The Housemaid's Secret

Four years ago, in an attempt to seduce and marry a wealthy man, Wendy Palmer attends an art exhibit where she meets Douglas Garrick, CEO of Coinstock. They find common ground in their dislike of the exhibit that focuses on clothing displayed in strange ways. Douglas confesses that he only comes to these exhibits because he enjoys the hors d’oeuvres the gallery provides. Wendy finds Douglas to be a “simple nerd” and doesn’t expect it will be difficult to seduce him.

Three years ago, Wendy is pushing Douglas to get ready for a party, but he’s in the kitchen eating Nutella out of the jar. Wendy has worked hard to improve Douglas’s wardrobe and his reputation but finds it almost impossible to get him to lose a few pounds. Douglas, however, isn’t interested in any of the social expectations that Wendy is obsessed with. Douglas suggests they skip the party and go to a movie instead, but Wendy refuses. As Douglas gets dressed, Wendy imagines the home they will live in once they are married. Wendy grew up poor and remembers the shame and frustration that went along with that.

As Wendy and Douglas prepare to leave, Joe Bendeck, Douglas’s lawyer, shows up at the door.