The newfound connection between Heaven and Alexander did not go unnoticed within the confines of Sterling Manor. As the whispers of their growing closeness spread, a subtle shift in the atmosphere began to take shape. Among the mansion's staff, jealousy and resentment simmered beneath the surface, and Heaven became an unwitting target of their unspoken animosity.
The other maids, once colleagues working in harmony, now regarded Heaven with narrowed eyes and hushed conversations. They exchanged furtive glances when she entered a room, their camaraderie replaced by an unspoken tension. Heaven, sensitive to the subtle changes, continued to carry out her duties with grace, unaware of the shadows that loomed in the corners of the mansion.
One day, as Heaven was arranging flowers in the drawing room, she overheard snippets of a conversation between two maids, Lily and Emma. Their voices, tinged with bitterness, reached her ears like an ominous melody.
"Lily, have you noticed how close Heaven has become to Mr. Sterling?" Emma's words carried a venomous edge.
"Yes, and it's not right. She's just a maid, but she acts like she's the lady of the house," Lily replied, her tone laced with disdain.
The realization that her growing proximity to Alexander had become a source of discontent among her peers weighed heavily on Heaven's heart. She continued arranging the flowers, her movements deliberate but her thoughts in turmoil.
Days turned into weeks, and the subtle hostility towards Heaven escalated. Simple tasks became arduous, as some maids deliberately neglected to assist her or conveniently forgot to share essential information. The once-harmonious camaraderie had fractured, leaving Heaven isolated in the midst of the mansion's opulence.
Unbeknownst to Heaven, a new chapter was about to unfold in the story of Sterling Manor. Alexander's family, adhering to long-standing traditions, had arranged a marriage for him. The news of his impending engagement spread like wildfire among the mansion's staff, adding fuel to the simmering resentment.
One evening, the mansion buzzed with anticipation as the chosen bride, Eleanor, arrived for the first time. The grand entrance was orchestrated with meticulous precision, and the mansion's halls were adorned with flowers and candles in celebration of the momentous occasion.
Heaven, clad in her maid uniform, stood discreetly in the background as the festivities unfolded. Her eyes, however, betrayed a sense of trepidation, aware that the arrival of Alexander's fiancée would cast a new light on her relationship with the master of the house.
Eleanor, an elegant woman with a regal demeanor, entered Sterling Manor with a retinue of family members. The air crackled with formality, and the mansion's staff lined up to greet the distinguished guests. Heaven, amidst the gathering, felt a subtle shift in the dynamics that extended beyond the usual tensions.
As Eleanor toured the mansion, accompanied by Alexander, the other maids seized the opportunity to amplify their discontent. Lily and Emma exchanged knowing glances, casting disdainful looks in Heaven's direction whenever they thought she wasn't looking.