With everything already set up for Maya's transformation, her red and gold hair was dyed to a rich, deep black that dramatically changed her appearance. The color suited her surprisingly well, making her blue eyes appear even more striking against the dark contrast.
Maya sighed as she stared at herself one last time in the mirror before she was led away by Beatrice. She could only smirk at Pedro in her heart—she couldn't wait to see how he would react when her hair, as usual, went back to its original form within days.
"It would be hilarious... hahaha"
"What's funny?" Beatrice looked back at her.
"Nothing, just thought of something back home," Maya lied.
"Oh," Beatrice nodded as she led Maya through the mansion's corridors to what would be her room.
When the door opened, Maya's breath caught in her throat. The room was easily three times the size of her entire apartment back home, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the mansion's manicured gardens. But what truly made her gasp was the walk-in closet.
Designer clothes hung in perfect rows—Versace, Chanel, Dior, brands she had only seen in magazines or glimpsed in store windows during rare trips to upscale shopping districts. Evening gowns, casual wear, business attire, shoes that probably cost more than her monthly salary—everything was there in what appeared to be her exact size.
Maya couldn't help herself. She reached out tentatively to touch a silk blouse, her fingers trembling slightly as they made contact with the luxurious fabric. Her eyes widened as she examined the price tags still attached to some items, the numbers making her dizzy.
"This can't be real," she whispered, moving from one garment to another like someone in a dream.
Beatrice smiled warmly as she watched Maya's genuine reaction. It was refreshing to see someone so overwhelmed by luxury, someone who clearly had never experienced such extravagance before. The authenticity of Maya's amazement was both touching and telling.
When Maya noticed the older woman watching her, she immediately stepped back from the clothes, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she tried to compose herself.
"It's fine, Maya," Beatrice said gently, her voice filled with understanding. "Everything here is yours, and you're free to request whatever else you might need. That's the boss's order."
Maya stood silent for a long moment, processing the overwhelming generosity while her mind raced with questions. Finally, she found her voice.
"Is this how all the employees are treated here?" she asked, gesturing toward the opulent room and its contents.
"No, you're the only one with such preferential treatment," Beatrice replied honestly.
Maya's brow furrowed deeply. "But why? Now I feel burdened, using all this without even knowing what my duties are in this huge house. Why is he giving me such treatment?"
Beatrice studied Maya's troubled expression for a moment before responding. "That, I don't know either. You'll find out later, I'm sure." She paused, then added with a knowing smile, "I think the boss cherishes you, and that's why he's treating you this way."
The word 'cherishes' sent an unexpected flutter through Maya's chest, though she quickly pushed the feeling aside. Pedro was dangerous, manipulative, and had threatened her family. Whatever his motivations, they couldn't be good.
"Please have your shower while I have the kitchen prepare your meal," Beatrice said, moving toward the door. "There are fresh towels in the bathroom, and you'll find toiletries from the finest brands. Take your time and make yourself comfortable."
As the door closed behind Beatrice, Maya stood alone in the lavish room, feeling more confused than ever about Pedro's true intentions and her place in this dangerous, gilded world.
She decided to throw her thoughts about Pedro away—in time, she would find out about everything. And in the next moment, "Hmmm," she was humming in bliss as she threw herself on the massive bed. She rolled from side to side repeatedly, feeling how comfortable the sheets and the mattress itself felt against her body.
"Oh, it feels like heaven," she moaned contentedly, only stopping when thoughts of Pedro returned again. Maya became quiet, her body suddenly feeling hot when a crazy idea crept into her brain. What if, just what if Pedro were to crawl into this bed right now, as he kissed her, their bodies against each other and they rolled from side to side until...
"Crazy! Crazy!! Crazy!!!" Maya screamed, shaking her head as she quickly jumped down from the bed and headed to the bathroom.
Just her imagination was making her feel so hot, and she needed a cold shower. She looked at her beautiful reflection once more in the mirror and smiled. Of course, she had always wanted to look this way, to blend in with people, but her cursed hair had always made her choose a different path.
With a sigh, she quickly undressed and rushed into the shower.
A few minutes later, Maya was done with her shower. She rummaged through the closet for something to wear. With so many options now, she didn't know what to choose. She selected an elegant cream-colored cashmere sweater paired with designer dark wash jeans and soft leather ankle boots—an outfit that screamed expensive casualness while maintaining comfort. She quickly dried her hair, tied it into a sleek ponytail, and just then, a knock was heard at the door. The perfumes were many; she chose one with a beautiful floral scent and applied it to herself.
"The food is set, Maya," a maid informed her.
"Thanks, I'll be there in a sec," Maya said, while the maid nodded and left.
"Okay, I'm set," she said to herself. She smelled herself and nodded approvingly as she left the room. Indeed, money was good. But it would be better if she had the money for her sister's medical bills, she pondered with a sigh.
When Maya entered the dining room, her eyes widened in amazement. The long mahogany table was laden with an array of dishes that looked like they belonged in a five-star restaurant. There were perfectly grilled steaks, roasted vegetables glistening with herbs, creamy pasta dishes, fresh salads, artisanal bread, and desserts that looked too beautiful to eat.
"Oh my God," Maya breathed, her stomach rumbling loudly in response to the feast before her.
Beatrice chuckled at her reaction. "Please, sit and enjoy your meal."
Maya practically bounced into her chair, her eyes darting from dish to dish like a child in a candy store. She began piling food onto her plate with unrestrained enthusiasm, her previous composure completely forgotten in the face of such culinary abundance.
"Beatrice, please join me," Maya said between bites, gesturing to the empty chair beside her. "There's way too much food for one person."
"Oh, that's very kind of you, dear, but it's my duty to watch over you. I've already eaten," Beatrice replied with a warm smile, though Maya suspected she was lying.
Maya felt a pang of guilt seeing Beatrice standing there like a servant, but the older woman's gentle but firm refusal left no room for argument. With a heavy heart, Maya continued eating, though she made sure to express her appreciation for every dish.
She attacked the meal with the enthusiasm of someone who hadn't seen good food in months. The steak practically melted in her mouth, and she moaned in delight with each bite. The pasta was creamy perfection, the vegetables seasoned to divine proportions, and don't even get started on the desserts—she sampled three different types, her eyes rolling back in pure bliss.
"This is incredible," she mumbled through a mouthful of chocolate mousse. "I think I've died and gone to heaven."
Beatrice watched with motherly affection as Maya devoured plate after plate, her heart warming at the sight of someone genuinely appreciating the finer things in life for perhaps the first time.
By the time Maya finally pushed back from the table, she was practically groaning. Her stomach was so full she could barely move, and she had to hold her midsection as she slowly made her way back to her room.
"I think... I may have overdone it," she panted, waddling more than walking as Beatrice followed with an amused smile.
Once in her room, Maya collapsed onto the bed and immediately reached for her phone. She needed to hear her family's voices, especially after such an overwhelming day.
"Maya, sweetheart!" her mother's voice came through warm and relieved. "How are you, dear?"
"I'm fine, Mom. How's Mara?" Maya asked, trying to ignore the uncomfortable fullness in her stomach.
"She's much better today. The pain seems more manageable, and she even asked for some soup earlier. The doctors say it's a good sign."
Maya smiled, silently thanking Alex again. "That's wonderful news. Mom, I need to tell you something. I have to travel for work tomorrow—just a short trip."
There was a pause on the other end. "Travel? Is everything alright, dear? You sound different."
"Everything is perfectly fine, Mom. Just a work obligation."
"Are you traveling with that nice boss of yours? Pedro?"
Maya fell silent for a moment, the question catching her off guard. "Yes," she finally replied quietly.
She could practically hear her mother's smile through the phone. "Well, that's good then. He seems like a responsible man. Just be a good girl and don't cause Pedro any hindrance at work, okay? Make sure you represent our family well."
If only you knew, Maya thought wryly. "I will, Mom. Please take care of yourself and Mara while I'm gone."
"Don't you worry about us, sweetheart. We'll be just fine. You focus on your work and be safe."
"I love you, Mom."
"I love you too, Maya. Have a safe trip."
After they said their goodbyes, Maya considered calling her father but thought better of it. The man was probably drowning himself in alcohol as usual, and she didn't have the energy to deal with that conversation tonight.
She sighed and placed her phone on the nightstand, then pulled the luxurious duvet over herself. Despite all her worries and the strange circumstances that had brought her here, the combination of the incredibly comfortable bed and her overly full stomach had her falling asleep almost immediately...