The Maid & The Mansion's Secret

By Jagdish Arora

"The Maid and the Mansion's Secret" invites readers into a world of intrigue and hidden truths. As Maria the Housemaid navigates her role within the opulent estate, she becomes entangled in a web of deception, unearthing mysteries that challenge privilege and vulnerability. This captivating tale explores the resilience of the human spirit, the pursuit of truth, and the unexpected connections that can shape destinies. Join us on a journey where uncovering secrets comes at a cost, but the rewards are immeasurable. Embark on a narrative that lingers beyond the final page, reminding us that even within the confines of a mansion, courage can rewrite history.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jagdish Arora
• Release date: Sep 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223928331

Book preview

Chapter 1: Dark Beginnings

In the old mansion on the hill, the atmosphere was always charged with an eerie tension. Maria, the newly hired maidservant, stepped into the vast hallway, her heart racing as if it sensed the secrets lurking within the shadows.

In the old mansion on the hill, the atmosphere was always charged with an eerie tension. Maria, the newly hired maidservant, stepped into the vast hallway, her heart racing as if it sensed the secrets lurking within the shadows.

The mansion, known as Hawthorn Manor, was a relic of another era. Its weathered stone walls held generations of memories, some whispered in hushed tones and others locked away in forgotten corners. Maria had heard the tales of Hawthorn Manor's mysteries, but she never imagined she would be part of them.

Dressed in a simple uniform, Maria clutched the tray of tea she was to deliver to the master's study. The wooden floorboards creaked beneath her every step, adding to the sense of foreboding that hung in the air. Portraits of stern-faced ancestors lined the walls, their eyes seemingly following her progress.

As she approached the study's heavy oak door, Maria hesitated. She could have sworn she heard a faint whisper carried by the wind that seeped through the cracks. Shaking off her unease, she knocked gently and entered, her heart still racing.

Ah, Maria, Mr. Caldwell, the mansion's owner, greeted with a warm smile. Just in time for tea. Place it on the desk, please.

Maria nodded, carefully setting down the tray and arranging the cups and saucers. Mr. Caldwell was a tall man with greying hair and an air of sophistication. He was known for his reclusive nature and scholarly pursuits, often disappearing into his study for hours on end.

Thank you, Maria, he said, gesturing for her to leave.

As she turned to leave, Maria caught a glimpse of the book open on Mr. Caldwell's desk. It was a leather-bound volume filled with symbols and diagrams she couldn't decipher. The room felt charged with an energy that sent shivers down her spine.

Back in the hallway, Maria let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. The mansion had an uncanny way of making her feel like an intruder, an outsider trespassing on its secrets. She continued her duties, dusting the ornate furniture and polishing the grand chandelier that hung in the foyer.

The mansion's cook, Mrs. Higgins, bustled about in the kitchen, her apron dusted with flour. Maria shared her concerns about the mansion's eerie ambiance.

Child, this place has seen more than its fair share of history, Mrs. Higgins said, her voice tinged with a hint of sorrow. Whispers of love, betrayal, and tragedy echo in its walls. Best to keep your wits about you and your heart guarded.

Maria nodded, though she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Mrs. Higgins' words than met the eye. The day wore on, and as evening approached, Maria's apprehension grew. She would be responsible for lighting the candles throughout the mansion, a task that seemed more ominous than it should.

With a lantern in hand, Maria ascended the grand staircase, her footsteps echoing in the silence. She passed closed doors, each one a barrier to rooms filled with their own stories. At the end of the hallway was a portrait of a woman, her eyes hauntingly familiar.

The woman in the portrait was beautiful, her expression tinged with sadness. Maria couldn't help but feel a connection to her, as if their paths had crossed in some unexplainable way. She touched the canvas gently, a chill running down her spine.

Who are you? Maria whispered, as if