What the hell would a person do with these much cars?

What even made this view more glamorous was the reflection of the skylight against the huge dark walls of the mansion.

There was no doubt that this family were indeed bourgeoises, I could already imagine the wave of superiority they held. Nervously, I fixed my gaze at the floor, clenching and unclenching my hands when the butler twisted the door to the gigantic Manor.

"It's now or never". I told myself with a shaky sigh, rocking my feet back and forth in a slow manner.

"Oui, be at your best behaviour...the Normans are very picky when it comes to that". The butler ordered and dropped the bags by his side to open the intimidating door, and when he did, I forgot to breath for a moment.

"Masters, you've got a guest".

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A/N: Hi! This is my first Vampire novel, well not actually, but this' my first Vampire Story that has really nothing to do with the usual pet & slave stuff. I decided to make things a whole lot interesting by including business matters heh :). Tell me what you think about this chapter and I'd likely be encouraged to continue! Don't forget to share, vote and comments as well 💖, it means a lot to me 👉👈. Please also note that;
THIS BOOK IS ON HOLD!

Thank you!

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