Shadow's Of The Dark Heart

Author pvo///

The morning rays fall on the kitchen window making a soft glow on the kitchen counter where Eleanor stands stirring a pot of curry.

The scent of spice filled the air but there Anna stood behind her mom with worry in her Brown eyes, Her black hair tied in a braid that reached till her upper waist, and Her brown-colored skin glowing in the morning sunlight.

"Mom, please," Anna said with almost pleading, "you've been unwell for a week now. It's getting worse nowadays. We need to go to the hospital."

Eleanor's movements didn't falter as she gently put the pot down from the flame, her expression calm, even though her eyes spoke of the tension beneath her calm expression.

"Mom, you're ignoring me again," Anna said and stepped closer, her tone filled with concern. "You can't keep putting this off. What if something happens?"

Eleanor finally turned, and her eyes met with Anna's. She reached out, gently cupping Avni's cheek. "Anna," she said softly, her thumb stroking her daughter's face in a tender gesture, "The boss is coming today. You know how important that is. And I need to go, there is so much work, I can't afford to take leave."

Anna stood in silence, her mind racing. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice was gentle. "Okay, Mom... if today is so important, then let me come with you. I'll help you at work, and after that, we can go to the hospital together."

Eleanor glanced at her daughter, her brow furrowing slightly. "Anna, you have to go to college and focus on your studies. You can't avoid it ."

Anna shook her head, "Mom If I don't go to college today there is nothing much going to happen, and studies can wait for today. You can't keep ignoring your health, and if the boss is coming, you'll need help. Let me be there with you. Once everything is done, we'll go to the hospital together, please"

Eleanor's eyes softened, " You don't need to worry about me, Anna. I can manage that Alone.

"I know, you can but please let me come"

His mother sighed, "Anna that was my work, you can't just-"

"I won't let you go!" Anna interrupted, her determination was clear in her voice.

"If you are not letting me come with you then, you are not going to work either. "

Eleanor let out a soft sigh, "Alright," she said quietly, " we'll go together. You can help me at work today, and after we'll see the doctor, but, you must promise me that you will not create problems, you always have a knack for creating problems."

"I promise, mom. I will not do anything stupid. Just cleaning and helping, that's it." Anna replied, relief flooding her voice.

Anna is a 22- year-old young woman who lost her father at the age of 15. She lives with her mother, Eleanor, who is the sole provider for their family, working as a maid. They create a warm and happy family together. Anna aspires to be a good daughter by securing a job that will provide enough for both of them. She doesn't seek wealth instead, her dream is to live a life filled with peace and happiness. With her soft-hearted nature, Anna always thinks of others before herself.

________________

Anna, stepping into the mansion, had choked on her breath. The place simply overwhelmed her. The towering wall rose gray and high, magnificently carved in intricate designs as only a rich history might know.

Anna couldn't stop herself from admiring what lay before her. This was a different world from hers,

As she walked further into the house, she swore quietly to herself that she would work extra hard to make an even better life for herself and her mother.

"This way, Anna," said her mother, her tone soft but firm, leading her toward the kitchen.

Inside the busy kitchen, her mother introduced her to the head maid, a very firm woman whose hawkish eyes greeted them with a nod. "So you are the Anna," the woman remarked critically. "Your mother speaks highly of you." Anna smiles gently while greeting the handmaid.

"Now, get to work. Because there is too much to do before the boss comes. Eleanor first helps the chef prepare food and after that, you have to clean the backside door of the garden."

Eleanor nodded quickly, her expression all tensed as she glanced at Anna. Turning to her daughter, pulling her aside. "Anna, listen to me clearly," she said. "Don't go near the main hall. Go to clean the back doors in the garden and do not come in front of the boss at any cost." There was a bit of firmness in her voice, but it wasn't hard to locate worry underneath that tone.

"But why, Mom?" she asked, sensing the fear lurking under her mother's usual calmness.

Eleanor hesitated before replying "I've never seen him" she admitted "But I've heard things. The staff... They say he is the cruelest man you can ever come across." She said the fear was visible in her voice.

"Just stay out of his way, the door opens right from the mansion-stay there until I come for you, okay?"

Eleanor glanced at Anna, her eyes filled with concern. "Stay out of sight of the boss." Though her tone was firm, the worry in her voice was visible.

"Okay, Mom," she whispered. She grabbed the cleaning supplies and made her way toward the back doors, but she felt something wasn't right.

She starts finding the back side door. After wandering, she stopped. Just then, she spotted a helper approaching from the other end of the hallway. The girl wore a simple uniform, and a warm smile on her face as she was mumbling something.

"Excuse me," Anna said. "Can you help me? I have to clean the back door of the garden, but I can't find it."

The helper smiled gently, and she nodded with understanding. "Of course! The garden door is a bit hidden. It's just around the corner." She pointed down the hall with her hand, guiding Anna's gaze.

Anna felt a rush of relief. "Thank you so much,"

"It's okay," the girl replied. "The mansion can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers

Anna smiled back, grateful for the support. As the helper turned to leave. With clearer directions, she made her way to the back.

Anna stood in front of the towering glass door, feeling overwhelmed, it was transparent from the inside but couldn't seem from the outside."This is going to take forever to clean," she thought, a mix of frustration. She took a cloth, squirted liquid soap onto it, and started wiping the glass. The soap glided over the surface, leaving streaks behind, but it felt like an endless task.

As she struggles to reach the top, irritation grows inside her. "Why is it so tall?" she muttered, her arms growing tired. After several attempts, she grabbed a wiper to make the job easier. She swiped it across the glass, but it still felt slow, and the sight of the unclean areas only added to her frustration.

In a moment of impatience, she picked up a bucket of water and threw it at the door, hoping to wash away her troubles. Just then, the trouble started, the door swung open, and a person stood there, drenched from head to toe.