Verena came to the dirtiest and most seedy place— a motel and rented a room with a single bed to rest temporarily.
The flickering neon sign outside the motel seemed to be the only source of light in the dimly lit hallway.
As Verena stepped inside the room, a musty smell filled her nostrils—a mixture of stale cigarette smoke and years of neglect. She couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as she glanced around the shabby space, taking in the worn-out furniture and peeling wallpapers.
She put her bag on the bed and noticed that the bedsheets were cleaned, which she was thankful for.
She went to the bathroom and took a long shower since she was so dirty after what happened to her today.
She did not even have the travel expenses to return to her hometown. She wanted to go and meet her dead mother, but things were getting worse in their own way for her.
Verena wanted to find a job and slowly save up some money, but no job applicants were willing to hire her because of her appearance tonight.
Verena was also afraid of Louis. She thought that he would come after her soon and that she would have to hide from him no matter what.
She couldn't shake off the feeling of being constantly watched, as if Louis's presence loomed over her even in the darkest corners. Verena's heart raced every time she heard a sudden noise or caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure out of the corner of her eye.
The fear of his wrath consumed her every thought, making it impossible to focus on anything else. She knew she had to devise a plan to protect herself and stay one step ahead of him.
But how could she outsmart someone who seemed to know her every move?
Nevertheless, exhaustion took over, and Verena collapsed onto the creaky mattress, hoping for a few hours of respite before continuing her journey.
Since she had no help and no money. Verena decided to lay low for now until she was ready to face everyone.
Verena had no choice but to make a fake identification card and assume the identity of Aurora Kim.
The next day, she started to search for jobs that were worth the pay. After two hours, she finally circled the news in the newspaper and smiled proudly. Finally, she was able to find a job to her liking.
After an hour, she was in the A&B hotel, which was one of the top 10 best restaurants and hotels in their country.
In the manager's office, Verena nervously sat across the desk from Mr. Scott, the hotel's General Manager, looking around. Her mind was on whether she would be selected by the look around her.
She had no prior experience in the hospitality industry, but her determination to become a VIP attendant had brought her here.
Verena took a deep breath and said, "Thank you for meeting with me, Mr. Scott. I know I don't have the usual qualifications for this role, but I'm really passionate about providing excellent guest service."
Mr. Scott curiously looked at Verena, his eyebrows raised. He took a moment to assess her, studying her body language and the conviction in her voice. "I appreciate your interest. Being a VIP attendant requires exceptional skills. Can you tell me more about why you think you're the right fit for this position?"
Verena smiled and confidently replied. "Well, while I don't have direct experience, I've always been praised for my attentiveness and ability to make people feel comfortable. I believe that my genuine desire to create memorable experiences for guests could be an asset."
Mr. Scot nodded his head and spoke. "That's a good start, Aurora Kim. However, we usually look for candidates with hospitality education or prior experience. What sets you apart from other applicants?"
"I understand I may not have the academic background, but I'm a quick learner, and I'm willing to go the extra mile to learn on the job. I'm also very adaptable, and I can remain calm under pressure, which I think is essential in this role."
After a brief pause, he leaned back in his chair and smiled. "Passion and determination can take you a long way, Aurora," he remarked.
He added, "While experience is important, it's not everything. I believe in giving people a chance to prove themselves. Let's see what you can bring to the table."
Verena's heart swelled with hope as she realised that this might just be her shot at fulfilling her dreams.
This place was not an ordinary place. She could make a good amount of money by working here.
Verena managed to get hired as a night auditor under the pseudonym of Aurora. The wage was small, but Verena was very satisfied.
The manager observed her for a few days and found that she was serious, hardworking, gentle, and sweet. He was impressed with her dedication and attention to detail and decided to promote her to a higher position within the company.
"Aurora, the VIP room, and the general floor are not the same. They are all esteemed guests, so you have to be careful not to make mistakes." The manager called Verena by her pseudonym and explained everything to her carefully.
Verena nodded and said, "I know."
After working for another week, everything at work went smoother. She didn't have any problems in the workplace, and neither young master Louis came chasing after her.
During their spare time, a few other employees chatted with Verena.
"You're so lucky, Aurora. You got promoted to serve the VIP room in such a short time. However, with your height of 170 centimetres, tiny face, and long legs, Let alone a promotion to be the VIP room attendant, you would have no problem becoming an air stewardess, a model, or even entering the entertainment industry."
Verena pursed her lips and walked off with her head bowed. She knew she was pretty, but she herself didn't expect to get a VIP badge so soon.
The few colleagues extended their warmth but were met with a cold response, so after Verena had walked off, they muttered behind her back, "Just a night auditor at the VIP Room, so arrogant!"
"She just has a pretty face; what's so terrific?" Another complained with disdain.
"I didn't think she was that pretty, maybe just in her best shape, but her personality was seriously cold and aloof. She had no culture or academic background, but she is so pretentious!" Alice added, rolling her eyes.
The colleagues nodded in agreement, feeling justified in their opinions of Verena. They couldn't help but wonder how she managed to gain such a high position without any real qualifications or experience.
"She is not pretentious; she just doesn't talk much, and she is trustworthy."
All of them looked at the manager's back as he walked past them. He must have heard them speak behind her back. They all became frightened and fled to the lounge, afraid to get scolded by him.
"Or she must have slept her way to get what she had now." Alice whispered loud enough for everyone to hear, and they all made a disgusted face and started working.
As the others looked at her enviously, she left and went up to the third floor. She took over the food trolley from another colleague, slid the door open, and entered the room.
"Hello, sir and ma'am. Your dinner is ready." Verena politely greeted the couple seated in the room.
Verena had her head bowed and was focused on setting the dishes on the dining table when her wrist was suddenly caught.
Verena shuddered and looked up at the guest angrily, ready to bounce if necessary. She was immediately stunned and felt shock instead of anger.
A cold, stern face with a gaze that had an overbearing and arrogant force appeared before her face.
"How did you know it was my room?" Louis gripped her hand tightly. His eyes were filled with an icy, murderous glare.