Untitled Episode
1613 Words
We can’t keep living like this, Maya said, her voice trembling. I can’t stand watching our family being constantly ridiculed and humiliated. And what if the Alessandro family comes here? Who knows what they will do? If Dad were still with us, maybe things would not have turned out this way.
Sophia placed a comforting hand on her sister’s shoulder. Maya, please don’t be so hard on yourself. And don’t leave us. If this is about what Mom did earlier, you know she was just angry. She did not mean it.
Maya shook her head, wiping away a stray tear. It's not just about that, Sophia. I want the best for us. I can't keep watching us struggle day after day. What about your medication? We have so many debts to pay, and I can’t let you drop out of school because of it.
Sophia’s eyes filled with tears as she reached out and hugged Maya tightly. You have always been so strong, Maya. We need each other, please don’t leave us. We will figure this out together.
Maya hugged her, and for a moment, they sat there in silence, their tears mingling as they clung to each other.
In the early hours of the morning, just before sunrise. Maya stirred from her restless sleep. Her decision was made. Slowly, she slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Sophia, who was still sleeping soundly beside her.
Reaching under the bed, Maya pulled out a small bag,she had packed a few things the previous night. She stared at it, her hands trembling as emotions welled up inside her. Looking at Sophia, she whispered softly, “I love you,” and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Holding back tears, she tiptoed to the next room. Her mother was asleep behind a thin, tattered curtain. Maya pulled it aside carefully, her eyes lingering on her mom’s face. For once, his mom looked peaceful.
“Goodbye, Mom,” please forgive me, but I am doing this for us, she said in a low voice.
She moved to the living room, where Uncle Thomas lay asleep on the old sofa, his snores breaking the silence. Maya paused for a moment, guilt creeping in. I am sorry, Uncle Thomas, she whispered before stepping away.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Maya opened the door as quietly as she could, wincing at the soft creak.
She turned to look back at the house one last time. It wasn’t much, but it had been home. “Goodbye,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Adjusting the strap of her bag, Maya began to walk. She stayed off the main streets, sticking to quiet paths and alleys to avoid being seen. Her heart pounded with every step, but she kept moving, her determination driving her forward.
For what felt like hours, Maya walked, her legs aching, her mind filled with a mix of fear and hope. Finally, as the sun began to rise, she stopped to rest under a tree.
She looked ahead at the long road stretching out before her. Take a deep breath. She spotted a buswith goods leaving the city. She waved him down and joined him.
The sun streamed through the large windows of the Alessandro mansion’s dining room, casting a golden glow over the polished table. The family was seated.
Riccardo walked in, greeting his parents with a respectful kiss on the cheek, then took his seat at the table, completely ignoring Mateo, his brother, who sat across from him.
His father, Julio Alessandro, looked up, his hands resting carefully on the armrests of the wheelchair. He nodded at his son, his voice gravelly but authoritative. How are you doing this morning, son?
“Very well, Dad,” Riccardo replied, taking his seat and tucking his napkin into his lap.
Good. We have some important things to discuss this morning, he began, his tone serious. The rest of the family remained quiet, sensing the conversation would be important.
“Go ahead, Dad,” Riccardo said.
Julian adjusted his position slightly, his sharp eyes never leaving Riccardo. I have been reviewing the figures from the last quarter. The business is still growing, but there are areas where we’re slipping.
Our luxury goods division, particularly the new line of watches and custom jewelry, is not performing as expected. We need to push those numbers higher. You’re overseeing that project, aren’t you?
Riccardo nodded. Yes, I’ve been directly involved in the new line. I believe we’re on the right track with the design. The luxury market is changing, and competition has been fierce.
We may need to reevaluate our marketing strategy or even tweak the designs slightly to appeal to the customers.
Julian leaned back slightly, considering his son’s words. I see. We need to focus more on the international market. The European and Middle Eastern regions have been performing well for us, but Asia is where the future is. You and Smith, your aunt's husband, should collaborate with the team in Shanghai. There are growing markets for luxury products there.
Riccardo picked up his fork, cutting into his food. I agree. I have been considering a partnership with some of the top luxury retailers in Hong Kong. But we need more market research. It’s not a small investment, and we’ll need to ensure the risk is calculated before jumping in.
His father, Julio,'s eyes gleamed with approval. Exactly. I trust you Riccardo. Your mother and I will be counting on you to handle this. I’m getting older, and I can’t be involved in every decision. I need you to take the lead on this. But if you need assistance, mateo is here to help.
Riccardo looked at his father, his determination growing. I won’t let you down. I will set up the meeting. We’ll make sure it’s the right move.
The table fell into silence as the family continued their breakfast. Riccardo’s mind was already racing ahead with the tasks at hand.
Maya had been drifting in and out of sleep during the long bus ride. She could feel her body aching from the constant movement, but exhaustion had taken over, and she could barely keep her eyes open.
"Excuse me, we're here," the driver’s voice broke through her slumber. As he tapped her shoulders.
Maya stirred, rubbing her eyes as she blinked against the light streaming through the window. She looked around, seeing unfamiliar buildings and roads. The city was nothing like home.
"Thanks," she muttered, still groggy, as she gathered her things.
The driver glanced at her, noticing her disoriented state. I hope you can find your way from here, he said, offering her a polite smile.
Maya nodded, though she wasn't sure what she would do next. She had nowhere to go. No plan. Just the uncertainty of trying to figure things out in a new city. As she reached for her purse to pay the fare, the driver spoke again.
No need for that, dear, he said kindly. You’ve had a long journey, and I can tell you are exhausted. Why not use the money for something to eat?
Maya's heart warmed at the kindness in his voice. She thanked him quietly. She stepped off the bus and onto the unfamiliar street.
As she walked down the street, aimlessly searching for a place to go, she realized just how lost she truly was. The city felt so different. She wasn’t sure where to start, but she had to try.
She came across a house with a welcoming appearance and knocked gently on the door. A woman answered.
"Hello, my name is Maya. I have come from a very distant place, looking for a job. Do you need a maid?" she asked, her voice hopeful.
The woman looked over briefly before shaking her head. No, I already have one, she said, before shutting the door.
Maya stood there for a moment, disappointed. She walked to another house, knocked, and was met with the same rejection. She tried again, and again, but each door closed in her face.
By the time she reached the sixth house, her stomach grumbled loudly. She hadn’t eaten, and the hunger pangs were becoming unbearable.
Just then, she noticed a large restaurant ahead. She hesitated for a moment, then walked towards it. Unsure of what to do next.
Maybe I can just ask for something to eat, she thought, and save this little money I have.
Maya looked at how shabbily dressed she was, and decided to go to the back of the restaurant. She had hoped to find someone kind enough to give her a little food, but instead, she found herself walking into a mix-up that she didn’t know how to fix.
Looking around nervously, she noticed a woman pacing, wearing a stained apron, her expression filled with frustration. Maya hesitated for a moment, then decided to approach her.
"Hello, ma'am," she greeted softly.
The woman stopped pacing and immediately scowled at Maya. Finally, you're here! she exclaimed. What took you so long? And why are you dressed like this?
Maya blinked in confusion. Ma'am, I think you're mistaken.
The woman didn’t seem interested in listening. Really? Please, I haven’t got all day. You’re already late on your first day of work. You’re lucky the boss is not here, or she would have fired you right away. Come on, come inside.
Maya stood still, still trying to understand the situation. But, ma’am, I’m sure there’s a mix-up. I’m Maya.
Are you the girl who applied for the job or not? The woman interrupted, crossing her arms impatiently. Do you not want to work anymore?
- Writer
