Chapter 7 - THE PROMISE IN FRONT OF FOUR HUNDRED PEOPLE
Unfortunately, Chicago remembered Dominic's promise.
The story leaked.
Of course it did.
MAID WINS BILLIONAIRE'S MARRIAGE CHALLENGE.
HOUSEKEEPER PLAYS HER WAY INTO VALE DYNASTY.
FROM SERVING CHAMPAGNE TO WEDDING BELLS?
I hated every headline.
Dominic hated them more.
“I'm issuing a statement.”
“No.”
He looked at me.
“No?”
“You made the stupid promise.”
“Thank you.”
“You can explain it.”
“I intend to.”
“No.”
I put down my coffee.
“I'll explain it.”
The next morning, I stood outside Hawthorne Estate before more cameras than I'd ever seen.
“My name is Elena Carter.”
Questions erupted.
I waited.
“I am employed at Hawthorne Estate.”
More shouting.
“Yes, I played the concerto.”
“Are you marrying Dominic Vale?”
“No.”
That silenced them better than anything.
“I did not win a husband.”
A few reporters laughed.
Good.
“I accepted a musical challenge because someone expected me to fail.”
I paused.
“I didn't.”
Behind the cameras, Nora grinned.
“I am proud of my work. I'm also proud of my music. Neither cancels the other.”
A reporter shouted:
“Are you and Mr. Vale romantically involved?”
“No.”
At that moment, we weren't.
“Then why are you still staying at Hawthorne?”
“Because my father's evidence is part of an active investigation.”
Another question:
“Will you return to housekeeping?”
“Yes.”
That answer surprised them.
“Why?”
“Because I have bills.”
More laughter.
I smiled.
“But not forever.”
That was the first time I said it aloud.
Not forever.
Dad's illness had interrupted my life.
Grief had convinced me interruption meant ending.
It didn't.
Three months later, I auditioned for the Chicago Conservatory's adult performance fellowship.
I nearly walked out before my name was called.
Dominic didn't come.
I'd asked him not to.
Nora did.
I played.
Not perfectly.
I missed one note.
The world continued.
I was accepted anyway.
The fellowship covered tuition.
I reduced my hours at Hawthorne.
Then eventually left housekeeping.
At my farewell dinner, Dominic gave me a box.
I glared.
“I told you no expensive gifts.”
“Open it.”
Inside were my white work gloves.
Framed.
I stared at him.
“That's incredibly weird.”
“I was told it was sentimental.”
“By whom?”
“Nora.”
I looked across the room.
Nora suddenly became fascinated by a bread roll.
Below the gloves was a small brass plaque:
SHE TOOK THEM OFF HERSELF.
I cried.
Which annoyed me.
Dominic pretended not to notice.
May you like
Which made me like him more.
---
