chapter 2

Marcella Rivera's plane touched down in Los Angeles, and a tumultuous mix of emotions swept over her. Anticipation for her new adventure clashed with the anguish of leaving her precious son, Alanjandro, behind. As she waited for her dear friend Beatrice to arrive, memories of their heart-wrenching goodbye flooded her mind. The uncertainty of when she would reunite with her child weighed heavily on her heart, like a burden she couldn't shake.

Meanwhile, Beatrice was en route to the airport, her excitement building with every mile. She had missed her dear friend terribly and was eager to reconnect. When she finally spotted Marcella in the arrivals hall, her face lit up with a warm, radiant smile. Rushing over, she enveloped Marcella in a tight embrace, holding her close as they both fought back tears of joy.

Beatrice was taken aback by the transformation in Marcella. The once shy and reserved woman now exuded a quiet confidence and determination, her eyes shining with a newfound inner strength. As they made their way to Beatrice's car, Marcella couldn't help but admire her friend's vibrant glow. "Beatrice, you look absolutely stunning!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with genuine admiration.

Beatrice blushed, her smile widening as she replied, "Thank you, my dearest sister.  They chatted animatedly as they drove to Beatrice's home, where Marcella would stay until she found her own place. Despite the lingering bittersweet emotions, Marcella felt a deep sense of gratitude and comfort in her friend's warmth and love. She knew that with Beatrice by her side, she could face the challenges ahead and build a new life in this vibrant city. 

As they arrived at Beatrice's beautiful home in Beverly Hills, Marcella couldn't help but notice the evident signs of her friend's success and stability. Her curiosity was piqued, and Beatrice, with her characteristic openness, revealed that she had been working as a maid for several years, and while the pay was decent, she was keen to help Marcella find a job as well. "I've already started inquiring about openings, and I'll let you know as soon as something comes up," Beatrice assured her

Marcella was overjoyed and grateful for her friend's support. Her thoughts turned to Alanjandro, and she felt a surge of determination to work hard and provide a better life for her son. She asked Beatrice if she could use her phone to call Isabella, Alanjandro's caregiver, and Beatrice readily agreed.

As the phone rang, Marcella's anxiety grew. Isabella answered, and they exchanged greetings in Spanish. Marcella asked about Alanjandro, and Isabella reassured her that he was doing well. Marcella's heart swelled with longing as she asked to speak to her son. Isabella called out to Alanjandro, "Mama is on the phone!"

Alanjandro's tiny voice filled the line, "Mama, I miss you! When are you coming?" Marcella's emotions overflowed, and she struggled to contain her tears. "Soon, muchacho, I miss you too, mi amore," she promised, her voice trembling. Alanjandro's sweet voice replied, "I promise to be a good boy, Mama." Marcella's heart swelled with love and pride. "I love you, mi amore," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

As the call ended, Marcella thanked Isabella, who replied, "Anytime, dear." Beatrice offered Marcella a comforting hug, and they settled in for the night, eagerly awaiting the opportunities that tomorrow would bring.

One afternoon, Ambrose stormed into the house, his face contorted in anger. He had just returned from a tense visit to his parents' place, where his mother had lectured him about his age and her desire to see grandchildren before she passed away. Ambrose felt a mix of sadness and anger as he retreated to his room, eager to be left alone with his thoughts.

"Don't disturb me!" he barked at the maids, slamming the door behind him. But his solitude was short-lived, as a knock on the door broke the silence. "Sir, it's me, Stella. I came to ask if you needed tea," she said, her voice husky and familiar. Stella, one of Ambrose's maids, had been working for him for five years and had developed a secret crush on her boss. She hoped that one day he would reciprocate her feelings.

Ambrose's anger boiled over. Hadn't he explicitly instructed the maids not to disturb him? He summoned James, his trusted butler, in a loud voice. James hurried upstairs and found Stella lingering at the door. "What are you doing here?" he asked her in a low tone. Stella explained her innocent intention, but Ambrose was unforgiving.

"Come in, Stella," he growled, his eyes blazing with anger. "Did I not explicitly say I didn't want to be disturbed?" he thundered, his voice echoing off the walls. James nodded meekly, while Stella attempted to apologize, but Ambrose cut her off. "Shut your mouth!" he snapped, his patience worn thin. "James, I don't want to see Stella in my house again. Replace her immediately. I'm traveling to Italy tomorrow for my friend's birthday, and when I return, I expect someone new to be in her place." James nodded, " I will do that sir"

On a serene Saturday morning, Beatrice received a call from her dear friend Rosella, who worked as a skilled cook at the opulent Ambrose mansion. Rosella shared some thrilling news - a job opportunity had arisen at the mansion, and Mr. Ambrose had requested that Stella vacate her position, creating a vacancy that needed to be filled. Rosella extended a warm invitation to Beatrice and Marcella to visit James, the mansion's esteemed butler, to discuss the details of the opening and the potential for Marcella to join the staff.

Beatrice felt a mix of emotions - sympathy for Stella, who had been let go, but also immense joy and excitement for Marcella, who would finally have the chance to start a new chapter in her life. She eagerly shared the news with Marcella, who was overjoyed and couldn't contain her gratitude. "Everything is finally falling into place!" Marcella exclaimed, her eyes shining with happiness and her face radiating hope. Beatrice smiled warmly, thrilled to see her friend's dreams taking shape. The two friends made plans to visit James at the mansion, eager to learn more about the position and the possibilities it held. With renewed hope and enthusiasm, they looked forward to this new chapter in Marcella's life, filled with promise opportunities.

It was a bright and early Monday morning, and Marcella and Beatrice woke up with the sun, eager to start the day. They quickly got ready, and Beatrice accompanied Marcella to the grand Ambrose mansion, where Rosella was waiting to greet them. Beatrice gave Rosella a call on her phone, and Rosella promptly emerged from the mansion, a warm smile on her face. The two friends exchanged pleasantries, and Rosella welcomed Marcella with a friendly embrace and a warm greeting." Beatrice smiled and left, leaving Marcella in Rosella's capable hands. Rosella ushered Marcella into the grand mansion, asking her to wait in the elegant visitors' hall while she went to fetch Mr. James.

As Marcella waited, she couldn't help but be captivated by the mansion's opulence. She admired the intricate textures and designs, and her eyes landed on a portrait of Ambrose, the mansion's owner. She was struck by his dark, handsome features and his dark hair, which fell to his shoulders. The image reminded her of the man she had always dreamed of back in Sinaloa, and she felt a flutter in her chest.

Rosella called out to her again, "Marcella," and gently touched her arm, breaking the spell. Marcella was startled and apologized in her Mexican accent, "Lo siento." Rosella smiled reassuringly and informed her that Mr. James would be with her shortly. Marcella thanked her, her heart racing with anticipation.

Rosella returned to Marcella and said, "Mr. James will see you now." Marcella's heart skipped a beat as she followed Rosella into Mr. James' office, her fate hanging in the balance.

Marcella walked confidently into Mr. James' office, greeting him with a warm smile. He welcomed her and invited her to take a seat, asking her to share a little about herself. Marcella opened up, telling Mr. James her story - about leaving her home in Sinaloa, Mexico, and traveling to Los Angeles to build a better life for herself and her young son, Alanjandro. She shared her dreams, her struggles, and her determination to succeed.

Mr. James listened attentively, his expression softening with compassion. He asked her if she was willing to work full-time, explaining that the position required dedication and hard work, with only Sundays off. Marcella nodded eagerly, assuring him that she was ready to commit to the role. Mr. James reassured her that the compensation was fair and competitive, and Marcella's eyes lit up with gratitude.

When can I start?" she asked, her enthusiasm evident. Mr. James smiled, "You can begin tomorrow. Mr. Ambrose has traveled to Italy and won't return until the day after tomorrow, so you'll have time to settle in before meeting him." Marcella thanked Mr. James profusely, her heart filled with joy and relief. She bid farewell to Mr. James and Rosella, sharing the exciting news with Rosella. "I'm starting tomorrow!" she exclaimed, beaming with pride. With a spring in her step, she returned home, eager to begin her new chapter.