Part 1 (S01E01)

After a clash with her husband, Mildred Pierce finds herself alone, raising her two young daughters. Having been out of the workforce for years, she excels at baking and begins selling cakes and pies to friends and neighbors. Although she dreams of becoming a sales clerk or a receptionist, such opportunities are scarce. Mildred attends an interview with Mrs. Forrester for a housekeeper position, but her pride prevents her from accepting it. Encouraged by her friend and neighbor, Lucy Gessler, she ultimately takes a job as a waitress at a diner. She pleads with Lucy to keep this hidden from her daughters, especially the older one, Veda.