The Uninvited Rival

A loud, demanding series of knocks echoed through the silent mansion, snapping Celeste out of her brief moment of rest on the floor. She groaned, pushing herself off the thick rug and brushing imaginary dust from her clothes. Her cleaning spree had left the estate spotless. Every surface gleamed, satisfying her deep need for perfection. She trudged toward the front entrance, her muscles aching fro