CHAPTER1
After successfully placing all my possessions in the suitcase, I settled on the bed to cherish the final moments in my room.
The orphanage, my residence, was my soul sanctuary, as my parents tragically passed away in a car accident when I was just a child of five. Ever since that fateful day, the orphanage has become my abode.
I always dreamed of being adopted instead of becoming a maid. My eighteenth birthday just passed, and now I have to say goodbye to the orphanage and start working for a wealthy family as a maid.
When you reach eighteen and remain unadopted, the orphanage enforces a policy where you are sent to work as a maid for a wealthy family.
Essentially, we are being sold off by the orphanage for profit, as they receive payment before assigning us to our new families. Unfortunately, there is little we can do to change this situation.
When there was a gentle tap on my door, I responded by telling the person to enter. It turned out to be Isabella, who was lingering by the entrance as though seeking approval to come inside.
I reassured her that it was fine to enter and motioned for her to join me on the bed, bypassing the space beside me.
Isabella expressed to Eve that she, too, does not wish to work as a maid while wearing a somber expression.
"I'm aware of your situation, Isabella, but we don't have any other options," I commented while reassuringly touching her shoulder.
Isabella, whom I affectionately refer to as Bella, holds a special place in my life as my closest companion. Since the tender age of seven, we have shared a unique bond at the orphanage.
Despite arriving two years after me, we quickly formed a strong connection and became inseparable, partaking in various activities together and attending school side by side.
Isabella possesses a gentle and caring nature that surpasses anyone else I've encountered. She is characterized by her delicate appearance, with short black hair and deep green eyes. In contrast, I have curly brown hair, hazel eyes, and an hourglass figure, but I am nearly as tall as Bella.
Bella, with tears streaming down her face, suggested that someone should speak to Mrs. Thompson to see if she could help
Mrs. Thompson oversees the orphanage and is known for her gentle and compassionate nature. Since the moment I arrived at the orphanage, she has been looking after me.
Bella interrupted Eve before she could complete my sentence.
She softly implored Eve, gently stroking my arm.
I agreed with a nod of my head.
I paused outside Mrs. Thompson's door and lightly tapped before hearing some noise coming from inside.
"Come in," she invited.
"I greeted Mrs. Thompson with a touch of anxiety in my voice."
"Hi Eve, take a seat," she indicated, asking me to sit on a chair across from her. "
She asked Eve what was wrong while looking worried.
"Mrs. Thompson, is there any way you can help us with this?'' She interrupted me.
"Eve, I have a deep affection for you, similar to that of my child, but unfortunately, I am unable to override the regulations of the orphanage. This is a matter we have previously discussed, and you are aware of it," she stated with conviction.
I reassured Mrs. Thompson, conveying my understanding and empathizing with her, even though I felt disheartened at that moment.
"I am sorry, Eve; I truly am," she stated.
I nodded my head.
"Get prepared quickly because they'll be arriving soon," Mrs. Thompson instructed.
After leaving Mrs. Thompson's presence, my mind was filled with various thoughts. I will feel her absence, and I will also miss the orphanage, the only place I have ever called home.
I noticed a gentle pull on my leg, glancing down to find Didi staring up at me. Didi, a young child of no more than five years old, arrived at this place just one year prior.
She expressed, with a shattered voice, "I will miss you, Eve."
"Don't be upset, my dear. I'll miss you too." I comforted her with a hug.
Didi pleaded with Eve not to leave.
"I must leave, Didi; there's no way around it. However, I vow to return and visit you one day," I assured, gently wiping away her tears.
"Can we seal the deal with a pinky promise?" She asked, reaching out her index finger towards me.
"I smiled as I linked my pinky with my baby girl, making a promise."
"Now you can leave; it's time for the launch; make sure to take care of yourself." I embraced her.
She bid me farewell and waved as I reciprocated the gesture.
I will miss Didi. I have been caring for her since the beginning; she is my baby girl.
"Oh, look, who's being deceitful with their promises?" I immediately recognized Charlotte's voice without having to turn around.
Since we were children, Charlotte has harbored envy towards me, always desiring what I possess. She is tall, blonde, and attractive, with a curvaceous figure. She displays a relentless sense of selfishness and greed.
I rolled my eyes while asking Charlotte if she needed to start packing.
Charlotte asked, in a sarcastic manner, if it would be possible for someone else to complete the task for her.
"Regrettably, I have more pressing matters that require my attention," I responded as I walked away from her.
I decided to take a stroll in the garden, which happened to be the area I loved the most at the orphanage.
Within the garden, there is a wide variety of flowers, including roses, tulips, and various other blooms. The garden is divided into sections: the left side is dedicated to growing vegetables and fruits, while the right side is reserved for colorful flowers.
Additionally, there are recreational facilities like swings, a football field, and a swimming pool located at a distance behind the garden.
I picked a rose and rested on the ground, reminiscing about the moments we shared in this location.
The garden, in particular, will be greatly missed. Kayla approached me and took a seat beside me, offering a somber smile.
"Hey," she greeted.
I greeted Kayla by saying, "Hey."
Kayla asked, "What brings you to this place?"
"Taking in some fresh air, are you?" I asked, breathing in deeply.
She replied with a smile, saying, "Likewise."
Kayla inquired about the destination to which they were being transported.
I replied with a negative response while directing my gaze towards her.
Kayla mentioned that many wealthy families tend to have an arrogant and uncaring attitude, believing themselves to be superior.
"I understand, Kayla, but don't worry, everything will be fine," I reassured her while gently massaging her arms. "
She mentioned that she had heard that everyone was working in various locations.
"Yes, I also caught wind of that," I exclaimed while glancing at my watch in astonishment.
"It's getting late, Kayla. We need to leave soon," I said before heading back into the orphanage.
"Hey," Kayla said, prompting me to turn around with a puzzled expression.
"Take care of yourself," she said.
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In the office of Mrs. Thompson, we waited for our ride to arrive. There were five of us: myself, Bella, Charlotte, Kayla, and Emma. I glanced at Bella and offered a comforting smile, assuring her that everything would turn out fine.
The door burst open, revealing a woman in a short dress, accompanied by two men in suits and sunglasses who appeared to be her protection. The woman, who seems to be in her thirties, exudes confidence and wears a smile as she enters the room.
"Ms. Grace, welcome! You arrived punctually, and the girls were prepared and eager to meet you. Please take a seat," Mrs. Thompson greeted her with a smile.
Ms. Grace gave a slight nod before taking a seat across from us, as Mrs. Thompson remained standing next to her.
"Hey ladies, I'm guessing you're aware of the purpose of this meeting," Ms. Grace stated, making eye contact with each of us. We all confirmed our understanding with nods.
"Your names and information have been provided by Mrs. Thompson, and we have already arranged the locations where you will be working," she stated while glancing at her phone.
"Kayla and Emma, you are now in the employment of the Ashtons," she informed them.
The dread was evident in their expressions. The Ashtons are known for their lack of mercy and cutthroat nature, holding the third spot in terms of wealth in the city.
"Evelyn, Isabella, and Charlotte are going to be employed by Mr. Smith Belloni."
I felt an overwhelming sense of dread, causing my breathing to become difficult. I desperately hoped that the situation was not real, shaking my head in denial as tears flowed down my cheeks. I prayed for divine intervention, begging for the outcome to be different.