The Threads Of Deceit

Chapter Four: Strings of the Past

As the staff filed out of the dining room, Lucas had already retreated upstairs, leaving a cold, empty silence in his wake. It was like his very presence absorbed all the warmth in the room, and Ellie, still standing by the table, found herself deep in thought.

"Debt." She muttered under her breath. "That word doesn’t sit well with me."

Ellie ran her fingers along the edge of the table, absently wiping crumbs away, but in her mind, the pieces were starting to fall into place. The day Vivian had brought her here, Ellie had been told—very casually—that there was a debt she needed to pay off. But nothing about the arrangement seemed solid.

No documents. No signed contracts. No clear terms. Just a vague, “you’ll work for me until it’s settled.”

Ellie chuckled darkly to herself. Yeah, that sounds like a really solid business arrangement, doesn't it?

And then there was the fact that Vivian had never shown her any paperwork related to this mysterious debt. Surely, if she were truly here to pay it off, Ellie should have seen the documents, right? If not for her own protection, then for the sake of clarity.  But no. Not a single piece of paper had crossed her hands. Just a verbal agreement and a vague promise of "freedom" when the debt was "settled."

How do I know if I even owe anything? Ellie’s mind was racing. What if she’s just trying to keep me here? What if I’m just... a pawn in some weird power play?

She leaned against the table, her eyes narrowing. Vivian knows how to manipulate people. She knows how to make them feel small, like they owe her everything, and if I don’t watch myself... Ellie shook her head. I’ll be stuck here forever, like some cheap pawn in a game of chess, and guess what? I'm not here for that.

As much as Ellie hated to admit it, she had a sinking feeling that Vivian was playing a long game, keeping her here with promises that she could never truly fulfill. Vivian’s charm was so overpowering, her smile so calculated, that Ellie had a hard time figuring out what was real and what wasn’t.

But no more of this... Ellie thought, a small, sarcastic grin tugging at the corners of her lips. I didn’t sign up for a life sentence of servitude in a cold mansion with a queen bee who thinks she’s playing chess, and I’m just another pawn. I mean, really?

She grabbed the plates and carried them to the kitchen, moving faster now, as though the physical action could quiet the growing suspicion in her mind. I’ll figure this out, she promised herself. I’ve got to. Vivian’s not the only one who knows how to play this game.

She dumped the dirty dishes into the sink and glanced out of the kitchen window, taking a deep breath. The morning sunlight poured in, casting warm golden rays onto the wooden floor, but it did little to ease the unease she felt.

Ellie’s thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the doorframe. It was Lizzy again, her innocent face peering through with a look of concern.

“Miss Ellie?” Lizzy asked timidly. “You okay? You look like you’re deep in thought.”

Ellie turned, giving the girl a bright, reassuring smile. “Oh, I’m fine, Lizzy. Just... thinking about some things.” She tried to mask the irritation she felt. She wasn’t about to spill her worries to Lizzy; the girl didn’t need to know that her boss had been playing games with Ellie for who knows how long.

Lizzy didn’t look entirely convinced, but she smiled back, flashing her dimples. "You’ve been really quiet lately. Just... wanted to check in."

“Thanks, sweetheart,” Ellie said softly, her sarcasm gone for a moment. She patted Lizzy’s shoulder, hoping it would ease the girl’s concern. “But really, I’m okay. I’m just... planning, you know?”

Lizzy nodded, still a little unsure. “Alright. If you need anything, just let me know.”

As Lizzy turned to leave, Ellie leaned back against the counter, rubbing her temples as though it might help untangle the knot of thoughts in her head.

Planning, huh? Ellie thought wryly. Yeah, that’s what I’m doing. Planning my escape from this mess.

Her mind returned to the issue at hand: Vivian’s unspoken hold over her. The more Ellie thought about it, the more she couldn’t help but see through the manipulation. Vivian was good at making people feel indebted to her, and Ellie had fallen for it. But now? Now, she wasn’t sure anymore. She didn’t want to be another person trapped in Vivian’s web, someone who would always be beneath her control.
I need to see those papers.

Ellie’s resolve hardened. I need to get a look at the documents, and I need to do it on my own terms. I’m not going to be kept here forever, not on some promise that could vanish the moment I’m no longer useful.

She glanced at the clock. It was almost time for the afternoon staff meeting, when Vivian would no doubt find a way to subtly remind everyone of their place in the mansion. Ellie knew she would need to be careful. She’d have to be smart about how she approached the situation, but she also knew one thing: she wasn’t about to let Vivian play her like this any longer.

I’ll find those papers, and when I do, things will change. Ellie’s lips curled into a wry smile. Just wait, Vivian. You’ve underestimated me, and that’s where you’ve made your biggest mistake.

And with that, Ellie’s decision was made. She’d take matters into her own hands. She would stop being the quiet, obedient girl who simply followed the rules. It was time to start playing her own game.