With a nervous heart, Anna quickly slipped into her dress and rushed toward the door.

"You did it!" Rebecca squealed cheerfully. Anna grimaced—of course, Rebecca knew everything. She had definitely been watching Anna and Daniel through the surveillance cameras.

"Go back to your room. Starting today, you can't drink alcohol and must eat only nutritious food," Rebecca said kindly.

Anna nodded, eyeing Rebecca with confusion. How could someone want a baby so badly that she was willing to watch her husband make love to another woman?

"Then, excuse me," Anna said politely, lowering her head as she walked away from Rebecca.

At the foot of the marble staircase, Karen was waiting for her.

"You're awake?" Anna asked, somewhat surprised.

"I have to make sure you go to bed on time and drink your milk before that," Karen replied flatly. Anna sighed deeply and followed Karen’s broad strides ahead of her.

"Are you going to stand here and wait until I finish showering?" Anna asked, shaking her head in disbelief. Karen shrugged while flipping through the magazine in her lap. Anna huffed in frustration and entered the bathroom. Gosh! If this nonsense kept going, she would never have any privacy!

After her shower, Anna didn’t see Karen anywhere. She nearly felt relieved—until Karen appeared suddenly from behind the door with a glass of warm milk.

"Oh come on! If I have to drink milk, I can make it myself. You don’t have to serve me like this," said Anna, who had been used to taking care of her own needs since childhood, raised by a single father who only had Sundays off…

Karen handed Anna the glass. "This milk must be prepared with the right water temperature. Otherwise, all the nutrients will be lost," Karen said in her usual flat tone. Anna grimaced and sipped the warm milk until the glass was empty.

"Get into bed. I’ll stay until you fall asleep," Karen said, plopping down on the couch.

Anna rolled her eyes. "How can I sleep when someone’s watching me?" she snapped, slightly embarrassed. "Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell at you. I know you’re just doing your job, but isn’t this a bit too much?" she added, softening her tone.

"As you said, I’m just following Mrs. Morgan’s orders. So go to sleep, so I can too," Karen replied, emotionless. Anna shook her head—was Karen a robot or something? She seemed to have no feelings…

Anna lay on the bed and turned her back to Karen, who was still reading her magazine. Every time she closed her eyes, the image of Daniel’s face above her body popped into her head. She opened her eyes again, blinking a few times to shake off the image. Then she tried replacing it with the image of her dad lying weak in a hospital bed.

She had to stay here no matter what, so Rebecca would be willing to cover her dad’s treatment. According to the contract she signed, if she didn’t get pregnant after the first intercourse, she’d have to try a second, third, fourth, even fifth time. If she still wasn’t pregnant, then her job would be over and Rebecca would pay her accordingly.

"Um, Karen, can I ask a favor..." Anna turned to look at her. Karen glanced up from the magazine. "Whatever it is—I’ve been assigned to meet all your needs," she said, her bloodshot eyes betraying her fatigue.

"Could you ask Rebecca when she’ll transfer the money for my dad’s surgery? He needs it urgently. His condition’s getting worse..." Anna swallowed hard, trying not to cry.

"Okay, I’ll ask her tomorrow morning. Now go to sleep! I’m really tired too!" Karen replied, her jaw clenching to stifle a yawn. Anna smiled and nodded. She turned around again. When worry clouded her heart, she imagined her father’s recovery instead. It made her feel a bit more at ease. Before long, Anna’s eyes finally closed…

***

Anna opened her eyes slowly. Her gaze instinctively landed on the khaki couch where Karen usually sat—but it was empty. Lazily, she got out of bed and checked her phone. It was only six in the morning. No wonder Karen wasn’t around.

Anna was used to waking up early, so sleeping in felt strange. Now fully awake, she dragged her feet to the bathroom. After brushing her teeth, washing her face, and changing, she decided to step out. Maybe she could meet some of the other staff.

Anna’s steps were light as she walked down the hallway toward a door that led to a granite path winding through a large garden. From there, she could see the Morgans’ private golf course.

"Jeez! They’re insanely rich. A private golf course? I never even dreamed of it!" Anna mumbled to herself.

"Yeah, that’s how it is! People like us will never have that kind of life," a voice suddenly replied, making Anna spin around. A beautiful woman in a housekeeper’s uniform stood behind her, holding a broom.

"Hi!" Anna greeted her warmly. The housekeeper smiled back.

"You must be Anna, right?" she asked, stepping closer.

Anna nodded. Did everyone here already know who she was?

"Yes, I’m Anna." She extended her hand for a shake.

"I’m Laura," the housekeeper replied, not taking her hand. "Sorry, we’re not allowed to touch you. Mrs. Morgan said it’s to maintain hygiene for the fetus you might be carrying later," Laura added, rolling her eyes. Anna snorted.

"So everyone knows who I am?" she asked, her cheeks suddenly flushing with embarrassment. Laura waved her free hand. "Of course! Mrs. Morgan told us all the day when you arrived," she said cheerfully. "Don’t be shy. Before you, I was in your position!" she added knowingly.

Anna’s eyes widened.

"Really? What happened?!" she asked curiously.

Laura sighed. "Mr. Morgan didn’t want to have sex with me—maybe because I’m not as pretty as you. Oh, and by the way, everyone already knows you succeeded last night. Congrats!" Laura said brightly, not the least bit jealous.

Anna looked stunned. "Isn’t Mrs. Morgan secretive about all this?" she asked, "Why is she being so open?" she added, turning toward Laura.

Laura smiled. "We all signed NDAs not to share anything we see or hear in this house," she said, her eyes gazing out toward the golf course with sadness.

Anna was about to ask what Laura felt when someone suddenly called from behind.

"Anna! Can you come walk with me?"

***