- 24 minutes ago
- #shortdrama
- #minidrama
- #plottwist
- #dramareels
- #reelme
Follow ReelMe for more short dramas, emotional stories, and unexpected endings.
#ShortDrama #MiniDrama #PlotTwist #DramaReels #ReelMe
#ShortDrama #MiniDrama #PlotTwist #DramaReels #ReelMe
Category
🎈
FunTranscript
00:00The day I applied for a live-in nanny job, I deliberately made myself look ugly to scare off creeps.
00:05I wasn't about to deal with another employer's son knocking on my door in the middle of the night.
00:09Too bad, I scared off the creeps.
00:11But I didn't stop myself from walking into the wrong interview room.
00:15I had somehow barged into a temporary fiancé casting for Julian, the heir to a mafia family.
00:20The room was packed with socialites.
00:22They were busy showing off their degrees, family backgrounds, and talents.
00:26I'm Emma Carter.
00:27I have a master's in piano performance from the Royal Academy of Music.
00:33Olivia Hayes.
00:34I'm a certified tea master.
00:36I speak French, German, and Italian.
00:38Sophia Bennett.
00:39I graduated from an Ivy League business school.
00:41I took over my family's medical company last year.
00:44Julian rejected every single one.
00:45Julian, how many is this now?
00:47What the hell are you looking for in a fiancé?
00:50His friend Ethan stood beside him, looking impatient.
00:52I stood at the back of the crowd, staring at the job posting in my hand.
00:56Then I thought about my sister's sky-high medical bills.
00:58I gritted my teeth and pushed through the crowd.
01:01Every head in the room turned towards me.
01:04Where did this party girl come from?
01:07Seriously?
01:07Anyone can just walk up to Julian now?
01:09Wait, tell us what you're good at first.
01:12You really think Julian meets just anyone?
01:14You have to perform a special talent just to apply for a live-in nanny job?
01:17Then it hit me.
01:18I pulled out my phone and blasted some music.
01:21Then I threw my arms around and started doing an exaggerated fist bump.
01:24This was my grandma's legendary party move.
01:27No way Julian could resist that.
01:28This isn't the one I found.
01:30This one's good!
01:35Where the hell did you find her?
01:37Julian, your parents are going to pass out if they see that rainbow hair.
01:44That's exactly what I want.
01:53What's your name?
01:54Nikki Russo.
01:55Education?
01:57I didn't finish college.
02:01But I can cook, do laundry, fix pipes, and I get along great with kids and old folks.
02:07If everything looks good, sign it.
02:10Then I saw the monthly salary.
02:13$100,000.
02:14$100,000 a month?
02:16No way!
02:16You're not kidding, right?
02:18I got so excited.
02:19My fake buck teeth almost flew out of my mouth.
02:21Does your tooth hurt?
02:22Or in this way.
02:25Do a good job, and there's a bonus.
02:30Deal.
02:31No regret.
02:31I'll sign right now.
02:32I quickly signed my name, afraid Julian would change his mind.
02:35That same day, I moved into Julian's house with my neon pink suitcase.
02:38His house was ridiculously huge.
02:40I almost pulled out my phone to check the map.
02:42I stood in the middle of the living room and looked up at the three-story crystal shandier.
02:47Mr. Ashford, how much does this thing cost you in electricity every month?
02:51Why do you want to know?
02:53I need to do the math.
02:54This place looks expensive to run.
02:56What if my $100,000 salary gets dunked to $98,000 for electricity?
03:00Then I'd be working for free!
03:02Julian was speechless.
03:04I'm not deducting it from your salary.
03:06Good.
03:07Julian's house had that kind of decor.
03:09Expensive as hell, but completely lifeless.
03:11Everything was cold.
03:12You rich people have such weird taste.
03:14Your house looks like a prison.
03:16Nika Russo, here.
03:18Your room is upstairs.
03:20Got it, boss.
03:21I grabbed my suitcase and charged upstairs.
03:23Then I lost my footing and started falling backwards.
03:26Julian caught me in the next second.
03:32Oh, by the way, Mr. Ashford, what time do you usually take a dump?
03:37I pulled a little notebook from my pocket.
03:39I need to plan the cleaning schedule.
03:43The bathroom needs some efficiency.
03:46Best to avoid using it at the same time.
03:49Do you usually go in the morning or at night?
03:52The silence was so deep.
03:53How many times a day?
03:54Any constipation?
03:56Want me to make you some prune juice?
04:01Get out.
04:03Yes, sir!
04:05Then just yell for me when you go.
04:07I'll write it down.
04:08The next morning, I got up at 5 sharp to make Julian breakfast.
04:11The kitchen was bigger than a restaurant kitchen,
04:13but the fridge only had a few bottles of water.
04:16What good is a giant house if you don't even know how to live?
04:23At 6.30, Julian came downstairs.
04:26He'd just showered.
04:27His upper body was bare, with wet hair.
04:29His face looked pale.
04:30He stopped at the dining table.
04:32What is this?
04:34Breakfast?
04:38Make me an Americano.
04:40I don't eat breakfast.
04:41You have a bad stomach and you're still drinking coffee?
04:45Who told you that?
04:46Your face.
04:48You're pale as a ghost.
04:53Either you never sleep, or your stomach's messed up.
05:00You're young, but you're already in bad shape.
05:06Bet you couldn't last a few seconds in bed either.
05:09Nicky Russo?
05:11Sit down.
05:12At least have some oatmeal.
05:18I sat across from Julian with my little notebook.
05:21Mr. Ashford had oatmeal for breakfast.
05:23Bad stomach.
05:24No iced Americano.
05:26Lights out before 11.
05:28Who said you could write all that down?
05:30I'm a professional.
05:36Didn't you say you never finished college?
05:38Low education doesn't mean I don't know how to care for people.
05:41Right before he left, he stood in front of the mirror, tying his tie.
05:44His tie was crooked, and he didn't even notice.
05:46Mr. Ashford, your tie is so crooked.
05:50What?
05:51Stand still.
05:52Don't move.
05:53I went up on my toes and reached for his tie.
05:55I was standing so close that I could smell the faint scent of his cologne.
05:59It actually smelled pretty good.
06:01Julian looked down at me.
06:02He stared at me for a long moment.
06:04My heart tightened.
06:05Mr. Ashford?
06:06Why are you staring at me?
06:08Again, Julian became speechless.
06:11Go make money.
06:13I've got the house.
06:14That was when Ethan arrived.
06:15He happened to see the whole thing.
06:21Julian, you two are already this close?
06:24Shut up.
06:26Is she hitting on you?
06:28Her methods are pretty crude.
06:30But she's patient.
06:32Julian's stomach attack came on a night of pouring rain.
06:35I'd already gone to bed.
06:36Then I heard something outside my door.
06:38I got up and saw him leaning against the wall, his face pale.
06:42Mr. Ashford?
06:43What's wrong?
06:44He ignored me and headed straight for the living room.
06:47I knew immediately.
06:48His stomach was acting up.
06:50I opened the medicine cabinet.
06:51Cold medicine, clean killers, everything but stomach medicine.
06:55You don't even have stomach meds?
06:59Call my assistant.
07:01By the time they get here, you'll be dead.
07:03I grabbed my motorcycle keys and ran outside.
07:07It's raining.
07:08Even if knives were falling from the sky, I'd still go.
07:11Twenty minutes later, I came back with medicine and hot soup.
07:14Julian was sitting on the couch, looking awful.
07:16Are you crazy?
07:18You're the crazy one.
07:20Your stomach's already wrecked and you're still drinking coffee?
07:24What, you think being born rich means your stomach's made of steel?
07:28Julian clearly wasn't used to being yelled at like that.
07:30I took out his medicine, poured him some water, and watched until he swallowed it.
07:35Then I brought him the chicken soup.
07:38I'm not hungry.
07:39Not hungry?
07:41Eat anyway.
07:42If you don't, I'll get a funnel and pour it down your throat.
07:46I fed him his medicine and took care of him until three in the morning.
07:49I glanced at Julian in bed.
07:51He was probably asleep.
07:53The woman in the mirror looked like a disaster.
07:56I quickly grabbed a makeup wipe and scrubbed everything off.
07:59Then I took out my fake buck teeth.
08:00I washed the fake teeth, wrapped them in tissue, and put them away.
08:03I'd need them again tomorrow.
08:05After washing my face, I was about to head back to my room.
08:08Then I remembered the towel on Julian's forehead still needed changing.
08:12Fine.
08:13I'd already come this far.
08:15Besides, he was asleep.
08:17I returned to the bedroom and bent down to take the towel off his forehead.
08:21I almost jumped out of my skin.
08:24His eyes slowly swept over my face.
08:27Mr. Ashford?
08:28The girl had fair skin, a delicate nose, and wide, guilty eyes.
08:32But her face was so pretty, it was hard to look away.
08:36Nikki Russo.
08:38Y-yeah, that's me.
08:41You don't take a look.
08:42Crap.
08:42I forgot to put my fake teeth back in.
08:46Where are your teeth?
08:47I quickly shoved my hand behind my back, but I moved too fast.
08:51The fake buck teeth wrapped in tissue slipped from my hand.
08:54Nikki Russo.
08:56Yes, sir.
08:58Explain this.
09:01Why my buck-toothed nanny suddenly get a whole new face.
09:08Tell me.
09:09Julian set the fake buck teeth on the table.
09:13Why are you dressed up like this?
09:14To keep creeps away.
09:17Who harassed you?
09:18I ran into a guy during a job interview.
09:20It wasn't a big deal.
09:21He blocked the door and wouldn't let me leave.
09:22Then he offered me an extra two grand a month if I went to his room at night to clean.
09:25Julian's face darkened.
09:27You went?
09:28I shoved a mop in his mouth.
09:31After that, I figured shoving a mop in every creep's mouth was too much work, so I bought these.
09:34I pointed at the fake buck teeth on the table.
09:37$39.90, free shipping.
09:38They even threw in a box of freckle pens.
09:40Works like a charm.
09:41Julian didn't laugh.
09:42He held the fake teeth in his hand for a long while.
09:45His knuckles slowly turned white.
09:47If you're so afraid of men, why did you dare move into my house?
09:50Because you don't look like a creep.
09:51Why not?
09:52Your face is so pale, you look like you've got kidney problems.
09:55You probably don't have the energy.
09:56Julian looked up at me.
09:57His stare was ice cold.
09:59Keep wearing them.
10:01I froze.
10:02What?
10:04At the Ashford family's house.
10:06Keep wearing them.
10:07He put the fake teeth back on the table and pushed them toward me.
10:10No one's going to mess with you.
10:13What if I don't want to wear them someday?
10:14Then take them off.
10:15I'll handle whatever happens outside.
10:17I stared at him for a long moment, not quite sure what to make of it.
10:21Mr. Ashford, are you going to keep this a secret for me?
10:24I just want some peace and quiet.
10:25He said coldly.
10:26If you keep shoving mops into people's mouths every day, the Ashford family will end up in the news.
10:31Oh.
10:32The weight I'd been carrying in my chest finally dropped.
10:35Thanks then.
10:36No need.
10:37He paused before adding.
10:39I'll reimburse you the $39.90.
10:40No.
10:41Why?
10:42Because it's my own business.
10:44Julian stared at me for two seconds, then put his phone down.
10:46The next morning, I saw Julian standing in the living room with his car keys in hand, looking ready to
10:53leave.
10:53He glanced at me.
10:56He glanced at me.
10:56Someone's delivering something this afternoon.
10:57Take it in.
10:58That afternoon, Julian had someone deliver a formal dress to me.
11:01It was white, with pearls sewn all over the skirt.
11:05It looked ridiculously expensive.
11:07He stood at the top of the stairs.
11:09Put it on.
11:09What am I supposed to wear this for?
11:12We have somewhere to be.
11:14I had no choice but to go back to my room and change.
11:17The dress was a little too long.
11:19I held up the hem as I walked out, feeling like a fish trapped inside a mosquito net.
11:23The living room was quiet.
11:25Julian had been reading some documents.
11:27But after he looked up, he didn't turn the page for a long time.
11:30The white skirt fell around my feet.
11:33My colorful hair was still as loud as ever.
11:35But without the heavy brows and fake freckles, my face looked surprisingly clean and pretty.
11:39My eyes were bright.
11:41My nose was small.
11:42My lips had a soft, natural color.
11:44I lifted the skirt and spun around.
11:45Does it look good?
11:46Julian looked away.
11:47Change.
11:48Why?
11:48What doesn't suit me?
11:49You look too normal.
11:50I went back to my room, put the fake buck tooth back in, and drew on the freckles.
11:53Julian looked me up and down.
11:55After a moment, he nodded.
11:56That's better.
11:57You really do like ugly girls.
11:58Shut up.
12:00Tomorrow, you're coming with me to meet my parents.
12:02If I showed up at the Ashford family home looking like this, they'd probably pass out on the spot.
12:07I pointed at myself.
12:08Me?
12:08Do live-in maids have to meet their employer's parents, too?
12:11It's in the contract.
12:12You're required to attend any necessary family events with me.
12:16I nodded.
12:17No wonder it paid $100,000.
12:19Turns out I was expected to take care of the whole family.
12:21I, Nikki, always kept my word.
12:24If they wanted me to serve the whole family, I'd make sure every last one of them was happy.
12:28Before we left, I checked myself in the mirror and pushed the fake buck teeth into place.
12:33We were going to the Ashford family estate tomorrow.
12:36I couldn't afford to screw anything up.
12:39Julian stood by the door, watching me.
12:41Make sure those teeth are on properly.
12:43They are.
12:44He gave me one look and said nothing else.
12:46The Ashford family estate was even more extravagant than Julian's house.
12:51The moment I walked in, I tripped over the doorstep.
12:54I almost went down flat on my face with a jar of pickles in my arms.
12:57Julian, since when did the Ashford family's doorstep get so low?
13:02She was Julian's mother, Victoria.
13:04It's not low.
13:05I almost tripped over it just now.
13:06You should get rid of it.
13:07Old people and kids could easily fall.
13:09The smile on the woman's face froze.
13:11Julian turned his head like he was trying not to laugh.
13:14I thought he was impressed by how well I handled it, so I instantly grew more confident.
13:19I brought some pickles.
13:21I made them myself.
13:24Grandma has high blood pressure, so she shouldn't eat too much.
13:27And uncle and auntie look like they get overheated easily.
13:29They shouldn't eat too much either.
13:31It'll make it worse.
13:32Victoria's expression changed.
13:34This is an Ashford family matter.
13:35It's not for someone with weird yellow hair to interfere.
13:38My hair is not yellow.
13:39It's rainbow.
13:40You rich people eat too fancy.
13:42You're probably missing a little home-cooked warmth.
13:45Pickles are great for your appetite.
13:48They go with pretty much Julian's father, George, said in a low voice.
13:51Julian, this is the woman you chose?
13:53Julian leaned back in his chair, his tone casual.
13:55Is there a problem?
13:56George's expression darkened.
13:58Just then, Julian's grandmother, Diane, tried to stand.
14:01Her legs weren't very steady.
14:03Grandma, easy.
14:04Don't push yourself.
14:05I helped Diana sit back down, but her hearing aid suddenly fell out.
14:09I picked it up and took a look.
14:10The battery wasn't making proper contact.
14:13It's a little loose.
14:14I pulled a tiny screwdriver from my bag.
14:16Everyone in the Ashford family froze.
14:18Three minutes later, I put the hearing aid back in Diana's ear.
14:21Grandma, can you hear me?
14:23I can.
14:24Good.
14:24Your hearing aid has turned up a little too loud.
14:27Don't set it that high next time.
14:28Your ears aren't speakers.
14:29Once you blow them out, they're hard to fix.
14:32You're a strange girl.
14:33But I'm right.
14:35Julian had been waiting for them to lose their temper.
14:37Instead, everyone sat there and tried to find something, anything, they could actually fault me for.
14:42The only real problem was probably my ridiculously colorful hair.
14:45But I had caught their grandmother, fixed her hearing aid, and even taken away the sugary desserts.
14:50Nikki, come sit next to Grandpa.
14:52I immediately moved over.
14:54Sure thing.
14:54Julian watched me chatting away with his grandmother.
14:57For the first time, he realized things weren't going the way he'd expected.
15:01Diane soon took me to a ladies' social gathering.
15:03I had no idea she wanted to introduce me to high society, so I'd realize I wasn't cut out for
15:07it and back off.
15:09The moment we arrived, a group of older women in evening gowns and expensive jewelry gathered around me.
15:14One of them looked me up and down.
15:16Diana, is this the girl Julian brought home?
15:18That hair.
15:20Quite...
15:20Another woman chimed in with a laugh.
15:22Looks like a feather duster.
15:23I heard her.
15:24I wasn't angry.
15:25I just took off my heels and went barefoot on the carpet.
15:28Everyone froze.
15:29What are you doing?
15:31These shoes are killing my feet, and you ladies are killing people with your words.
15:35All these rich family rules really wear you out.
15:37The woman's face turned bright red.
15:39Diane was holding her tea.
15:41She almost spit it out, trying not to laugh.
15:43Someone clearly wasn't convinced.
15:45She took a slow sip and said,
15:46Miss Rosso, someone like Julian isn't a man you can simply stand beside and expect to keep your footing.
15:52I was completely confused.
15:54Stand beside Mr. Ashford?
15:55Were they saying a maid shouldn't get too close to her employer?
15:58Was that against the rules?
16:00Then I can stand farther away.
16:02I'm mainly responsible for Mr. Ashford's meals and daily schedule.
16:06I don't need to follow him around all day.
16:08Unless he asks for me, I usually stay where I'm supposed to be.
16:10The woman clearly hadn't expected that answer.
16:13She didn't know what to say.
16:15Suddenly, I pulled out my phone and started playing some music.
16:18But if you ladies keep sitting around like this, your backs are going to get stiff.
16:21A group of wealthy women stared at me.
16:23I held out my hand to Diane.
16:25Grandma, come on.
16:26Let's dance.
16:27Diane refused at first.
16:28Three steps left.
16:30Three steps right.
16:31Hands up.
16:31Yes, smile.
16:32Come on, dancing isn't a crime.
16:34A few minutes later, the elegant afternoon tea for wealthy ladies had turned into a full-on
16:39dance party.
16:40Diane was laughing so hard her face turned red.
16:43One of the older women had been looking down on us at first, but eventually, she couldn't
16:48resist joining in.
16:50How do you do this move?
16:51Just follow me.
16:52Don't be scared.
16:54Pretend you're a blooming rose.
16:56I'm 80.
16:57So what?
16:58You can still bloom at 80.
16:59That evening, Diane was still humming when she got home.
17:02Victoria looked at her in shock.
17:04Mom, why are you in such a good mood today?
17:07Diane waved her hand.
17:09Nikki made me dance.
17:10Victoria frowned.
17:11She was fooling around.
17:13Diane's expression immediately turned serious.
17:15So what if she was?
17:16I had fun.
17:17She paused, then added.
17:19And from now on, anyone who says Nikki's hair looks like a feather duster is going to
17:24have to answer to me.
17:25Julian stood at the top of the stairs without saying a word.
17:28But his eyes settled on me.
17:30For the first time, that cold look he always gave me, as if I were nothing but trouble,
17:35The Ashford family also had a little menace named Leo.
17:39He was eight, spoiled rotten, and hated by everyone except the people who doted on him.
17:43He thought he could get away with anything.
17:46After hearing some relatives call me low class, he grabbed a few bottles of washable paint.
17:51When I walked past the stairs, he suddenly dumped all of it over my head.
17:54Red, green, blue.
17:58I turned into a human paint palette.
18:00Everyone in the room froze.
18:02Leo!
18:03She's a freaky party girl!
18:05I wiped the paint off my face and looked up at him.
18:08Looks good, huh?
18:09He grinned proudly.
18:11Yeah.
18:11Then come get one too.
18:13Before Leo could react, I rushed upstairs and grabbed him.
18:15Ten minutes later, he stood in front of the mirror with red, yellow, and blue curls all
18:19over his head.
18:20His eyes lit up.
18:21Cool?
18:21Cool.
18:22Badass?
18:23Badass.
18:23Perfect.
18:24Let's eat.
18:25Julian's uncle, Leon, had an old motorcycle.
18:28I heard it had belonged to their grandfather when he was young.
18:31It had broken down years ago and had been sitting in the garage ever since.
18:35No one dared touch it.
18:37One day, I went into the garage looking for some tools.
18:40The moment I saw the motorcycle, my eyes lit up.
18:43Whoa, this thing is cool.
18:45Don't touch it.
18:46I won't.
18:47I walked around it, looking it over.
18:49It's leaking oil, and there's something wrong with the engine.
18:52This needs fixing.
18:54It can't be fixed.
18:56I've had several mechanics look at it.
18:58They all said it's only good for scrap.
19:01You can fix motorcycles, too?
19:03She can probably do anything.
19:04Maybe she can even fly a plane.
19:08Does being a mechanic come with different levels now?
19:11If you can fix it, that's skill.
19:13If you can't, then you're just all talk.
19:15I spent the whole afternoon working in the garage, taking apart parts, replacing the fuel
19:20line, cleaning out the carbon buildup.
19:23When Julian came over, I was already halfway under the motorcycle, my face covered in grease.
19:27Come out.
19:28Wait, I'm missing one screw.
19:30Nikki.
19:31Quit bothering me.
19:32I'm listening to the engine.
19:39It says it still has some life left.
19:44You're hurt.
19:45At some point, I'd gotten a cut on the back of my hand.
19:47The blood had already dried.
19:49It's nothing.
19:49When I was a kid, I fell out of a tree and practically split my butt in half.
19:53Your butt is already in two hearts.
19:57What kind of thing is that to say?
19:59He ignored me and dragged me away to get the cut treated.
20:02That night, a roar suddenly came from the garage.
20:05The old motorcycle that had been silent for years had finally started.
20:08Leon stood there, his eyes turning red.
20:10He reached out and ran a hand over the handlebars, like he was touching a piece of the past.
20:15Dad used to say he'd give me this bike when I got married.
20:20Leon hasn't been this happy in years.
20:23Well then, problem solved.
20:27Don't push yourself like that again.
20:29What do you mean, push myself?
20:30I was just showing off my professional skills.
20:33Nikki.
20:34Fine.
20:35Why are you always so grumpy?
20:37He was silent for a moment.
20:39Then he suddenly reached out and wiped the grease from my cheek.
20:43His touch was gentle.
20:45I froze.
20:47So did he.
20:49Vivian came to the Ashford family estate on a Sunday afternoon.
20:52There happened to be an afternoon tea gathering at the estate, with plenty of relatives and a few close family
20:57friends.
20:57Vivian showed up in a designer suit, wearing a gentle smile.
21:00She was the woman the Ashford family had originally chosen for Julian.
21:04Beautiful.
21:05Smart.
21:06From a good family.
21:07Basically, the upgraded version of all those women from the first chapter.
21:11She carried a document folder and a tablet.
21:13She sat across from me, calmly sipping her tea.
21:16Miss Russo, I think you understand that Julian only brought you home to spite his family.
21:21I was eating pickles.
21:22Oh.
21:25You're not upset?
21:26Upset about what?
21:27You're just a tool he's using to get back at his family.
21:32Are you trying to steal my man or my job?
21:35What?
21:36Pick one.
21:37If you want Julian, go talk to him.
21:39If you want my job, we can talk about my salary.
21:41Don't dance around the point.
21:42It's giving me a headache.
21:43The smile on Vivian's face finally cracked.
21:46Julian happened to be coming downstairs and heard the last sentence.
21:49Vivian immediately put on a hurt expression.
21:52Julian, I was just trying to explain things to Miss Russo.
21:55There's nothing to explain.
21:57Vivian looked at him.
22:00George already said this marriage.
22:01I'm refusing.
22:03You're refusing?
22:04Julian, do you have any idea what this partnership between our families means?
22:08I know.
22:09Then why would you do all this for a...
22:13George's eyes swept over me.
22:16He didn't finish the sentence.
22:18But I knew what he meant.
22:21Julian's face darkened.
22:22It doesn't matter who it's for.
22:24You're just like your mother, letting your emotions cloud your judgment.
22:28The words hit like a needle.
22:29He stood there with his fists clenched tight.
22:31I saw the anger that had just flared in his eyes suddenly die down.
22:34Vivian suddenly placed the document folder on the table.
22:37Since Julian is so protective of Miss Russo, I think there are some things the Ashford family should see.
22:42She pulled out a printed photo and slid it toward me.
22:45The photo showed a young girl in a blue and white school uniform.
22:48She had fair skin, dark hair, and neat, delicate brows.
22:51Leo leaned over to take a look, then glanced up at me.
22:53Aunt Nikki, is that you?
22:55Doesn't look like me.
22:56I looked at the photo.
22:59It is.
23:01The living room fell silent.
23:04Vivian turned on her tablet.
23:05There was another photo on the screen.
23:07It was a registration photo from a domestic stuffing agency.
23:10The same face.
23:11Beside it was a short description.
23:13Nikki, college dropout, live in housekeeper.
23:16Three years ago, when I had just turned 18,
23:18I went to the agency to register for the first time.
23:21They asked me to take a photo.
23:23I was still wearing my school uniform.
23:25My hair was black, and I wasn't wearing anything else.
23:29Vivian smiled.
23:30Miss Rosso, you keep saying you're not playing games,
23:32so why did you change your face just to get close to Julian?
23:35She's been wearing those fake buck teeth
23:36and drawing on fake freckles and thick eyebrows
23:38every day since she came to the Ashford family.
23:41Victoria's cup stopped halfway to her lips.
23:44Leon looked at me, his expression complicated.
23:46Diane's hearing aid gave off a faint electronic buzz.
23:49I set down my jar of pickles and wiped my hands.
23:52My heart sank.
23:53She deliberately made herself look ugly.
23:55She deliberately afraid of to be unharassed.
23:57She wanted the Ashford family to let their guard down.
24:00Miss Russo, were you or did you just want Julian
24:02to think there was something special about you?
24:04No one in the living room said a word.
24:06Vivian.
24:08Am I wrong?
24:10Julian, she lied to you.
24:11She lied to the whole Ashford family.
24:15Vivian, I wear the fake buck teeth because looking ugly makes me feel safer.
24:20I moved into the Ashford family's house because I needed the money.
24:23After saying that, I reached into my mouth and took them out.
24:27First, I wiped off the thick lines I'd drawn over my eyebrows.
24:31Then I slowly wiped away the fake freckles.
24:34Finally, I grabbed the fake buck teeth and gently pulled the-
24:38I placed the fake teeth on the table and looked up.
24:40Leo's mouth fell open.
24:42Victoria finally put down her cup.
24:44Leon nearly spilled his tea.
24:46Diane slowly took off her glasses and studied my face for a long moment.
24:49Julian didn't move.
24:50He didn't look surprised either.
24:52He just sat there watching me, like he'd seen this face before.
24:56Vivian's smile froze.
24:59I lied to all of you, but it wasn't for the reasons Vivian thinks.
25:03I grew up with my grandparents.
25:05I dropped out of college and started working.
25:07I've done all kinds of jobs, waiting tables, delivering food, fixing cars, working as a housekeeper.
25:11My first live-in housekeeping job lasted three months.
25:14The homeowner was in his 40s.
25:16He had a wife and kids.
25:17In my second month, I noticed him standing by the kitchen door watching me.
25:20It gave me chills.
25:22In my third month, his son, who was in his 20s, blocked my bedroom door.
25:27at 2 in the morning and asked for my number.
25:32That night, I sat behind my door with a mop and stayed there until morning.
25:36I quit the next day.
25:37After that, I switched agencies.
25:39On the day of my next interview, I bought these from a little store downstairs.
25:43$39.90, free shipping.
25:44They even threw in a box of freckle pens.
25:48After I put them on, I went to six interviews.
25:50I got all six jobs.
25:52At the best place I worked, the grandmother told me I looked so ugly.
25:57I looked trustworthy.
26:00When I came to the Ashford family's house, I went to the wrong door.
26:03The contract was full of words.
26:05I could barely read any of it.
26:06All I recognized were the numbers.
26:08I never planned to get close to Julian.
26:12From the first day I walked through that door,
26:14all I wanted was to do my job and make some money.
26:17When I finished, my throat felt dry.
26:19Diane suddenly spoke, her voice trembling a little.
26:22Nikki, then why did you dress yourself up like this?
26:25I thought for a moment before giving her the honest answer.
26:27Because looking safe matters more than looking pretty.
26:30The living room fell so quiet that I could hear the clock ticking.
26:33Diane's eyes slowly turned red.
26:36Julian stood up.
26:37He walked over to me and draped his suit jacket over my shoulders.
26:39Then he turned to Vivian, his voice low and deliberate.
26:43Whether she wears those fake feet or not, she's still Nika.
26:46I know why she made herself look ugly better than you do.
26:48Vivian opened her mouth.
26:50As for whether she's pretty or not?
26:52Julian stepped in front of me, blocking everyone's staring eyes.
26:56That's my business.
26:57None of yours.
26:59That night, Julian walked Vivian to the door.
27:02I waited for him outside.
27:04By the time he came back, it was already completely dark.
27:08Mr. Ashford?
27:11Hmm.
27:12Was she really mad?
27:14Hmm.
27:15Then, did you mean what you said earlier?
27:18Which part?
27:19You said whether I'm pretty or not has something to do with you.
27:22I said it had nothing to do with anyone else.
27:24Oh.
27:24Mr. Ashford, thanks for today.
27:26Nikki.
27:27Hmm?
27:27Do you want to make this permanent?
27:29Julian looked at me for a moment.
27:30Then, he pulled a small velvet box from his pocket.
27:33At first, I brought you into the Ashford family to deal with my family.
27:36But later, I wanted you to stay.
27:38Not because you could pretend to be my fiancé.
27:40And not because you knew how to take care of people.
27:42It's because you're Nikki.
27:44My eyes sting.
27:45I did not answer.
27:46I just kept walking.
27:48Guess you'll have to see how I do.
27:49Julian hurried after me.
27:51I reached out and took his hand.
27:53We walked forward together, slowly.
27:55Who would have thought?
27:56A live-in housekeeper ended up finding true love, too.
27:59You