Alex gave strict orders to all the maids. "Take care of her. Make sure she eats. If she doesn't, you'll be punished. Do whatever it takes to keep her comfortable."
The maids nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. They knew better than to disobey Alex.
When Maya woke up, she found herself in a new room. The space was much more comfortable than the previous holding cell. The walls were painted a soft, calming blue, and a large window let in natural light, though it was secured with reinforced bars. A plush bed with fresh linens replaced the hard cot she had slept on before. There was a small dresser with clean clothes neatly folded on top and a bedside table with a lamp and a vase of fresh flowers. A private bathroom adjoined the room, complete with a shower and basic toiletries.
She looked down and noticed she was wearing different clothes, a soft cotton dress that was both comfortable and modest. She felt a mix of confusion and anger. Why was she being treated better now?
Just then, a maid entered the room, carrying a tray of food. She was a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a nervous smile.
"Good morning, Miss," she said softly, placing the tray on the bedside table. "Please, you need to eat something."
Maya glared at her, still feeling defiant. "I don't want your food."
The maid's face fell, but she remained calm. "Miss, please. You need to regain your strength. We don't want you to get any weaker."
Maya turned away, stubbornly silent. The maid tried again, gently coaxing her. "I know you're angry and scared, but starving yourself won't help. Please, just take a few bites. For your own sake."
After several minutes of persuasion, Maya's resolve began to waver. The maid's genuine concern slowly chipped away at her defenses. Reluctantly, she took the tray and started to eat. The food was simple but nourishing: a bowl of soup, some bread, and fresh fruit.
As she ate, Maya's mind raced with questions. She finished a few bites and then looked up at the maid. "What is this place? Why am I here?"
The maid hesitated, looking around nervously before speaking. "This is a safe house. We're here to take care of you and make sure you're okay."
Maya narrowed her eyes. "And Alex? What is his role in all of this?"
The maid took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "Mr. Alex is... complicated. He's doing what he thinks is best to protect you. It might not seem like it, but he does care about your well-being."
Maya felt a surge of frustration. "Protect me? By keeping me prisoner? How does that make any sense?"
The maid looked pained, unable to provide a satisfactory answer. "I'm sorry, Miss. I don't know all the details. I just know that he's very serious about keeping you safe."
Maya sighed, feeling a mix of emotions—anger, confusion, and a flicker of hope. She needed more answers, but for now, she was too tired to press further. She finished her meal in silence, her mind churning with thoughts.
After she was done, the maid took the tray and offered a small smile. "If you need anything, just let us know. We're here to help."
As the maid left the room, Maya lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. She didn't know what to believe anymore, but one thing was clear: she needed to find a way out and get to the bottom of why Alex was doing this. But for now, she would bide her time, gathering her strength and waiting for the right moment to act.