The Agreement

The Mansion That Never Smiled


Welsy stood at the huge black gate with her small suitcase beside her. Her heart beat so fast that she could hear it in her ears. The mansion looked even bigger now that she was standing in front of it. The tall walls, beautiful flowers, and expensive cars parked outside made her feel like she had entered another world.
She took a deep breath.
"This job will change my life," she whispered to herself.
Before she could knock again, the gate slowly opened.
A man dressed in a black suit stepped outside. He looked to be in his late forties. His face showed no emotion.
"You are Welsy?" he asked.
"Yes, sir."
"Follow me."
Without another word, he turned around and walked away.
Welsy quickly carried her suitcase and followed him through the large compound. Everything looked perfect. The grass was neatly cut, colorful flowers lined the walkway, and a beautiful fountain stood proudly in the middle of the garden.
She wanted to stop and admire everything, but the man never slowed down.
Soon they entered the mansion.
The cool air from the air conditioner brushed against her skin. The floor shined like a mirror, and expensive paintings decorated the walls.
She felt scared to even take another step.
The man noticed her hesitation.
"You'll get used to it," he said.
"I hope so," Welsy replied with a nervous smile.
He led her into a large sitting room where several maids were already waiting.
An older woman stood in front of them.
She looked strict but calm.
"This is Mrs. Agnes," the man said. "She manages every worker in this house."
Then he walked away.
Mrs. Agnes folded her arms.
"So, you're the new cook."
"Yes, ma'am."
"I've read your file. You can cook well, but talent means nothing if you don't follow the rules."
Welsy nodded immediately.
"I understand."
Mrs. Agnes looked at her carefully before speaking again.
"There are many rules in this house. Breakfast must be ready before seven every morning. Lunch must never be late. Dinner must be served exactly at eight."
"Yes, ma'am."
"You do not enter the master's office."
"Yes, ma'am."
"You do not touch anything that does not belong to you."
"Yes, ma'am."
"You do not ask personal questions."
Welsy swallowed.
"Yes, ma'am."
Mrs. Agnes paused for a moment.
"And one more thing."
Her voice became even lower.
"There is a hallway on the third floor."
The other maids suddenly became quiet.
"You are never to go there."
Welsy frowned slightly.
"Why?"
Mrs. Agnes looked directly into her eyes.
"Because I said so."
Silence filled the room.
Welsy quickly lowered her head.
"I'm sorry, ma'am."
Mrs. Agnes finally nodded.
"Good."
Another maid stepped forward with a warm smile.
"I'm Rose."
"Welsy."
"I'll show you your room."
Unlike everyone else, Rose looked friendly.
As they walked upstairs, Rose leaned closer.
"Don't worry. Mrs. Agnes scares every new worker."
Welsy laughed softly.
"I thought she was about to send me home."
Rose smiled.
"Only if you break the rules."
They reached a small but clean bedroom.
"This is yours."
It wasn't luxurious, but it was more comfortable than the tiny room Welsy had rented before.
She placed her suitcase on the bed.
"This is beautiful."
Rose smiled proudly.
"The staff quarters were renovated last year."
Welsy looked around happily.
"For someone like me, this feels like a hotel."
Rose laughed.
"You'll like working here."
Welsy hoped she was right.
After unpacking her clothes, Rose took her to the large kitchen.
It was bigger than some restaurants.
Everything was perfectly arranged.
Fresh vegetables, fruits, and expensive ingredients filled the shelves.
Welsy's eyes widened.
"I've never seen a kitchen like this."
Rose giggled.
"You'll be spending most of your time here."
Before Welsy could answer, footsteps echoed behind them.
Every maid immediately stood straight.
Mrs. Agnes entered.
"The master is home."
Everyone became silent.
Welsy's heart skipped.
So this was the mysterious owner of the mansion.
She wiped her sweaty hands on her apron.
The front door opened.
A tall man walked inside.
His expensive black suit fit him perfectly. His sharp jaw, calm expression, and confident steps made everyone lower their heads.
Without looking at anyone, he removed his gloves.
The air in the room suddenly felt heavy.
Welsy accidentally looked up.
For one brief second, their eyes met.
His cold gaze rested on her face before moving away as if she didn't exist.
He continued walking upstairs without saying a single word.
Only after he disappeared did everyone breathe again.
Rose quietly whispered,
"Welcome to Blackwood Mansion."
Welsy looked toward the staircase where the mysterious man had disappeared.
For reasons she could not explain, she had a strange feeling that accepting this job was about to change her life forever.