Esther had just finished her nugh shift at the Stokes Diner.
Her body was soaked and exhausted from the long and bustling work she was assigned to do.
Her fingers trembled as she held the phone, her heart racing with every ring. The dim light of the streetlamp cast long shadows on the ground, making her feel even more isolated from the darkness. The chill of the night air seeped into her bones, and she shivered despite her thick coat.
She hesitated for a moment before answering, her voice barely above a whisper.
The cool air from the phone's speaker caressed her ear as she said, "Hello?"
The man's voice on the other end was warm and gentle, a stark contrast to the cold, harsh tone she was used to hearing from the Park family. "Hello, Esther. Where are you?"
Esther's eyes darted around, taking in the deserted streets and the faint scent of blooming flowers in the air. The sweet fragrance of jasmine wafted through the breeze, transporting her to a momentary sense of calm. She swallowed hard, her throat dry with anxiety.
The metallic taste of fear lingered on her tongue as she replied, "I-I'm at work, Uncle." The dryness of her mouth made her tongue feel like sandpaper.
The man's tone changed abruptly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "When you're done, the dishes at the Strokes Villa need to be washed and cleaned. We are receiving a guest tonight, and you dare not make a mistake. Do you understand?"
Esther nodded instinctively, her mind racing with the tasks ahead. She could almost smell the soap and water, feel the cold tiles beneath her feet as she scrubbed the dishes. The sound of running water and the clang of pots and pans echoed in her mind, making her stomach twist with unease.
The thought of the greasy dishes and the harsh cleaning products made her skin crawl. "Y-yes, Uncle."
The man's voice continued, his words a blur as Esther's mind wandered to the Young Master's arrival.
She felt a pang in her chest, a mix of fear and anticipation.
What would tomorrow bring? The uncertainty hung in the air like a palpable fog, making her skin prickle with unease.
It was 8pm Mauve Galaxy Plaza...
As she walked into the Mauve Galaxy Plaza, the bright lights and bustling atmosphere overwhelmed her. The sound of chatter and music filled the air, and the scent of perfume and makeup wafted through the stalls.
The sweet fragrance of perfume mingled with the earthy scent of fabric, creating a heady aroma that made her head spin. The soft hum of the escalators and the rustle of fabrics created a cacophony of sounds that was both overwhelming and exhilarating.
Esther's eyes widened as she took in the extravagant clothing and accessories on display. The stall person greeted her with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with interest.
"Welcome, Miss. Welcome to our stall. How may I help you?"
Esther's gaze lingered on the intricate designs and patterns on the clothing, her fingers itching to touch the soft fabrics. The smooth texture of the fabrics was a balm to her frazzled nerves.
"I would like a simple yet elegant dress for an evening party," she said, her voice a little stronger now. The woman nodded, leading Esther to a large booth filled with an array of elegant dresses.
Each one was more exquisite than the last, with delicate lace, sparkling sequins, and intricate embroidery. The rustle of fabrics and the soft clinking of hangers filled the air as Esther browsed through the selection.
The feel of the luxurious fabrics against her skin was like a gentle caress, soothing her frazzled nerves.
As she paid and left the stall, the cool night air hit her face, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass. The driver was waiting for her, his expression grim as he opened the door to the Mercedes-Benz.
Esther slid into the seat, the leather creaking softly beneath her. The driver's cigarette smoke wafted into the car, making her wrinkle her nose in distaste.
The bitter taste of smoke lingered on her tongue, making her want to rinse her mouth with water. The air was thick with the smell of leather and smoke, making her feel claustrophobic.
As they drove to the Stokes Villa, the silence between them was oppressive. Esther stared out the window, the city lights blurring together as they sped past. The villa loomed ahead, its grandeur and beauty a stark contrast to the darkness that lurked within its walls.
The sound of gravel crunching beneath the tires signaled their arrival. Esther's heart sank as she stepped out of the car, the memories of her past flooding back. The sound of laughter and music drifted from inside, but she knew it was all a facade.
The Stokes Villa was a place of pain and suffering, and she was about to walk back into it. The senior house maid, Nancy Li, greeted her with a scathing look, her expression twisted in malice. "