The school term had just ended, and the long stretch of holidays loomed ahead like an endless road. Kevin sat on his creaky bed, staring blankly at the ceiling of his small, dimly lit room. The fan spun lazily above, creaking with every turn. He sighed.
"I need to find something," he muttered to himself, scrolling through his phone with listless fingers.
He had tried—tried hard to find work that would put some cash in his pocket, give him a sense of purpose. But luck hadn't been kind. No one was hiring a teenager with no experience. He'd walked the streets, asked around, searched online. Still, nothing.
Kevin's parents had divorced years ago. His father, a stern police officer, had remarried not long after. Unfortunately, Kevin and his new stepmother were never in good terms, with Kevin being the problem. Rose have tried her every possible best for Kevin to accept her, but Kevin wasn't having it. The tension at home was thick as fog. Most nights, he'd eat out with friends, returning home late to avoid her. His father, often working double shifts, had eventually told his wife to stop bothering Kevin.
"Let the boy be," his father had said. "He'll come around… in time."
But Kevin wasn't sure he ever would.
That afternoon, while scrolling through social media, a post caught his eye. His thumb froze mid-swipe.
"HELP WANTED: Companion and caretaker for elderly grandmother. Wheelchair-bound. Generous pay. Lodging included."
Kevin's eyes widened. The salary listed made his heart skip a beat. It was more than he had dared hope for. Without a second thought, he clicked the 'Apply' button and filled out his details.
"Please, just this once," he whispered under his breath as he sent the application.
The next morning arrived with disappointment. Kevin sat on the porch, staring at his phone, refreshing his inbox over and over again.
"Nothing," he mumbled, placing the phone facedown. "Guess someone else got it."
Resigned, he left the house to chase another odd job. But just after noon, while helping a vendor arrange crates of fruit, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He fished it out quickly, his heart thudding.
"You've been accepted. Come to the address below before 3 PM today."
Kevin blinked, reading the message three times to be sure. He dropped the crate with a thud.
"Sorry—I have to go. Family emergency!" he called out to the vendor, already halfway down the street.
Once home, he dashed into the bathroom, took a quick shower, and threw on a simple grey T-shirt and jeans. Slipping into his worn sneakers, he flagged down a taxi from the roadside.
"This address," he told the driver, showing him the message on his phone.
The driver squinted at it, then gave Kevin a peculiar look. "You sure about this place?"
Kevin nodded.
The driver shrugged and stepped on the gas. The city blurred past the window as Kevin sat in silence, nerves crawling up his spine. After nearly an hour, the taxi rolled to a halt in front of an enormous wrought-iron gate.
"Whoa," Kevin whispered, stepping out and staring at the mansion beyond.
He glanced at the plaque on the wall. It read: ROLANDS FAMILY VILLA.
"Yup, this is it," he muttered to himself and pressed the doorbell.
Within moments, a uniformed guard appeared, tall and broad-shouldered, with a skeptical expression.
"Good afternoon, sir," Kevin began, trying to steady his voice. "Is this the Rolands' residence?"
"It is," the guard replied, his tone cautious. "What's your business here?"
"I'm Kevin. I was asked to come for a job interview. I believe Mr. Clem is expecting me."
The guard furrowed his brows, clearly surprised. "Interview with Mr. Clem? Are you sure?"
"Yes, sir. I applied for the helper position—Miss Jane's caretaker."
Understanding flickered in the guard's eyes. "Ah, right. One moment."
He disappeared behind the gate. Kevin waited, heart thudding in anticipation. A few minutes later, the gate creaked open, and the guard smiled faintly.
"Sorry for the delay, Mr. Kevin. You may go in. Mr. Clem is inside."
"Thank you," Kevin replied, bowing slightly as he stepped through.
The compound was breathtaking. Flowerbeds lined the cobbled path, and the mansion towered like something out of a movie. Kevin's footsteps echoed as he followed the guard to a spacious, sunlit guest room.
"Please wait here. Mr. Clem will join you shortly."
Kevin sat on the plush sofa, unable to stop his eyes from wandering. Crystal chandeliers, marble floors, art-covered walls. He let out a soft whistle.
"So this is how the rich live…"
"You like the place?" a calm voice asked from behind.
Kevin jumped to his feet, startled. A well-dressed man stood by the doorway, checking his wristwatch.
"Good day, sir!" Kevin said quickly, bowing slightly.
"It's fine, take a seat," the man said, waving a hand as he walked in. "I'm Clem Rolands."
Mr. Clem was a distinguished man in his early forties, with neatly combed black hair and an air of cool confidence. He wore a fitted black suit, his red tie crisp against his shirt.
"You must be Kevin," he said, studying him from head to toe.
"Yes, sir."
"Hmm. Not bad." Mr. Clem nodded. "You already know the job description, I assume?"
Kevin nodded again.
"Good. You'll begin immediately." He glanced toward the door. "Sam!"
A young man stepped in. He had tousled brown hair and a warm, handsome face. Sam looked to be in his early twenties and moved with the ease of someone familiar with the place.
"This is Sam," Mr. Clem said. "He's been helping my mother until now, but he's moving on. He'll guide you through everything before he leaves. I have a trip to prepare for."
"Yes, sir," Kevin replied.
Mr. Clem offered a curt nod. "I hope you enjoy your stay here."
With that, he turned and left.
Sam smiled and held out his hand. "Hey. I'm Sam."
Kevin shook it. "Kevin."
"No need to be so formal. You're one of us now." Sam chuckled, throwing an arm around Kevin's shoulder. "This place may look serious, but it's not as strict as you think."
Kevin laughed nervously. "I hope so."
"Come on, let's introduce you to the rest of the crew. Time to meet the 'ladies.'"
"Ladies?" Kevin blinked, confused.
"You'll see." Sam grinned mischievously.
They headed toward the kitchen, where several middle-aged women bustled about. Sam introduced him to the cooks, the gardener, and a few other staff members. Everyone greeted Kevin warmly, making him feel surprisingly at ease.
Finally, they arrived at a quiet wing of the mansion. Sam paused outside a large room and turned to Kevin.
"This is where Miss Jane stays. She's Mr. Clem's mother—your main responsibility."
He knocked gently before pushing the door open.
Inside sat an elderly woman in a wheelchair, gazing out the window. Her silver-blonde hair was tied neatly, and though age had softened her features, she still had a striking presence.
"Miss Jane," Sam said gently. "This is Kevin—the new helper."
She turned, her sharp blue eyes fixing on Kevin. A slow smile spread across her wrinkled face.
"Ah… fresh blood," she murmured with amusement.
Kevin bowed respectfully. "Nice to meet you, ma'am."
Miss Jane chuckled. "Polite. I like him already."
Sam leaned closer and whispered, "Don't worry. The head maid will give you the daily schedule. You'll get used to everything."
As they stepped back into the corridor, Kevin looked around, still taking everything in.
"So," Sam said with a wink, "welcome to your new home."
Kevin smiled, his earlier doubts slowly melting away. Maybe, just maybe, this job would change everything.