The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the sprawling grounds of the Al_Murrar mansion. Anna stood at the entrance, her heart racing as she took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. The grand facade loomed before her, a blend of opulence and secrecy that had always intrigued her. Today, it felt more like a fortress than a home.
She glanced at her watch—time was ticking away. Daniel had promised to disable the security cameras during the servants' lunch break, but she needed to act quickly. The plan was risky, but the potential payoff was worth it. Anya's bedroom held secrets that could unravel the web of deception surrounding the Al_Murrar family.
With a final glance around to ensure no one was watching, Anna slipped through the massive front doors. The interior was just as lavish as she remembered: marble floors gleamed under the crystal chandeliers, and the air was thick with the scent of polished wood and expensive perfume. She moved quietly, her footsteps echoing softly in the vast entryway.
Anna made her way towards the back of the house, where the servants' quarters were located. She could hear their laughter and chatter from a distance—a welcome distraction that would buy her precious minutes. As she approached the hallway leading to Anya's room, she pulled out her phone, fingers trembling slightly as she texted Daniel.
*"Ready?"*
A few moments later, her phone buzzed with a reply.
*"All set. Go!"*
With her heart pounding in her chest, Anna pressed on, slipping past the ornate doors that separated the main living areas from the more private quarters. She reached Anya's door, its dark wood polished to a high sheen. Taking a deep breath, she turned the handle and pushed it open, wincing at the soft creak of the hinges.
The room was dimly lit, curtains drawn tight against the afternoon sun. It was an oasis of luxury—silk sheets draped over an enormous bed, framed photographs lining the walls, each one a glimpse into Anya's seemingly perfect life. But Anna wasn't here for decor; she was here for answers.
She stepped inside, closing the door behind her with a quiet click. The air felt heavy with anticipation as she scanned the room. A large wardrobe stood against one wall, and a desk cluttered with books and papers occupied another corner. Anna's instincts kicked in—she moved toward the desk first, rifling through the papers.
Nothing seemed out of place at first glance—just bills and correspondence. But then something caught her eye—a small notebook tucked beneath a stack of letters. She pulled it out and flipped it open, her breath hitching as she read Anya's neat handwriting.
Notes on meetings, names of people Anna didn't recognize, and then… a list of dates circled in red. Her mind raced as she pieced together what it could mean.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching from outside the door. Panic surged through her veins. She quickly shoved the notebook into her bag and glanced around for a place to hide. The wardrobe! Without a second thought, she dashed across the room and slipped inside just as the door swung open.
Anna held her breath, heart pounding in her ears as she peered through a crack in the wardrobe door. It was Al Murrar eldest Daughter Mary, she entered, talking animatedly on her phone, completely unaware of Anna's presence.
"...I don't care what you say! I need those documents by tomorrow," she snapped into the receiver, pacing back and forth in frustration. "If they find out what we're doing… No! I won't let that happen."
Anna's mind raced as she listened to Mary's conversation. What were they hiding? Who was she talking to?
As Mary continued her call, Anna felt a surge of determination wash over her. She needed to get out of here—with evidence in hand and answers that could change everything. But first, she had to wait for Mary to leave.
As seconds turned into minutes, Anna silently cursed her luck. She could only hope Daniel was keeping his end of the bargain and that they wouldn't be caught before she could uncover more secrets hidden within these walls.
After ten minutes, Mary, the eldest sister, ended the call and laid down on the bed. A couple of minutes later, her youngest sister, Aya, walked into the room.
Aya "Hey, what are you doing here?"
Mary turns her head slightly, a small smile breaking through her gloom.
Mary" Just... thinking. What about you?"
Aya skips over and plops down beside her sister, snuggling into the plush comforter.
Aya "I love taking naps in Mom's room. It feels safe here. I know you come here too when you can't sleep."
They both lay side by side, the warmth of each other's presence providing momentary comfort. The silence stretches as they each drift into their thoughts, memories of their mother swirling around them like ghosts.
Aya "Do you remember the day before... before she disappeared?"
Mary's expression shifts, her brow furrowing as she recalls the memory.
Maru "Yeah. We were all together at that party. Celebrating the new product launch. "
Aya nods enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia.
Aya" And then that strange guy attacked the maid!"
Mary sits up slightly, her voice dropping to a whisper as if afraid of being overheard.
Mary "Dad got so worried after that. He took us home right away."
Aya's face falls, the joy of the memory fading.
Aya" But Mom wasn't scared at all. She told the maid to make our favorite meals and danced with us that night."
Mary smiles softly at the thought, her heart aching for what they lost.
Mary "It was so much fun… laughing and dancing until we were too tired to stand."
Aya's eyes glisten with unshed tears as she looks at Mary.
Aya "And then we woke up the next day... and she was gone."
Mary's expression hardens, a mix of anger and sadness bubbling to the surface.
Mary"They said she left with a stranger... and then... "
The weight of their mother's absence hangs heavily in the air. Aya bites her lip, trying to hold back tears.
Aya" Why did she have to go?"
Mary reaches out, squeezing Aya's hand tightly.
Mary "I don't know, Aya. I wish I could tell you."
They lie back down together, staring up at the ceiling, lost in their thoughts. The sunlight continues to stream in, illuminating the room filled with echoes of laughter and love—a bittersweet reminder of what once was.
The room is now quiet, the only sounds being the soft rustle of the curtains and the gentle breathing of Mary and Aya, who have both drifted off to sleep. In the darkened corner of the room, Anna, a young maid, crouches silently in the closet. Her heart races as she realizes the gravity of her situation.
Anna
(whispering to herself)
What was I thinking?
She glances at the girls, their faces peaceful in slumber, and feels a pang of guilt for her impulsive decision to sneak up here. The longer she remains hidden, the more she feels the weight of her choice pressing down on her.
Anna thought to herself "I should've known better... "
She pulls out her phone, her fingers trembling as she types a message to DANIEL.
*I need your help. I'm in big trouble. Can't sneak out. They'll notice I'm missing.*
A moment passes before his response comes through.
*I can't help you this time. You need to figure this out on your own.*
Anna stares at the screen, frustration bubbling up inside her. She knew this was a risk, but she didn't expect it to go this far. Taking a deep breath, she steels herself for what she must do next.
After almost an hour of waiting in silence, Anna finally decides it's time to make her move. She peeks out from the closet, ensuring both girls are sound asleep before she quietly steps out, her heart pounding in her chest.
Crouching low, Anna begins to crawl towards the door, hoping to slip away unnoticed. Just as she reaches for the doorknob, she hears footsteps approaching. Panic sets in as she freezes in place.
Suddenly, Fatima, one of the older maids, appears around the corner. Her eyes narrow as she spots Anna.
Fatima " (raising an eyebrow)
What are you doing on this floor? New maids aren't supposed to be here."
Anna's mind races; she needs to think fast.
Anna " (stammering)
I... I didn't know that. I got lost while cleaning... "
Fatima studies her for a moment, suspicion etched on her face.
Fatima "You should be more careful. Come on, I'll show you back to your area."
Anna's heart sinks, but she manages to maintain her composure.
"No! I mean... that's okay! I can find my way back. Really! "
Fatima narrows her eyes but seems to relent after a moment.
"Fine. Just don't let me catch you up here again."
With that, Fatima walks away, and Anna exhales deeply, relief flooding through her. She quickly makes her way down the hallway and out of sight.
The rest of the day goes surprisingly smoothly for Anna. She keeps her head down and focuses on her tasks, trying to shake off the anxiety that lingers from earlier.
As her shift comes to an end, she feels a sense of accomplishment mixed with trepidation about what she discovered during her reckless adventure.
Anna steps out into the cool evening air and pulls out her phone once more. She types a quick message to Daniel.
*I'll be home soon. We need to talk about what I found out.*
With determination in her stride, Anna heads home, ready to face whatever consequences await her and eager to share what she learned with Daniel.
Anna sits on her bed, her heart still racing from the day's events. She clutches her phone tightly, the screen illuminating her anxious face. She dials Daniel's number, and after a few rings, he picks up.
(voice steady)
Hey, Anna. You okay?
Anne (breathing heavily)
I'm fine... I think. I just... I need to tell you everything I heard.
Daniel " Okay, go ahead."
Anna takes a deep breath and recounts everything she overheard from MARY and AYA earlier in the day, her voice trembling slightly as she speaks.
"They were talking about Anya... how she vanished suddenly. They said she had disappeared with some stranger and just left. they also mentioned something about the party... how there was an incident that night."
Daniel listens intently, his brow furrowing with concern.
"What kind of incident?"
Anne "I don't know all the details, but it sounded serious. They were talking about it in a sad tone, it was obvious how they were really heartbroken about the memories . I found some notes in the room too... "
She rummages through her bag and pulls out the crumpled notes, holding them up to the camera on her phone.
Anne "These! They're filled with names and dates... things that don't make sense."
Daniel" Good job, Anna. This could be important evidence. I'll take this to the agency and investigate further."
Anna feels a rush of relief wash over her.
"Thank you, Daniel. I just wanted to help... "
As she prepares to hang up, a thought strikes her, and she hesitates.
Anna" Wait. Before we end this... do you think the rumors about Anya are true? Was it really an affair? Or do you think it's connected to what happened at the party?"
There's a pause on the line, and Anna can almost hear Daniel thinking.
Daniel " I'm not sure yet. It's probably connected to the incident at the party. Similar things have happened with the Al Murrar family before—disappearances, secrets."
Anna bites her lip, anxiety creeping back in.
Anna "You think it could happen again? "
Daniel " We need to find out more before jumping to conclusions. Just stay alert and keep me updated if you hear anything else."
Anna " I will. Thanks for always having my back, Daniel.
Daniel "You did goo
d today, Anna. Talk soon."
Anna hangs up, her mind racing with questions and possibilities. She stares at the notes in her hand, feeling both empowered and fearful of what she's uncovered.