Ding-Ding…
The doorbell's chime shattered the peaceful silence of the house, jolting Esme awake from her nap. Usually, it was Adelynn who arrived at this hour, but even then, she called her to inform her that she was coming.
Esme wondered why she hadn't called her this time. "Maybe she wants to surprise me," she assumed, her heartwarming at the thought. Hurriedly, she slipped on her overcoat and made her way to the door.
Surprise washed over her as she opened it to find Maya standing on the doorstep. "Mrs. Bass!" she exclaimed, her lips curving into a hesitant smile. "What a surprise!"
"Call me, Maya." Maya chuckled and pulled Esme into a warm embrace. "I was passing by, and the driver mentioned this was the Sullivan villa. I couldn't resist dropping in. I hope I'm not disturbing you."
Esme returned the embrace, her astonishment gradually fading. "No, no, not at all. I was simply…unprepared for your visit."
