Mia Harper
01~
The chirping of birds woke me before my alarm could. Their songs floated through the open window, blending with the soft rustle of the morning breeze. The first ray of sunlight slipped past my curtains, brushing across my face like a gentle whisper.
I groaned quietly, stretching under the warmth of my sheets before turning to face the window.
How did last night pass so quickly?
For a moment, I just lay there, watching the curtains dance lightly with the wind and feeling the sun kiss my skin.
A faint smile crept onto my lips. Maybe today wouldn’t be so bad after all. I pushed myself up slowly, my hair falling messily over my shoulders, and let out a soft sigh.
“Good morning, Mia”
I whispered to myself.
My name is Mia Harper, the first child of my late parents, Henry and Kate Harper. After their tragic passing, I was left to care for my younger brother, Jeremiah or Jere, as I call him. He's in his third year of college now and has an impressive talent for getting on my nerves. I can hardly remember a day he hasn’t used his height as a weapon to mock me. Well, it’s not my fault that I’m short.
Being an elder sister comes with its fair share of pain and sacrifice. It hasn’t exactly been a bed of roses, especially with a brother like Jere, but despite everything, I wouldn’t trade him for the world.
I’m a graduate, currently working for Mr. Noah Cyrus, one of the richest billionaires in the city. He’s a man of few words — strict, quiet, and impossibly discreet. No one really knows him, not even his closest staff. Maybe his friends do… but trust me, you’ll never see them unless they want you to. Mr. Noah’s mansion is filled with hundreds of workers, maids, servants, bodyguards, everything a man of his wealth could possibly own.
Of all his maids, Mr. Noah Cyrus has always had a soft spot for me. He often reminds me of my father, if he were still alive. His fondness for me sometimes sparks envy among the other servants, who whisper that I must have done something special to earn his kindness, when truly, I haven’t. I guess I’m just lucky.
I got up from bed and quickly took a bath. Then I slipped into my uniform; a simple black and white gown, no different from an ordinary maid’s outfit. I headed to the kitchen, prepared breakfast, and gently sipped from a cup of hot coffee.
Before leaving, I checked on Jere. He was still fast asleep, curled up like a baby. I couldn’t help but chuckle as I knocked lightly on his door.
“Jere, breakfast is ready. I’m off now, bye!” I called out, already knowing he wouldn’t hear a thing.
I hailed a cab and soon arrived at Mr. Noah’s mansion. A magnificent white estate that looked like something out of a dream. Tall marble pillars guarded the entrance, and the driveway shimmered beneath the morning sun. The entire property gleamed with quiet opulence, its glass windows reflecting the world like polished mirrors. Everything about the place screamed wealth, but in a calm, restrained way, just like its owner.
“Morning, Mia! Tell me Jeremiah heard what you told him?” asked Chelsea, my closest friend among the maids. She knew my tricks far too well.
“Not my fault he was asleep” I chuckled.
Chelsea, the most loving soul you’d ever meet— playful, kind, and full of warmth. Honestly, who wouldn’t love her?
“I’ll be back; let me get Sir his coffee” I said, hurrying up the stairs to Mr. Noah’s room, which only I was permitted to enter.
“Morning, Mr. Noah, may I come in?” I asked softly from outside.
“Come in, Mia” he replied.
“Good morning, Mr. Noah. Here’s your coffee,” I said, setting the glass cup on the table. My eyes trailed around the room, clothes everywhere, papers scattered, books piled unevenly on the desk. “And may I know why your room looks like this, Mr. Noah?” I asked, half amused.
“Mia, I’m too old to take care of my room… spare me your lectures” he reached for the cup, taking a slow sip from his coffee.
“Too old?”
I teased, folding one of his shirts.
“Mr. Noah, I hope you’re aware I won’t be here forever, right?...You could at least call on one or two workers to help you tidy up”
He let out a quiet hum, his gaze fixed on me.
“Then stay till I die. That shouldn’t be hard"
“Sir!” I frowned, dropping his clothes.
“Please don’t talk that way. How can you say that?”
Mr. Noah has always been like a father to me. He’s older, yes, but he reminds me so much of how my dad used to care for us when he was alive. I started working for him at eighteen; since then, he’s sponsored both Jere’s and my education. He grew fond of us over time; like that day he showed up at my graduation, and everyone assumed he was my father. He has truly been a good man to me… and a better father than I ever thought I’d have again.
“Mia, death is inevitable,” he said calmly.
“You’re free to leave, but not now.”
“Mr. Noah, your words aren’t always funny, you know?” I frowned, rolling my eyes, as he chuckled under his breath.
“Mia, Mia” he scoffed softly, shaking his head.
I can proudly say that I’m the only one who’s ever seen Mr. Noah’s soft side. He’s always relaxed and open around me, while the other servants hardly ever see him smile.
“You know” I teased, carrying his cup of coffee, “if the other workers saw you like this, they’d probably think I’ve used a charm on you”
“Those lazy miscreants” he muttered, voice low but sharp. “They don’t want to work anymore…always late, always bringing flimsy excuses”
I laughed. “I can’t believe you. Anyway, it’s time to take your medicine. Open wide.” I pulled out his pills and waited.
He turned his face stubbornly. “You treat me like a child. Tell me why I should?”
“Well, you still behave like one, Mr. Noah. So why wouldn’t I?” I folded my arms, refusing to back down.
After a few seconds of mock defiance, he sighed, shot me a glare, and finally opened his mouth. I smiled triumphantly as he swallowed.
“Good” I said. “Now get some rest. I’ll be back tomorrow.”
Hours later, after preparing and serving Mr. Noah’s lunch and dinner in the grand dining room, Chelsea strolled in, wiping her hands on her apron.
“God knows how you cope with that man. So scary.”
“Scary?”
I raised a brow, chuckling as I packed my things. “I don’t think so. Please make sure he eats his food on time, Chel. See you tomorrow.”
“Alright, boss lady” she teased, saluting.
I smiled and gently shut the heavy door behind me.
My job was simple. Give Mr. Noah his medication and cook his meals, since he refused to let anyone else do it. I boarded a cab home and arrived earlier than usual. Stepping out, I paid the driver and took a deep breath before opening the door.
Relief washed over me the moment I entered. I kicked off my shoes and bounced onto the sofa with a long sigh.
But then, I heard something.
A faint movement.
My body froze instant as I stared at the direction of the sound.
“Jere?”
I called out, my voice shaky, but there was no response. Jeremiah rarely stayed home at night, so it couldn’t be him. Slowly, I dropped my bag on the table and crept toward the sound. It was coming from his room.
I exhaled shakily, debating whether to turn back. But what if someone had broken in?
Gathering every bit of courage I had left, I took a deep breath and gently turned the door handle.
