Avoid the third floor

There was a short pause at the other end before the person finally spoke, “My bad! I'm Adams, Mr. Dalton’s chauffeur.”

Ashley's eyes widened at the revelation. “Oh, I will be ready,” she said and ended the call.

“Look who is receiving the princess treatment,” Jessica teased, nudging her elbow.

Ashley turned red. “He is bringing his personal chauffeur to pick you up. Imagine what he would pick his wife up with– a chopper?” Jessica said.

Ashley ignored her remark. “I should go get ready. He will be here any moment.” Ashley said and dashed to dress.

The car honked, announcing Adams’ arrival, and Jessica and Ashley both filed out carrying Ashley’s luggage.

Jessica’s jaw dropped as the sleek black Ferrari pulled up to the curb.

“Oh my gosh! That's the latest Ferrari,” she turned to Ashley, her eyes wide. “I'm so jealous of you right now, Ash.”

Adams exited the car and, after exchanging pleasantries, helped Ashley put her luggage in the car.

Jessica hugged Ashley tightly. “I can't believe you are leaving already,” she sniffed.

Ashley beamed. “It's just for a little while, it's to get some income, and when I finally reach my target, I will find corporate work.”

“I'll miss you. Remember to give me a call when you are settled,” Jessica said.

“Sure, I will, Jess, and best of luck on your interview today. Make sure you ace it,” Ashley wished her.

They hugged again before she finally got into the car. As the car zoomed off, Ashley looked at her street until it faded away.

“Do you need some water, Miss Smith?” Adams asked, looking at her briefly from the rearview mirror.

“It is Ashley, please,” she corrected, “And no, I am fine, thank you.”

Adams smiled at her before returning his gaze to the road. After some minutes of driving, they arrived at the Dalton Mansion.

Ashley's eyes dilated as she took in the scene before her. No words could fathom what she was seeing. It was like walking into her historical fantasy stories, but in a more modern setting.

The Dalton mansion was unlike anything Ashley had seen before. Each door was controlled by advanced AI, seamlessly opening as they drove in and closing behind them with a quiet whir.

Ashley wondered why the internet didn't show all this. Was he that reserved?

The car parked, and soon they got, Ashley looking around in awe. Who would have believed a mansion like this could be in Washington?

“These people are drinking money,” Ashley said aloud, quickly covering her mouth.

“You can say that again,” Adams chuckled as he got the luggage from the car.

“Stupid me!” Ashley muttered, flushing with embarrassment.

Adams led her inside. Ashley stepped into the mansion, its floor gleaming with a mirror-like sheen.

Ashley glanced at her outfit, hoping it would somehow turn into a princess dress with a diamond tiara on her head.

She chuckled as she realized her clothing hadn't changed. Adams smiled at her. She watched as lines of staff worked tirelessly to ensure everywhere was clean.

A woman dressed in a neatly pressed uniform welcomed them with a polite smile.

“Welcome, Miss Smith. My name is Maria. I manage the household staff here,” she said warmly. “I will guide you to your room and clarify your responsibilities.”

Ashley nodded, trying to hide her anxiety. Maria guided her up the staircase and down a passage lined with beautiful paintings and decorative pieces. They eventually arrived at a room at the end of the hall.

“This will be your space,” Maria said, opening the door to reveal a spacious and elegantly furnished bedroom. “You have a personal lavatory and a small living area. If you require assistance, feel free to ask.”

Ashley expressed her gratitude and paused to take in the new environment. The room exceeded her expectations, it had a mahogany bed and a spacious window with a view of the garden.

Ashley shook her head in surprise. If her room was like this, what would Owen’s room look like?

She bit her lower lip and controlled herself from asking about Owen’s wife. There was still a floor above hers and she guessed it might belong to him.

Maria handed her a folder. “Here are your duties and the schedule for the children. They go to school during the day, and your primary duty will be to look after them in the evenings and on weekends.”

Mariah continued. “Also, Mr. Dalton has requested that you avoid the third floor. It is his private area, and only he has access to it.”

Ashley nodded, accepting the folder. She felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. This was an incredible opportunity, although she still wondered why Owen wanted to be alone.

“Where are the children's rooms?” Ashley asked.

“Their room is to your right,” Mariah replied. Ashley nodded and thanked the staff for bringing her luggage.

“Dinner is at 7 PM. I'll have someone come to get you. Until then, make yourself at home."

Once Maria had left, Ashley sat on the edge of the bed and took a deep breath.

After resting and reading the book about their preferences, Ashley chuckled. They liked chocolate-covered potato chips.

She thought she was the only one who liked eating funny combinations of food; it seemed she had companions now.

She put the book aside and headed to their room. She punched in the key combinations, and the door slowly opened.

She wasn't sure if she would get used to the AI doors, but they were amazing.

She saw their pictures, they looked like Owen with round faces but everything else seemed to be from their mom. She wondered why she hadn't seen her.

Ashley toon a moment to gather her thoughts, reminding herself of the reason she took the job.

Apart from wanting to know Owen more personally, she took the job to pay her student loans and have something to do.

She hoped the children were easy to manage and she wouldn't have to cross her boundaries when she saw Owen’s wife.

With a deep breath, she headed back to the ground floor, and caught sight of Ava and Aiden. Their eyes were deep sapphire.

She beamed as she approached them, but they looked at her with disregard. Right as she was going to talk, an object zoomed by her, causing her to shriek.