At the billionaire's feet

New York was beautiful, and quite overwhelming. This city looked too good to be true. It could already make her feel that this city would make her the happiest she had ever been.. The feeling that it would also make her the saddest she would ever be lingered within her. Midtown Manhattan was finally right in front of her. It was very noisy with lots of movement, the loudest she had ever heard. Cars drove by, drivers honking their horns, voices layered over each other, and the buildings, so high, were absolutely breathtaking. Everything seemed lovely, but it was moving too fast and felt kind of crazy altogether. She stood by the sidewalk with her suitcase beside her, feeling both terrified and excited. The city was a deal for her. She can't believe she's finally here, the city she has always dreamt of, the city she believed would change her life for good. Now she was actually in it. The apartment was a five-storey building with no elevator, which meant she had to climb all the way to the third floor. Every step Julie took reminded her that life was not going to be easy for her. There she was by the door, breathing heavily due to the steps. The room was fair—one bed and a closet she will have to share with the kitchen and bathroom. To her, it was beautiful. Julie stood by the doorway with her suitcase, lost in thought, taking it all in as if she were having doubts about being there. “So”, her roommate said brightly, beaming at her, “It's not glamorous but it's cheap. And it's ours.” Her name was Joy—blond-haired, beautiful, confident, and loud compared to her. She is already dressed as if she has always belonged here. She had moved in a week ago and acted like a tour guide for me, showing me around. Julie nodded, It's fine. I really like it. The room was bigger than anything she had slept in, it served as a sleeping area, a living room, and a dining area. A mini table and a chair against the wall. Two mugs sat on the table, mismatched but clean. The kitchen appeared untouched—the countertop polished, the appliances still in their various packaging—spotless, sink, and floors glossy. Cabinets lined up perfectly. It felt like a*****e where kitchen utensils are sold rather than where a meal is cooked. The place smelled a bit soapy. You are really quiet, Joy said, studying her. She looked at her for a moment… Is this your first time in New York? “Yes” It's fine, give it a week this city will teach you how to speak up. It has a way of doing that, she said laughing out. Julie smiled at her, shorter this time. She dragged her suitcase into the room and kept it by the corner close to their shared closet. She sat down on the bed, exhausted. It felt like her bones were tired. It took her three days on different buses to arrive in New York City. She came into the city with nothing, no money, no direction, all she had was her suitcase of old clothes and her academic certificates. Her future felt undetermined. But tomorrow might be her breakthrough, she thought. She was thinking that tomorrow could be the day her life changes for the better, the thought was giving her a lot of hope. She was definitely looking forward to it, she smiled within herself. You said you have an interview tomorrow, right?, Joy said, joining her on the bed Yes. Rivers Group? Joy wild-eyed whispered, That River Group? I think so Julie, Joy said, grinning, That's like the rich territory, like the rich-rich territory. Do you know what I mean by rich territory?, she exaggerated further. Julie felt very uncomfortable with that statement, Rich, it sounded scary, her insecurity flooded in. Can she really do this? I was thinking to myself, was it a mistake risking everything to be here? I just want the job, she said snapping back from her thoughts. Joy nodded, sounding gentler, and you will get it. You look like someone who can't be messed with. Julie scoffed quietly and decided not to reply to her statement. Later that night, the city hummed through the walls of the room—the sirens, honks, distant voices, laughter, and footsteps. Hey, Joy called out to her cheerfully, “ I'm going to hang out with some friends at the bar. You should come along.” Julie turned and stared at her, amazed by how well she cleaned up, Her halter top and jean trousers perfectly highlighted her shape. Her blond hair was styled in a ponytail giving her a confident look while her makeup gave her enhanced her features flawlessly—fine yet striking, making her glow. I couldn't help but smile, “You look amazing but I'm completely jet lagged from the journey. I really need to rest tonight. Maybe another time?” Her kind eyes met mine, reading my exhaustion from the journey, she waved goodnight with a smile before heading off, leaving a faint trace of her perfume behind. Julie was lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling lost in thought. She had a lot on her mind. The ceiling was all she could see right now. Memories of her home flashed through her mind. It was lonely and quiet compared to New York City. She thought of how she learned to cope and endure. She never complained or made demands. She saw it as her life, she took it as her fate till that night she decided to leave. New York felt different, everything would be different, she had that instinct She closed her eyes. She whispered the only hope she had, the only thing that gave her the strength to keep fighting. Tomorrow will change everything Julie dozed off unaware of the life she had just stepped into, a life that would take advantage of her silence and kindness. A life that would step on her so cruelly that it would destroy her. Not all at once but gradually.