"Malaya you rotten ugly toad get upstairs and help me dress up now "

I hurried upstairs to assist Lady Juniper with her gown for the ball, which her mother, Lady Seraphine Glenda, was hosting in celebration of Lady Juniper's 17th birthday. As always, her birthdays were lavish affairs, a stark contrast to my own, for we never had parties; our modest working-class means did not permit such luxuries.

Hello, my name is Malaya Mikowski, not Wazowski from Monsters Inc. The joke Mikowski has been used many times; now it's become dull and lifeless.

When I reached Lady Junipers room I fixed her dress and helped her dress up and do her makeup as I was taught in many brutal ways sometimes with a whip sometimes with a stick and sometimes with a knife there were other ways which I won't mention because it would take too long and I have many chores to do before the ball begins.

After finishing Lady Juniper's makeup, I quickly prepared to leave, having received her approval. As I exited her room, not watching where I was going, I bumped into Lord Charles, Lady Juniper's older brother. I apologized, and he took my hand, giving me a gift box before departing.

Upon reaching the basement, I unwrapped my gift from Lord Charles to find a stunning pendant, accompanied by a photograph of my real mother wearing it, and a note that read:

"Happy 17th birthday, cousin Malaya! I truly hope you cherish the gift you've received. It once belonged to your mum, and I won it from a bet with my own mum, but it was never mine to keep. Please keep it safe and hidden. I've heard it's a unique pendant that no one has yet deciphered—perhaps because it's not their puzzle to solve, but rather, it awaits its rightful owner. Also, make sure to visit the shed at midnight when everyone is asleep; there's something more waiting for you there.

Yours truly,

Cousin Charles"

Tears welled up in my eyes as I read the note, and a faint smile crossed my face. Yes, I was related to cousins Charlie (Charles's nickname) and Juniper by blood, but according to Charlie, the entire family despised me because of an accident that occurred when I was an infant—an accident that claimed the lives of my parents.

Charlie mentioned that my parents were dearly loved by all, and their kindness was a beacon for our family, often aiding relatives through tough times and financial straits. The specifics of their financial assistance remained unknown to me, as Aunt Glenda's call interrupted our conversation, and I never had the chance to speak with Charlie again. I referred to them as lord and lady because, although not of their blood, I was nurtured by a maid who cherished me as her own. To me, she has always been a parent, as has her husband, and their affection never wavered, even after they had children of their own.

Upon reading the note, I concealed the box in my apron and continued working. I prepared food for the guests, served drinks, and presented the cake before withdrawing. After the ball, I tidied up, departed from the manor, and made my way to the shed. There, I discovered documents and, upon reading them, realized they constituted a will from my parents intended for me.

The will and testament of Rebecca and Felix Mikowski state that all properties and assets will be bequeathed to their sole child, Malaya Rebecca Mikowski, in the event of their untimely demise when she is 17 years old. Even as a minor, she will be entitled to claim her rightful inheritance, including any jewels, as well as the option to entrust them to her guardians if she so chooses.

I noticed several keys matching the pendant's design, and then I saw lights flashing in the woods. Following the lights, I found Cousin Charles in the car with a large suitcase. He told me to get in, and when I did, I hugged him, thanking him with tears in my eyes. Then he smiled and said,

"Don't thank me, Malaya, my little cousin. I am older than you and Juni, and as the eldest, Dad always said, 'Don't think too hard to do good. Do good by being good and true, and even heaven will reward you.' When he died, I remembered his words, and they have guided me in my life. My only regret is that I couldn't protect you when you were hurt."

I hugged him and said

"What happened to me was never your fault, and what I endured was never due to your actions, cousin. It was the doing of aunt, cousin Juniper, and the rest of the family. You have tried to protect me, Charlie. Many times, you have defended my honor and supported my choice of partner. Even now, with the documents and the necklace, I wouldn't have known about them if you hadn't given them to me. You are a good man, Charles, and one day you will find a woman who is just as good as you. I have never said this to anyone, but I say it to you: I love you, Charlie. You're the best cousin ever."