The Mistress Called Me a Maid Until She Saw My Folder

“The lease contracts with the new surgical specialists are signed.”

“We’re ready for the board announcement on Monday.”

“Good,” I said, stepping aside to let her into the warm foyer.

“Come inside.”

Sarah started to slip off her heavy winter coat, looking around for a coat stand.

I smiled, reached out, and took the coat from her shoulders, draping it carefully over the carved wooden bench by the entrance.

“Thank you, Elena,” she said warmly.

“Always,” I replied, leading the way into the bright, open living room.

I poured two cups of coffee and sat down beside the window overlooking the frost-covered garden.

There were no secrets left in the corners of the house.

There were no illusions to maintain, and no delicate egos to protect.

The life I had built was finally, undeniably, entirely my own.