The city was a whirlwind of light and shadow. Mariana, her clothes soaked and her hair plastered to her face, hugged herself as the rain lashed the empty streets. Her journey had been long and tiring, and now she found herself in an unknown world, not knowing where to go.She sought refuge against the wall of a majestic mansion. Her eyes lifted to the lit windows, wondering who lived inside. The roar of an engine brought her out of her thoughts. A luxurious car stopped in front of the enormous gate, and an elegant woman wrapped in a fur coat got out. She glanced briefly at Mariana with disdain before moving toward the entrance."Nana," she said as she crossed the threshold, "there's a girl on the street. Leave her something to eat and tell her to leave.""Yes, ma'am," the old woman replied with a slight nod.Mariana watched as the door closed behind the woman. A short while later, the nanny came out with a plate of food in her hands and approached her."Here, my child. Eat this," she said in a sweet voice.Mariana accepted the plate with trembling hands. The warmth of the food warmed her soul."Thank you, ma'am. I... I'm looking for work."The nanny looked at her carefully, evaluating her young face and her needy expression. After a few seconds of silence, she smiled tenderly."Come in. I like you. I'll speak to the lady."As she crossed the door, Mariana was amazed by the beauty of the mansion. The floor gleamed like a mirror, enormous crystal chandeliers illuminated the spacious foyer, and the furniture looked like something out of a fairy tale. The white marble columns reflected the light from the chandeliers, and a massive red-carpeted staircase led to the upper floors. She felt like she was in a world completely different from her own, where wealth and luxury surrounded every corner.The nanny looked at her kindly and indicated that she should wait."Wait here. I'll go talk to the lady and see what she says," he said before heading into the office.Mariana nodded, feeling the nerves rising in her chest. She took the opportunity to take a closer look at her surroundings. A large gilded mirror adorned one of the walls, reflecting a huge vase of fresh flowers. The scent of incense floated in the air, mingling with the perfume of the waxed wood. She clasped her cold, clammy hands in her lap, anxiously awaiting an answer.She knocked gently on the door and waited for a reply."Come in," Beatriz de Vegas replied in her authoritative voice.The nanny entered and closed the door behind her. Beatriz, sitting behind a large mahogany desk, looked up indifferently. The fireplace burned softly to one side, its reflection illuminating the woman's serene but firm expression."Ma'am, I've already fed the young woman, but she wants to know if you can give her a job. And I thought you might be able to help, since the other girl is leaving in a week," the nanny explained in a respectful voice.Beatriz clasped her hands and sighed thoughtfully. Despite her stern expression, she seemed to be considering the proposal with interest."What's the girl like?" she asked emotionlessly."She's young, polite, and seems hard-working. She has nowhere else to go, ma'am."Beatriz let out a slight sigh before nodding slowly."Okay, Nanny. Let her in, but it'll be at your own risk. You know I'm very strict about my affairs.""Yes, ma'am," Nanny said with a slight nod.She left the office and went to the kitchen, where Mariana was waiting nervously. Upon seeing her, the young woman immediately stood up, her eyes full of hope.Nanny looked at her with a smile and said gently, "She said yes."Mariana felt her legs shake with relief. A new chapter in her life was about to begin.