Mila had been watching.
Every glance.
Every soft exchange.
Every moment that stretched between Aiden and Mia when they thought no one was paying attention.
And she hated it.
At first, she told herself it was just annoyance.
Jealousy? Never, she thought.
She was elegant, beautiful, Aiden's childhood friend—almost practically promised to him by family expectations.
But the more she observed…
the more she felt something dark curl inside her.
The Morning After the Check-Up
Aiden was in his study, and Mia stood behind him massaging his shoulders like she always did before therapy.
Mila walked by the door and froze.
Aiden, who barely tolerated touches from anyone, let Mia stand so close that a single misstep would bring her cheek against his.
He wasn't scowling.
He wasn't stiff.
He looked… comfortable.
And Mia?
She spoke in that soft tone she reserved only for him.
Mila's stomach twisted.
Since when did Aiden let anyone touch him like that?
Since when did he look so relaxed with another woman?
Later that afternoon, Dr. Harris stopped by briefly for a follow-up check.
Mila made sure to stand right at the door smiling sweetly, pretending she cared.
The doctor wasn't even five minutes into his assessment when he said:
"Mia, whatever technique you're using to stimulate his leg muscles… it's working wonderfully."
He gestured at Aiden.
"His circulation is much stronger. Someone has clearly been taking good care of him."
Mia blinked. "I ...um... thank you."
Aiden turned slightly toward her, and there was something warm in his eyes.
Pride.
Appreciation.
Something that made Mila's blood heat with irritation.
She's just a maid, she thought.
But Dr. Harris kept going.
"You've done what trained physiotherapists fail to do in months. You should consider applying for medical training; you clearly have a gift."
Mila felt her heart drop.
Mrs. Lawrence smiled brightly. "That's true! Mia has been wonderful."
Mila couldn't breathe.
Everyone was praising her.
Everyone was acknowledging her.
Everyone was liking her.
She felt herself pushing her nails into her own palm.
When Aiden was wheeled out of the study by Mia for his evening walk, Mila followed them discreetly.
Aiden cold, distant. Aidenwas actually talking.
Talking comfortably.
Talking naturally.
"Don't push me too hard," he muttered.
"You're doing great," Mia replied, lightly teasing him. "Just two more steps."
He rolled his eyes. "You're bossy."
"And you're stubborn," she shot back.
They both smiled.
Together.
Mila's jaw clenched.
That smile.
/That smile wasn't for just anyone./
/That smile meant something./
And Aiden never let anyone "boss" him—yet Mia did it easily, and he let her.
Mila felt something click.
Something dangerous.
Aiden listens to her.
Aiden trusts her.
Aiden is changing because of her.
She's becoming important.
Too important.
And Mila hated losing.
---
The Seed of a Scheme
That night, Mila knocked on Mrs. Lawrence's bedroom door.
"Auntie… can I talk to you?" Mila asked in a small, timid voice.
Mrs. Lawrence welcomed her warmly. "Of course, sweetheart. What is it?"
Mila sat on the couch, hands clasped like an obedient daughter.
"I'm… worried about Aiden," she whispered.
Mrs. Lawrence's brows lifted. "Worried? Why?"
"It's Mia," Mila said slowly, carefully, gently planting the seed.
"She's very involved. Too involved."
Mrs. Lawrence looked confused. "But she's helping him recover."
"Yes, but… don't you think she's getting too close?" Mila asked innocently.
"What if she overwhelms him? Or does something wrong? Or—"
Mila paused for dramatic effect.
She lowered her voice.
"What if she's pretending to know more than she actually does? Aiden is vulnerable… I don't want anyone taking advantage of him."
Mrs. Lawrence hesitated.
Just enough.
Mila pressed on.
"I'm only thinking of Aiden's safety. I care about him so much."
Mrs. Lawrence sighed.
"I will keep an eye on the situation."
Victory sparked inside Mila.
But she didn't show it.
She smiled sweetly.
"Thank you, Auntie."
---
The Real Plan Begins
After leaving Mrs. Lawrence's room, Mila went to her own suite, closed the door quietly, and dropped her innocent act entirely.
Her expression sharpened.
"If Mia wants to play nurse," she whispered to herself,
"I'll make sure she leaves this house before she even knows what happened."
She already had ideas.
Small ones.
Harmless at first.
Just enough to make Mia look clumsy, irresponsible, untrustworthy.
Then bigger ones.
Things that would shake the trust Mia was building.
And eventually—
Aiden wouldn't want her near him.
Mrs. Lawrence wouldn't tolerate her.
The doctor wouldn't rely on her.
And Mia…
would be gone.
Smiling coldly, Mila whispered:
"Let's see how long you last, little maid."