Tainted Love: A Journey from Trash to Treasure
Episode 1:The First Encounter
Ava’s phone buzzes with a reminder as she waits for the bus.
Ava(FL)
**texting** Okay, today’s the day. Just breathe, Ava. You can do this. It’s just another job. Just another job.
Ava steps off the bus and looks up at the massive mansion ahead.
Ava(FL)
**thinking** How do people live like this? I mean, it’s all so... perfect. What am I even doing here?
She takes a deep breath and walks up the stone pathway, adjusting the strap of her worn-out bag. The gates open as a butler greets her.
Butler(Aidens butler)
Miss Ava, I presume? You’re expected inside. Follow me, please.
They walk through the grand hallways. Ava feels out of place surrounded by luxury
Ava(FL)
**thinking** Focus. Just do your job. Don’t get distracted by how... well-off they are. You’ve got this.
They stop in front of a large set of double doors. The butler knocks and enters without waiting
Butler(Aidens butler)
**Calling out**Mr. Aiden, your new housekeeper, Miss Ava.
Ava steps into the room where Aiden, the arrogant heir, sits behind a huge desk.
Aiden(ML)
**Smirking, not looking up**
So, you’re the new girl. I expected someone... different.
Ava(FL)
**Smiling nervously**
Good morning, sir. I—
Aiden(ML)
**interrupting, eyeing her up and down**
Hmm. You’re a little... ordinary, aren’t you? I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this.
No matter. You’re here to clean, right? Just keep things tidy. I don’t want any mess around here.
Ava(FL)
**Swallowing her discomfort**
Of course, Mr. Aiden. I’ll do my best.
Aiden waves dismissively, already turning back to his work.
Aiden(ML)
Just don’t interrupt me. I have important things to do.
Ava stands there for a moment, processing his cold dismissal. She nods and quickly exits the room
Ava(FL)
**Thinking**
Well... that was off to a great start. Just keep your head down and do your work, Ava. You can’t let him get to you.
Ava walks down the hallway, heading toward the kitchen. She overhears a conversation between Aiden and his friend
Aiden(ML)
Did you see her? Honestly, I expected someone with at least a little more... elegance. But I guess you can’t expect too much from a poor girl trying to make a living.
It’s almost pathetic.
Ava stops in her tracks, feeling the sting of his words, but keeps walking to avoid being seen
Ava(FL)
**thinking**
I can’t let him get to me. I can’t.
Ava exits from there and heads towards the kitchen, ignoring all the comments.
Episode 2: Humiliation Begins
Ava enters the kitchen, gripping the edge of the counter, her heart pounding
Ava(FL)
**thinking**
Almost pathetic? That’s what he thinks of me?
She takes a deep breath and shakes it off, reminding herself why she’s here—to work, not to care about the words of a spoiled rich guy.
Maid
**whispering**
You’re the new one, right?
Ava(FL)
**nods**
Yeah, Ava.
Maid
Word of advice? Stay invisible. Mr. Aiden doesn’t like new faces. And he loves making people quit.
Ava(FL)
**determined**
I won’t quit.
Maid
**smirks**
We’ll see.
Later: Ava is assigned to clean Aiden’s car in the massive garage.
She rolls up her sleeves, grabs a bucket, and starts scrubbing the sleek black sports car.
Aiden(ML)
**Walking in, raising an eyebrow**
Oh wow. This is what they sent me? A girl who looks like she belongs in a street market?
Ava(FL)
**Forcing a polite tone**
I was told to clean the car, sir. I’ll be done soon
Aiden(ML)
**smirking**
Sure. Just don’t scratch it with those... cheap hands of yours.
Ava clenches her jaw but keeps scrubbing. Aiden leans against the wall, watching her with amusement
Aiden(ML)
You know, you don’t belong here.
Ava(FL)
**pausing**
Excuse me?
Aiden(ML)
**shrugging**
This place? It’s not for people like you. You should stick to whatever gutter you crawled out of.
Ava swallows the lump in her throat and keeps working, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction
Aiden(ML)
**mocking**
Silent now? Good. Just remember your place, maid
Aiden smirks and walks away, leaving Ava gripping the sponge tightly, her nails digging into her palm.
Ava(FL)
**thinking**
One day, Aiden. One day, you’ll regret every word.
Episode 3: Pushed Too Far
Scene: Ava finishes cleaning the car, her hands sore from scrubbing. She stands up, stretching her back when—
Aiden(ML)
**mocking tone**
Oops.
Aiden casually kicks the bucket of soapy water, spilling it all over Ava’s shoes and the floor
Ava(FL)
**gasping**
What—?!
Aiden(ML)
**smirking**
Oh no, did I do that?
Ava(FL)
**Clenching fists**
You did that on purpose.
Aiden(ML)
**laughing**
Relax, maid. It’s just water. Or can’t you even afford new shoes?
Ava’s cheeks burn, but she takes a deep breath, refusing to react
Ava(FL)
**calmly**
I’ll clean it up.
Aiden(ML)
**Raising an eyebrow**
Huh. No yelling? No crying? You’re tougher than you look.
Aiden crosses his arms, watching her closely as she kneels down and starts wiping the floor.
Aiden(ML)
Tell me, why’d you take this job?
Ava(FL)
**Without looking up**
Because I need it.
Aiden(ML)
**mocking**
Obviously. But why here? You could’ve worked anywhere.
Ava(FL)
This place pays well.
Aiden(ML)
**chuckling**
So you are just another gold digger.
Ava freezes for a second but continues cleaning.
Ava(FL)
**firmly**
No, sir. I work because I have responsibilities. Not because I want your money.
Aiden(ML)
**Leaning closer, smirking**
Sure. Let’s see how long you last.
Aiden walks off, leaving Ava gripping the cloth tightly, her heart pounding with frustration.
Ava(FL)
**thinking**
I won’t break. No matter what you do, Aiden Kingsley, I will not break.
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