Stripped into Destiny

Saturday

Kingsley Estate – Front Entrance Hall

Late Morning

The large grandfather clock chimed ten times, its deep echo rolling through the opulent halls of the Kingsley Estate. Claudine, dressed in her usual understated elegance—charcoal-gray wool coat, gloves, and a neat bun—descended the marble staircase, her handbag tucked under one arm.

She looked tired. Grief lingered in her eyes like smoke—Theresa’s sudden illness had weighed heavily on her these past few weeks. As she adjusted her scarf and reached for the house keys near the entrance table, she heard the soft sound of footsteps.

She turned.

Standing just inside the foyer, clutching a book to her chest, was a girl—a stranger in this house.

Claudine blinked.

The child had long, dark waves, soft pale skin, and striking hazel eyes that held an eerie intelligence for someone her age. Her face was expressive—curious, slightly guarded. A quiet storm behind her lashes.

“Hello,” Claudine said gently, puzzled but polite. “You must be...”

The girl stepped forward, offering a polite smile.

“Alexa. Alexa Moore.”

Claudine’s breath caught faintly.

That name.

Moore.

Her gaze sharpened ever so slightly, though her expression remained smooth.

“Oh… I see.” Claudine looked toward the hallway leading to the drawing room. “You’re the special guest Mrs. Kingsley invited.”

Alexa nodded. “She said she wanted to talk to my mom about something. They’re still in the other room.”

Claudine gave a small, distracted nod. Her eyes lingered on the girl—her appearance, the way she held herself. There was something oddly familiar about her. A whisper of someone else. Isabel.

“You look like someone I know,” Claudine said quietly.

Alexa tilted her head. “Oh, I get that a lot, I hope it doesn't make you uncomfortable?.”

Shaking her head, Claudine smiled faintly, though her thoughts were spinning. There was a kind of stillness in her gaze, the kind that comes from noticing something unsettling, yet saying nothing about it.

“Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Alexa. I’m Claudine—I help take care of Theresa. She’s Mrs. Kingsley’s daughter.”

Alexa’s eyes brightened with interest. “The girl in the photo upstairs? With the violin?”

“Yes,” Claudine replied softly. “That’s her. She’s very talented. You might like her.”

“Is she here?”

Claudine's smile dimmed slightly.

“She’s in the hospital at the moment. I’m actually going to visit her now.”

Alexa's face fell. “Oh… I hope she gets better.”

Claudine's heart stirred—there was such genuine kindness in the girl's voice.

“Thank you, sweetheart. That means a great deal.”

She paused, hesitating just a second longer, then leaned forward slightly and gently adjusted the collar on Alexa’s sweater like she would have done for Theresa.

“You have lovely manners. I can see why Mrs. Kingsley took an interest in you.”

Alexa blushed and looked away. “Mom says it’s because I do well in school.”

Claudine’s smile returned—gentle but deeper now. “Maybe. Or maybe it's something more.”

Before Alexa could ask what she meant, Claudine straightened and reached for the doorknob.

“If anyone asks where I’ve gone, just say I’ve gone to visit a very brave girl who’s trying hard to come home.”

With that, Claudine stepped outside, the wind catching her scarf as she headed toward the waiting car. But as she walked, her thoughts were no longer only on Theresa.

They were on that little girl in the hallway…

The one with Isabel’s eyes.

And David’s cheekbones.

And a name that seemed quite off.

She mumbled under her breath

“I wonder how Ma'am’s going to handle this”

Second Floor

A maid gently led Maria to the third room on the second floor. Her steps were quiet but brisk, revealing the experience she had gained from years of service.

Knock… knock.

After only two knocks, the maid pushed the door open without stepping inside. She gestured for Maria to enter, then closed the door behind her.

Inside the spacious room, a slender yet curvy woman stood near the far end, her back against the wall. She turned as Maria entered.

“Hello…?”

Maria announced her presence. The woman seemed alerted and turned fully to face her.

“Oh—welcome. Please, come sit.”

She gestured toward an elegant table by the window. They both took their seats, gazing briefly at the garden outside, its vibrant colors forming a calm and beautiful scene.

“You have a beautiful home,” Maria said, offering a compliment in hopes of easing the tension tightening in her chest.

“Thank you, Mrs. Moore.”

A brief silence followed.

“Okay… about the Foundation Mentorship Initiative,” Isabel began. “I would love for your daughter Alexa to be in the program.

Everything would be covered academically, and all she has to do is study?”

“Uhmm… yes, about the program,” Maria replied.

“Alexa and my husband were quite thrilled, but I find it a little unsettling. Please excuse my manners.”

Maria paused, then continued slowly, trying to read Isabel’s expression. Her eyes, however, remained indifferent—revealing nothing.

“Please continue, Mrs. Moore.”

With Isabel’s permission, Maria went on.

“How did you know my daughter? Why did you pick her? And I especially want to know why you insisted on seeing me personally. Everyone knows the Kingsleys don’t just invite anyone to their estate.”

She took a breath.

“I know my daughter does well in school, but there are other children looking for this opportunity. Yet you gave it to a little girl who isn’t even up to ten years old.”

Isabel smiled faintly.

“I must commend you, Mrs. Moore, for being quick-witted.

The truth is, I’ve been watching your daughter for quite some time.”

She paused, noticing the alertness on Maria’s face.

“Please let me finish. My own daughter doesn’t do very well in school. I believed that if she had a friend her age, it might encourage her to do better. That is why I wanted to meet you personally.”

She tilted her head slightly. “If you don’t have a problem with it.”

Maria was speechless for a moment.

“Oh… if that’s the case, then of course you have my permission,” she said, blushing with embarrassment.

“Here are her pictures, by the way,” Isabel added, sliding them across the table.

“She had an accident the day before—that’s why you don’t see her running around.”

Maria picked up the photo as Isabel watched her reaction closely. Seeing no sign of recognition, Isabel inwardly sighed in relief, though doubt still lingered.

Suddenly, Isabel’s chest tightened. She reached into her purse, excusing herself as she gently inhaled from her inhaler.

“If Mrs. Kingsley doesn’t mind,” Maria asked softly after quietly watching her, “may I ask where I can get an inhaler like that?”

“Is Mrs. Moore asthmatic?” Isabel asked.

“No, but my daughter is. It flares up constantly, and the doctor recommended this brand. Unfortunately, it’s not available on the market, and the hospital that sells it requires a letter of recommendation.”

She hesitated. “I know this is shameless of me, but could you please write one for me?”

Guilt flickered across Isabel’s face as she watched Maria’s flushed expression.

“I understand how painful asthma can be,” Isabel said gently. “Don’t worry about the cost—it’s expensive. I’ll simply give you an extra one I keep at home.”

Almost immediately, a maid entered the room holding another inhaler. Isabel took it and handed it to Maria.

Maria accepted it with a smile—while Isabel’s eyes, instead, were filled with gratitude.