Grandfather: The dust is piling up near the baseboards again, Maya.
Maya: I cleaned that corner twice this morning already, sir.
Grandfather: Then clean it a third time until it meets my standards.
Maya held the wooden broom handle tighter until her knuckles turned pale white. The afternoon sun streamed through the tall living room windows, lighting up every speck of dust in the air.
Grandfather: My house requires absolute perfection at all times.
Maya: I understand, Mr. Vance.
Grandfather: Good. Make sure the brass on the mantel is polished before dinner.
He turned back to his newspaper, his grey hair neatly combed under the bright sunlight. Maya swept the broom across the hardwood floor in quiet, steady strokes.
Maya: The floors are completely clear now.
Grandfather: Check under the armchairs before you put the broom away.
Maya bent down near the heavy leather chair without saying another word. She had worked for the Vance family for six long months after taking the housekeeping job to pay her mother's medical bills. Every single day felt identical, filled with cold instructions and constant scrutiny from the elder Vance.
Ethan: Look who is working hard today.
Maya straightened her back immediately as Ethan walked into the living room. He wore his usual careless smirk, leaning against the door frame with his hands in his pockets.
Maya: Please step aside so I can finish sweeping this area.
Ethan: You always look so serious when you are cleaning, Maya.
Maya: I have a lot of work to finish before my shift ends.
Ethan: My grandfather keeps you on a short leash, doesn't he?
Grandfather: Ethan, stop distracting the girl and go check your mail upstairs.
Ethan: Just making friendly conversation, Grandfather.
He stepped closer to Maya, his eyes tracking her every move as she moved the broom back and forth. The tension in the quiet room grew thicker by the second.
Maya: I need to get the polish from the hallway closet now.
Ethan: Allow me to get the door for you then.
Maya walked past him quickly, keeping her eyes fixed strictly on the floor ahead. She knew that any argument would only endanger her position and her mother's steady income.
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