Chapter Text
Maya Bishop drove with one hand, clutching a torn piece of paper against the steering wheel. Squinting at the road signs along the winding roads of the Tuscan coast, she tried to decipher her own illegible handwriting. The early spring morning felt unseasonably warm, prompting her to lower the canvas top of her old Jeep, basking in the gentle rays of the sun. A sea breeze tousled her hair, carrying scents of salty water, seaweed, and Mediterranean flora. This pleasant change from Rome's polluted air and urban odors relaxed her like a magical potion. Maya continued down the road, drawing closer to the sea, lost in reflections on the strange turns her life had taken.
Maya and Jack had once dreamed of living in Italy. They often imagined themselves enjoying local cuisine, exploring picturesque landscapes, and immersing themselves in the rich culture of the country. Soon after their wedding, their dream became a reality: they moved to Italy, captivated by its beauty and way of life. However, as they got caught up in everyday responsibilities and careers, they didn't notice how they ended up staying here forever.
Most of Maya's story seemed to have happened to someone else, as if she were merely a spectator. Looking back over the past decade, Maya felt like she had lived it in a dream. Right after college, she had married a man who seemed to share her values and vision for the future. Her botany degree collected dust on a shelf while she worked part-time in a flower shop, helping her husband pay for law school.
From the outside, their life seemed like the epitome of a happy young couple in the 90s: a cozy suburban home in a prestigious neighborhood, her husband's BMW, and Maya's Jeep. Financial stability, a circle of educated friends, and a calm, though not thrilling, love life completed the picture.
Jack was content, but Maya was bored. Her husband immersed himself in work, striving not to fall behind his colleagues at the law firm, while Maya found herself with fewer and fewer things to do. They had a maid who came twice a week and all the modern conveniences. Since they had decided not to have children, Maya soon found herself out of place among her friends, who now spent most of their time with their kids in parks. The frequent office parties, once enjoyable, became a burdensome duty, and Maya and Jack gradually drifted apart.
She couldn't blame Jack for not stopping to think about what their life was becoming. Continuing along the beaten path was easier, as expected by those around them. So they lived for nearly nine years until Maya began to seriously contemplate her life, which seemed empty and meaningless. Eventually, they acknowledged the issues and tried to discuss them. They realized that over the years they had changed, and now their goals were very different. Divorce seemed the only sensible way out. They parted ways honestly and amicably, never fully understanding how it all happened. Maya refused alimony, and Jack organized a fair division of their joint assets and capital.
Thus, at the age of thirty-two, Maya found herself with a used Jeep, an apartment on the third floor in a student town near the University of Rome, and a microwave she hardly used. She was finishing her first year of landscape design school, and the money left after the divorce was running out. She needed to find a job, but she couldn't imagine how she would manage a full-time job and her studies. Maya scanned newspapers for part-time job vacancies, but found nothing suitable in terms of time or requirements. She was starting to despair when she saw an advertisement that caught her attention: "Administrator with accommodation provided. Driver's license required. Working hours and pay negotiable."
Maya called the number listed and arranged an interview. To her surprise, the interview was conducted by Carlo Romano, a senior lawyer at one of Rome's most prestigious law firms.
She learned that the job was located forty minutes outside the city and required basic secretarial skills. She was assured that she could organize her work schedule around her class timetable. The vacancy seemed perfect, and Maya agreed without hesitation.
She packed essentials and moved out of her apartment. All her belongings fit comfortably in the trunk of her Jeep. After persistent inquiries, she discovered that her new employer was a former musician living in a secluded house on the coast. Carlo Romano, the lawyer who interviewed her, didn't elaborate on the details, further piquing her curiosity. Despite the mystery surrounding her new destination, Maya was in high spirits. She had a job, and her life was moving in a new direction of her own choosing.
Finally, Maya turned onto a narrow alley that led her to an ancient Victorian-style house. The house stood proudly alone on the cliff overlooking the sea. In some places, the path had cracked, exposing tree roots breaking through the asphalt. The house looked like it hadn't been renovated in a long time. Boarded shutters on the upper floors, peeling paint, and crooked blinds immediately caught the eye. Maya frowned, looking at the overgrown gardens that seemed to have been neglected for about ten years. The air was filled with the sadness and decay of this once thriving house, and Maya immediately felt that this was where she belonged. It was as if something alive in this house needed care and attention. She stopped in front of a large staircase leading to a spacious veranda. With a sense of excitement and anticipation, she approached the heavy, richly decorated oak doors. The doors opened slowly with a creak, revealing a petite gray-haired woman.
"Can I help you?" she asked uncertainly.
"My name is Maya Bishop. Mr. Romano hired me as the housekeeper."
Thousands of tiny wrinkles lit up her face as the woman smiled and extended her hand.
"I'm Louisa Rosso, dear, and I'm the housekeeper! You're here to manage our household and personal affairs. I'm so glad you've arrived!"
Maya automatically shook the offered hand, her thoughts swirling.
"But Mr. Romano said..."
Louisa ushered her inside.
"Dear, we need someone to oversee both the house and personal matters. Carina will fill you in shortly. But for now, come with me! Let me show you your room."