I never expected my life to turn into a nightmare in just one night.
It all started with an offer that seemed like a blessing. A grand promise from a teacher I thought wanted to help me.
I can still vividly remember that room—the principal's office at Harrow Elite International High School (HEIHS). It was spacious, its walls lined with shelves filled with thick, dark-colored books. The scent of bitter coffee mixed with the aroma of old paper lingered in the air, adding to the serious and intimidating atmosphere.
Behind a large, expensive-looking wooden desk sat Mr. Wirya, the well-known strict and authoritative principal. His hand rested on his chin, his sharp gaze piercing through thick black-framed glasses.
Beside him stood Ms. Marni, the teacher I had always admired for her kindness and warmth. There was something about her demeanor that made students feel safe, as if she were a fairy godmother in this school.
"Laura," Ms. Marni's voice broke the silence. It was soft, as always. Her face was filled with empathy, almost enough to make my tears spill.
"We know you're going through a tough time. Your mother is seriously ill, and the scholarship fund alone isn't enough to cover her surgery costs."
I remained silent, my head lowered, my gaze fixed on my worn-out shoes. I bit my lip, trying hard to hold back the emotions threatening to escape.
"Mr. Wirya received reports that you've been looking for a job," Ms. Marni continued, her tone filled with concern, like a mother speaking to her own child. But there was something behind that tone—something I couldn't quite decipher at the time.
I lifted my head, looking at Ms. Marni with hope flickering in my eyes. But I didn't dare glance at Mr. Wirya. The aura of authority around him was too overwhelming, too suffocating, so I chose to avoid his sharp gaze.
"I know how difficult it is for a student like you to find a part-time job. But we're here to help," Ms. Marni continued, offering a small, reassuring smile.
Her words ignited a spark of hope within me. Slowly, I nodded, though I said nothing.
"There's a… special job," Ms. Marni paused, as if ensuring I was paying close attention to every word. Even her tone dropped to a near whisper.
"It's not a difficult job, Laura. But it's enough to cover all your expenses."
"Really, Ma'am?" I finally spoke, relief swelling in my chest.
"I'll do anything, Ma'am!" I said with unwavering determination, without a shred of doubt. At that moment, only one thought consumed my mind—my mother could finally get the surgery she needed.
Ms. Marni smiled, but something about it felt… off. I didn't notice it then, perhaps because my heart was too full of gratitude. Meanwhile, Mr. Wirya only nodded slightly, his expression still cold behind his glasses.
"Go home now, Laura. I'll pick you up tonight at seven. Make sure you dress nicely, okay?" Ms. Marni said, her voice still gentle and full of care.
I nodded eagerly, a broad smile spreading across my face. I was so overwhelmed with gratitude that I almost cried. I didn't even stop to question why a principal and a kind teacher like Ms. Marni would go out of their way to help me.
On my way home, my heart brimmed with dreams. I imagined my frail mother in the hospital smiling again, regaining her health. I had to work tonight—I might be late visiting her, but that didn't matter.
My debts to the hospital had piled up too much. Just this morning, I had wondered if they would still keep treating my mother, since the government aid and my scholarship couldn't fully cover her care—let alone the surgery.
But now, like a dream come true, I could finally breathe easy, knowing my troubles would soon be over.
But…
A dream! I should have known. Every person on this earth knows that dreams are just illusions.
That dream shattered into pieces, leaving me too afraid to hope ever again.
In a single night, all my hopes turned into something I never imagined. Something dark—something that would haunt me for the rest of my life.
.
.
That night, I sat in the passenger seat, right beside Ms. Marni, who drove calmly. The night air was cool, and I watched the city lights shimmer through the slightly fogged-up car window.
"Laura, you can do this," Ms. Marni suddenly said, breaking the silence. Her voice was still gentle, unchanged, with a small, reassuring smile on her face. "This job isn't difficult, as long as you're confident."
I offered a weak smile. "Yes, Ma'am. I just don't want to disappoint anyone. But… what exactly will I be doing?"
Ms. Marni chuckled softly, like a mother comforting her child. "You'll find out soon enough. You're a smart girl, Laura. There's nothing to be afraid of."
Despite her encouraging words, my nerves didn't settle. My hands clutched the hem of my simple dress, trying to calm my uneasiness. I barely listened to Ms. Marni's chatter during the rest of the ride—my mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of the job ahead. What if I wasn't good enough? What if they refused to pay me?
But my nervousness gradually morphed into something more sinister when I noticed the direction the car was heading. We were moving farther away from familiar areas, toward the city's outskirts—toward towering, glittering buildings.
The car stopped in front of a grand five-star hotel. I swallowed hard, discomfort creeping into my chest. The hotel looked so luxurious—too luxurious for a girl like me, who was used to humble places.
"Ma'am?" My voice trembled. "Why are we here?"
Ms. Marni turned off the engine and looked at me. Her face remained warm, but there was something in her eyes I couldn't decipher. "Just follow me, Laura. Don't be afraid. This is for you and your mother's sake."
I hesitated but nodded, too scared to refuse. Besides, I trusted Ms. Marni. She had always been kind and caring. So, I followed her, even though uneasiness gnawed at me. I wanted to cling to her arm, afraid of what might happen if I strayed too far.
Inside the lobby, I felt even more out of place. My simple dress seemed too plain compared to the elegant outfits of the few guests walking around. Meanwhile, Ms. Marni, in her deep red blazer over a cream-colored blouse, exuded confidence. She walked straight toward the elevator, and I followed without a second thought.
Once inside, she pressed the button for the 12th floor. The number lit up, and the doors slid shut with a soft chime. The only sounds left were the hum of the moving elevator and the rapid thumping of my heart.
When the doors opened, I stepped out hesitantly. The hallway stretched long, covered in thick, dark red carpet.
"Where are we going, Ma'am?" My voice was barely above a whisper.
"Trust me, Laura," she said. That soft smile was still on her face—but now, for some reason, it felt different.
We stopped in front of a door. Ms. Marni knocked lightly, and it opened almost immediately. A strong wave of perfume hit me, mingled with the faint scent of alcohol.
Inside, a man stood waiting, his lips curling into a small smile. His gaze sent a shiver down my spine. At that moment, I knew—something was terribly wrong.
"It's okay, Laura," Ms. Marni whispered, her voice soothing. "Remember, this is all for your mother."
I wanted to step back, to say I had changed my mind. But Ms. Marni's hand pressed firmly on my shoulder.
Fool! I was such a fool to not realize sooner that this woman was a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Thud!
She shoved me inside. I fell to my knees—right at the feet of an older man with a disgusting smile.
"Ah, there she is," he murmured, lifting my chin.
I slapped his hand away and scrambled toward the door. But I was too late.
Ms. Marni had already closed it from the outside.
"Ma'am! Wait!" I screamed, but a pair of strong arms grabbed me from behind.
I struggled, but no matter how hard I fought, he overpowered me.
Until he lost patience.
Slap!
A sharp sting exploded across my cheek. My head spun.
I wanted to scream, but my voice caught in my throat.
I was trapped.
I couldn't run.
I couldn't even feel my own trembling body anymore.
As my vision blurred, I barely heard the man's final words:
"You don't have to wait, Ms. Marni. Just leave her here. She's tough enough to entertain me all night."
***
(To be continued...)