"You look so beautiful. I still can't believe a man like Gael got this lucky," Hannah said in awe after finishing Andrea's makeup.
Andrea smiled softly and tried to change the topic as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. "Thank you for helping me pick the outfit and doing my makeup. You're really talented."
"I used to do the first madam's makeup for every event before she sadly passed away," Hannah said with a hint of sadness in her voice.
Andrea turned to her, curious. "How did she die?"
Hannah sighed. "The family had gone on vacation at one of their resorts. It was just Madam Zariah, Sir Samuel, and the boys. I went along to help watch the kids. I was happy because I thought the madam and sir would finally fix their marriage. But a day before we were meant to leave, I found her crying in her room. I asked her what was wrong, but she just told me to leave."
Hannah paused and wiped a tear from her cheek.
"That night was windy. Henrick was upset because he lost his favorite toy, and Gael offered to help look for it. He said they had played near the pool, so we went there to check. When we arrived, we saw a body floating in the water. I screamed for help, and when they pulled it out… it was Madam Zariah. I tried to stop Gael from looking, but he just stood there, staring at his mother's body. Not even one tear fell from his eyes."
Andrea's heart ached. "How old was he?"
"Six. The doctors said she took her own life. Chairman Ashford got a top psychiatrist for the boys. Henrick, being only three, recovered quickly. But Gael… he was never the same again."
Hannah gently took Andrea's hand.
Andrea felt uncomfortable and was about to pull away when Hannah suddenly knelt in front of her.
"What are you doing? Please get up," Andrea said.
Hannah shook her head. "I know Gael has his flaws as a man, a husband, and a father, but please, I beg you. No matter what he does, don't leave him. I don't know how you two met, but maybe you're the chance he needs to heal. Maybe this baby will finally change him."
"Please get up. This makes me uncomfortable."
"Only if you promise you won't leave him," Hannah pleaded.
Andrea hadn't even met the full Ashford family yet, but this maid was already making her feel stressed. Lying to an older woman didn't feel right, but what choice did she have?
Seeing the hope in Hannah's eyes, Andrea gave in. "I promise."
Hannah stood up right away, beaming. "Henrick will be so happy when he hears his brother has a wife and baby."
"What?"
"Don't be nervous," Hannah smiled. "Henrick only cares about Gael's happiness. He'll love you and spoil little Kai like crazy."
"Aunty Hannah," Andrea said gently, her voice so calm it made Hannah pause.
Hearing Henrick's name made her feel sick. She hadn't even had the chance to grieve properly, and yet here she was, all dressed up for a family event. How could they not know Henrick was dead? Did they really care so little?
"Are you okay? You look pale," Hannah asked, stepping forward, but Andrea moved away.
"I'm fine. Don't worry," Andrea replied, steadying her breath. Tonight was important—she couldn't mess it up.
Hannah still looked worried but didn't get a chance to speak. Andrea's phone rang.
She picked it up and saw Gael's name. Before she could say anything, she heard his commanding voice.
"Come out."
Andrea frowned. Then the call ended.
She scoffed. "Does he think I'm one of his employees?"
"Is it time to go?" Hannah asked.
Andrea nodded. "His bottle is in the fridge. Please give it to him if he wakes up. And call me if anything happens."
"Don't worry, I've taken care of babies for years. You and Gael go enjoy yourselves."
Andrea forced a smile, went to the nursery, and kissed her baby goodbye before heading out.
Outside, Gael leaned against his car, legs crossed, scrolling through his phone. As if he sensed her, he looked up briefly and opened the passenger door.
Andrea got in and was surprised to see a baby monitor on the dashboard.
She glanced at Gael when he got in, but he ignored her and started the car.
"Thank you," she said softly.
He gave a slight nod, eyes still on the road, and drove in silence.