Bound by scars: More than just a caretaker

Eloise Harper felt the shadow oppressive and weighing on her like she had stones on her shoulders. She sensed the walls of her little room, which was dimly lit, closing in on her, and the air was thick with the pervasive odor of alcohol and the sting of guilt. Different infuriating words shattered the room like fragments of glass. She stood still, as though she were gagged, and her pulse throbbing wildly.

"You're useless, Eloise! Nothing you do is ever good enough! I should've known better than to leave you with anything I trust." The voice cut through her like a freshly sharpened blade, its edge laced with contempt.

"I-I'm sorry," she stuttered, her voice trembling like a leaf as she attempted to contain the tears that were about to fall. Her fists tightened around the table's edge, and she was clearly anxious about what would happen next. "I-I didn't mean to-"

"Save it," the man spat, slamming a glass down on the table with enough brute force to make her shrink. The contents splashed out, leaving dark stains on the wood. "You're nothing but a lowlife."

The words continually rang in her mind as the room blended into the dark. A sudden, piercing cry pierced the silence, pulling her away from another nightmare that had become a common theme.

Eloise's eyes burst open, her chest elevating as she wheezed for air. Her heart beat heavily like a drum serenade, the pricking sting of those bitter words lingering even as she tried to blink away the thoughts of the nightmare. Her hands gripped the blanket over her legs as she sat up. For a moment, she was completely blank. Then, the gentle sound of waves hitting the shore filtered through the open window, calming her.

She was in Seabreeze, the small coastal town she had moved to only weeks ago. She wasn't confined anymore, she was free.

With her feet gently pressed against the cool wooden floor of the little cottage, Eloise shifted her legs over the side of the bed. Early morning light filtered through the clear curtains, bathing the very little furnished room that mirrored her current state of life -empty and awaiting something new.

She got up and walked up to the window's little mirror. Her reflection, a pale face surrounded by wild, riotous locks, stared back at her. Her smokey eyes were further highlighted by dark circles, which were a result of many restless nights. Her once-softly rounded cheekbones had become deflated, revealing a face filled with stress and fatigue. However, there was a glimpse of will and the power she was attempting to regain in her eyes.

She returned back as she heard movement down the passageway. Shortly after, her six-year-old son, Daniel, threw open the door while holding his favorite stuffed dolphin. His brown eyes suggested a mix of curiosity and worry, and his black curls were roughened from sleep.

"Is everything alright, Mommy?" He asked in a concerned tiny voice.

Eloise forced a smile onto her lips and erased the anxiety off her face. "I'm fine, buddy. Just a bad dream, that's all."

Daniel studied her for a moment, his gaze far too discerning for his age, before nodding and climbing onto the bed. He settled against her, his little hand reaching for hers warmly.

"Are we going skating today?" he asked, his tone hopeful.

Eloise smiled softly, the worry in her chest easing just a little. "Maybe, if we're lucky. But first, we've got a big day ahead. Remember that I start my new work today."

Daniel nodded solemnly, as if the weight of the responsibility were his to bear. "You'll do great, Mommy. You always do."

Her throat narrowed at his undoubting faith in her. "Thanks, buddy. That means a lot."

Upon finishing breakfast, she walked Daniel to the local school. The fresh morning carried a briny scent of the ocean, mingling with the earthy aroma of pine trees that lined the trail. Seabreeze was a postcard-perfect town, with its pleasantly old-fashioned cottages, cobblestone streets, the distant cries of seagulls, and the rhythmic lapping of waves against the shore creating a serene soundtrack. Yet, beneath its picturesque charm, Eloise sensed a quiet undertone of curiosity from the locals. She caught their subtle glances, the polite smiles tinted with intrigue as they speculated about the newly single mom in town.

She kissed Daniel's forehead as she dropped him off and said she would come get him later. Then, she made her way towards the Sterling estate, her stomach swirling with a mix of anxiety and excitement.

The estate appeared ahead, and it showed a stark contrast to the modest homes commonly found in the town. On a cliff right across the ocean, it was a structure of glass and stone, its design showing artistry and wealth both breathtaking and intimidating. As Eloise approached, the iron gates opened, which showed a long driveway flanked by carefully maintained gardens. The serenity of the place was indisputable, but it felt cold, almost unwelcoming, as though its very walls were filled with secrets.

When Eloise arrived at the main entryway, her steps fell short. With the chime resonating softly inside, she hesitated before summoning the bravery to touch the bell. She was confronted by a towering, broad-shouldered man whose inquisitive grey eyes appeared to look straight through her as the door slowly opened.

Lucas Sterling.

His appearance wasn't fully depicted in the magazine pictures she had seen. He had a chiseled jawline and dark hair that curled slightly at the corners. He was a gorgeous man. Wearing a clean white shirt with the sleeves pulled up and dark brown slacks, he had a dominant presence that immediately made Eloise feel insignificant.

"You must be the new caretaker," he said, his voice deep, devoid of affection. His gaze swept over her briefly before settling on her face. "You're late."

Eloise's cheeks turned red with shame "I apologize. I had to-"

"Save the excuses," he interrupted, stepping aside to let her in. "Follow me."

She bit back a response and followed him through the entrance hall, her footsteps echoing on the polished shining floor. The interior of the house was just as striking as the exterior, with its towering ceilings like the cathedrals, crafty furnishings, and walls adorned with hypothetical art. But like the estate, it felt more like a display of wealth than a home.

Lucas led her to a spacious kitchen, its spotless surfaces glimmering under the soft lighting. He turned to face her, his expression not telling.

"Your duties are straightforward," he said briskly. ''Make sure my privacy is maintained and take good care of the house and yard. I don't tolerate incompetence, and I expect you to do your job without excuses."

Eloise was left dumb at his tone but forced herself to nod. "Understood."

His gaze lingered on her for a moment, as though he was trying to know how much she was worth at an auction. Then he turned away. "You can start with the gardens. The tools are kept in the rear shed."

As he walked away, Eloise exhaled slowly, the strain in her shoulders easing just a little. This job was an opportunity to start over and prove to herself and Daniel that they could build a better life without 'HIM'. She wasn't going to let anyone put her off, not even Lucas Sterling.

She went outdoors into the garden and inhaled the sea air with joy. She felt a spark of optimism for the first time in a long time when the sun's rays touched her skin. She was prepared for whatever was ahead, and this was just the beginning.