Jason was always so loving, so attentive. He smiled at her in front of everyone, held her hand at parties, and called her his queen. Could such a man truly be living a double life? Brenda closed her eyes, fighting tears. “If what you’re saying is true, then I must see it with my own eyes,” she whispered.

That was when Betty, in a rush of desperation, suggested something bold. “Madam, please, if you pretend to be a maid, you will see everything yourself. Lois does not know you. She will treat you the way she treats me. Only then will you believe everything I’ve said? At first, Brenda was shocked. Pretend to be a maid in my own house.

The idea stung her pride, but as she thought about it, a cold determination settled inside her. If Jason had turned her home into a playground for his mistress, then she would catch him in the act with no chance of denial. So Brenda agreed. She took off her clothes and wore one of Betty’s uniform. Brenda’s lips trembled, but her eyes were sharp.

“If this is the only way I can know the truth, then so be it,” she said firmly. Not long after, Lois returned from the mall with shopping bags in her hands. She strutdded into the living room with confidence, humming to herself. When she saw Brenda sitting quietly beside Betty, she frowned. “And who is this one?” Lois demanded, pointing at Brenda.

Betty quickly replied. Oh, she’s also a maid here. She went to see her sick mother, but she’s back now. Lois’s face instantly lit up with a wicked smile. Two maids. Perfect. Now I can truly relax. She dropped her bags and clapped, her hands arrogantly. Both of you come here. I have work for you. Brenda’s heart raced as Lois began to command them like slaves in her own home.

She clenched her fists but kept silent. Lois dropped heavily on the sofa, crossing her legs like a queen on a throne. You, she pointed at Brenda without even looking properly. Come and massage my legs. They are aching from walking in the mall. Brenda froze for a moment. Her jaw tightened as her eyes flicked to Betty.

Betty gave her a small pleading nod, urging her to stay calm. Swallowing her pride, Brenda knelt down in front of Lois and began to press her legs. Each touch felt like fire on her skin. In her heart, she screamed, “This is my house. That is my sofa. And you dare to treat me like your servant?” Lois leaned back, sipping a chilled drink.

Betty, go to the kitchen and prepare me a hot meal. I don’t want ordinary food. I want pepper soup with plenty of meat and make it fast. Betty hurried away, her eyes filled with pity as she glanced back at Brenda. Meanwhile, Lois turned to her new maid again. “What’s your name?” she asked carelessly.

Brenda lowered her head. “My name is Ada.” Lois smirked. “Ada, that’s good. You will wash my clothes tomorrow. For now, fetch me my phone charger from upstairs. Brenda’s chest tightened. Upstairs. That meant her bedroom, her sacred matrimonial space. She climbed the stairs with trembling steps, entered the room, and her heart broke.

On the neatly spread bed, the very bed she once shared with Jason, she saw Lois’s handbags and clothes scattered everywhere. Brenda pressed her lips shut to stop herself from screaming out loud. She picked up the charger and returned downstairs, placing it gently beside Lois. Hours passed and Lois continued her insults.

She ordered Brenda to sweep, to serve drinks, even to kneel down and scrub a stain on the floor. Brenda obeyed silently, her face calm, but her heart raging. Every command was like a dagger. She wanted to tear off her disguise and scream, “I am the wife of this house, not your maid.” But she reminded herself that the real moment would come when Jason returned.

That would be the perfect time for the truth to explode. As the day deepened, Lois stretched out her arms and yawned. “Ah, what a sweet life! Two maids at my service and my man all to myself. That woman doesn’t know what she’s missing.” She laughed wickedly, completely unaware that Brenda was kneeling just beside her, cleaning the rug with fire burning in her heart.