Chapter 1: The Woman of the House
The White Villa stood quietly on a hill overlooking the city, hidden behind rows of old pine trees. It was known not only for its elegance but also for its owner—Richard Anderson, a successful businessman whose name carried weight in elite circles.
By his side stood Margaret Anderson, his wife. She came from a distinguished family, educated, poised, and sharp-minded. Once a university lecturer, she had stepped away from her career to manage family affairs and oversee the charitable foundations bearing the Anderson name.
And then there was Lily Parker—the young housemaid.
Lily came from a poor background. Her father had passed away early, her mother was ill, and she had dropped out of school to earn a living. Through an acquaintance, she was hired to work at the Anderson residence. She was quiet, obedient, and strikingly beautiful in a fragile, innocent way.
From the very beginning, Margaret noticed how Richard’s eyes lingered on the young woman just a second too long. But she said nothing. She told herself she was imagining things.
Chapter 2: Cracks in the Marriage
Margaret and Richard’s marriage had long lost its warmth. Their conversations were polite, distant, transactional. He spent more time at work; she spent hers managing charities and investments.
Lily’s presence changed the rhythm of the household.
She served meals, cleaned the rooms, and often stayed late. When Richard came home exhausted, it was Lily who handed him tea, listened quietly, and offered comfort without judgment.
What began as harmless conversations slowly turned into something more dangerous.
Margaret noticed the subtle changes—the lingering glances, the awkward silences when she entered a room, the way Lily avoided her eyes.
Still, she said nothing.
Chapter 3: The Night Everything Changed
One evening, Margaret returned home earlier than expected from a business trip.
The villa was unusually quiet.
As she walked upstairs, she heard faint sounds coming from the east wing—one of the guest rooms rarely used. Her steps slowed. Her heart tightened.
The door was slightly open.
Inside, she saw them.
Richard and Lily.
The sight struck her like a blade. They stood close, their bodies almost touching, whispering words meant only for lovers.
For a moment, Margaret couldn’t breathe.
She didn’t scream. She didn’t cry. She simply stood there, watching, absorbing every detail.
Then she turned and walked away.
Chapter 4: The Calm Before the Storm
That night, Margaret said nothing.
She slept beside her husband, her face calm, her mind racing. By morning, she had already made her decision.
The next day, she called Lily into the living room.
Lily came trembling, her head bowed, expecting dismissal—or worse.
But Margaret surprised her.
“Sit down,” she said calmly.
“I know everything.”
Lily’s knees nearly gave way.
Margaret continued, her voice even and composed.
“I’m not going to fire you.”
Lily looked up, stunned.
“In fact,” Margaret added, “I’m going to reward you.”
She placed an envelope on the table. Inside was a stack of cash—ten thousand dollars.
Lily’s hands shook. “Why… why are you doing this?”
Margaret met her eyes steadily.
“Because I want you to give my husband a child.”
Chapter 5: A Dangerous Agreement
Silence filled the room.
Lily stared, unable to comprehend what she was hearing.
Margaret spoke calmly, methodically. She explained that she could no longer have children. Doctors had made that clear. But the Anderson family needed an heir. Blood mattered. Legacy mattered.
“If you agree,” Margaret said, “you will be taken care of. You will never worry about money again. Your child will have everything.”
Lily felt trapped—between fear, need, and temptation.
Days passed. Her mother’s medical bills piled up. Her savings were gone.
Finally, she nodded.
Chapter 6: A Child Born of Secrets
Months passed.
Lily became pregnant.
Inside the villa, everything appeared peaceful. Margaret played the role of the gracious wife. Richard pretended nothing was unusual.
But beneath the surface, every action was calculated.
When the child was born—a healthy baby boy—Margaret was the first to hold him.
She smiled faintly and said, “He will be the heir to this family.”
Lily watched in silence, unsure whether to feel gratitude or despair.
Chapter 7: The Final Transaction
A year later, Margaret filed for divorce.
The settlement was swift and ruthless.
The properties, the company, the assets—all remained under her control. Richard received a generous sum but lost power, status, and influence.
Lily was sent abroad with the child, provided with an apartment and monthly allowance—on one condition: she would never reveal the truth, never contact the family again.
She accepted.
Chapter 8: The Woman Who Won
Years later, Margaret stood on the balcony of the White Villa, looking out over the city lights.
She had lost a husband, but gained control of her life.
She had sacrificed love, but secured power.
In this world, she had learned, kindness was a luxury.
And sometimes, the strongest women were the ones who knew exactly when to be cruel.
