Soft beams of morning sunlight slipped through the narrow gap in the window, nudging Bella from a restless sleep. She instinctively shielded her eyes from the brightness, groaning softly as she blinked away the last vestiges of dreams. Her hand searched beneath the pillow and found her phone, its screen glowing with two minutes left before her alarm would chime again. The temptation to steal just a little more rest tugged at her, but experience whispered that those fleeting moments would only deepen her fatigue.

Resolving to rise, Bella swung her legs over the side of the mattress and stretched her arms wide, savoring the slow release of tension. The chill of the wooden floor beneath her feet coaxed her fully awake as she shuffled toward the bathroom. A tired yawn escaped her lips while she squeezed toothpaste onto her toothbrush and began the familiar rhythm of brushing away the night's weariness.

After a brisk shower that washed away the remnants of sleep, Bella wrapped herself in a threadbare towel and stepped out, damp hair clinging to her skin. She reached into the small, creaky cupboard that held the little clothing she owned, scanning the limited options: a couple of worn pants, a few faded t-shirts, and a single floral dress gifted by her steadfast friend, Ria. That dress, delicate and hopeful, seemed the perfect choice for a fresh start.

Slipping into the soft garment, Bella paired it with a simple blue bra and matching panties, then stood before the mirror. Her dark brown hair, naturally curled and glossy even without styling, tumbled freely down her back. A touch of lip gloss and a faint sweep of eyeshadow from an old, well-used palette sufficed; she preferred the honesty of her natural glow over heavy makeup.

Just as she was about to leave for the kitchen, her phone buzzed with a message from Ria. "I’m on my way," it read. Bella's heart quickened slightly. She hurriedly prepared her usual breakfast: two slices of bread generously spread with jam, the familiar sweetness a small comfort amidst uncertainty.

Gazing out the window, she admired the clear sky dotted with carefree birds soaring without a hint of worry. A wistful thought crossed her mind — to rise above her troubles as effortlessly as they did. Ria had done everything she could, persuading her cousin to grant Bella a job as a maid despite the unusual circumstances. The promise of a decent wage to chip away at her father’s lingering debts had lifted an enormous weight from Bella’s shoulders.

A sudden, harsh ringing shattered the fragile calm. The doorbell’s urgency startled Bella, and she hurried across the room to open it, breath catching in her throat when she saw the man outside. His eyes burned with fury, reminiscent of her father’s angry, drunken stares, yet this man’s disheveled clothes and unkempt appearance told a harsher tale — someone who had been living rough, hardened by hardship.

“Who are you?” she asked, voice wavering but clenched in a determined effort to sound steady.

“Where is he?” the man growled, his deep voice heavy with menace, leaving no doubt of the seriousness behind his demand.

Her heart sank. “He’s gone. He’s no longer here.” Her voice trembled, barely a whisper. She understood then why this stranger had tracked her down — the money owed, the relentless debts trailing her family’s name. The thought of being watched, hunted, chilled her to the bone.

“I want my money now!” he barked, his chest heaving as he took a threatening step forward. Panic surged through Bella’s veins. Alone in this cramped space, vulnerable, she had no allies to call upon. Trust was a luxury she could not afford.

“I’ll pay you back soon,” she pleaded, voice breaking. “But not today. Please—”

Before she could finish, his hands crashed against the door she gripped, forcing his way inside. She stumbled backward, landing on the floor, but scrambled up just in time. A desperate prayer escaped her lips: Where is Ria?

The man’s eyes roamed greedily over her meager furnishings—an old mattress, a battered cupboard, a small couch—searching for anything of value to seize. He didn’t realize her poverty was absolute; there was nothing here to claim.

“I told you, I’ll give you the money,” Bella shouted, mustering all the strength she had left. “Now leave!”

He sneered, advancing toward her. “That’s what you’ve been saying for three years!” His hand shot out, seizing her jaw with brutal force, fingers pressing painfully against her skin.

“Pay me, or I’ll kill you,” he threatened, voice icy and merciless. Bella clawed at his arm, nails digging deep in a frantic defense. Each heartbeat brought sharper agony as his grip tightened, threatening to shatter bone.

Suddenly, a commanding voice cut through the tension: “Let her go.”

Bella gasped, the man’s grip loosening as he turned to face the newcomer. Ria stood in the doorway, her presence fierce and unwavering, a shield against the storm.

“You still want your money?” the man snarled, stepping toward her.

“Don’t even think about touching her,” Bella cried, fear and relief mingling in her voice.

Ria’s gaze hardened. “My men are outside. One wrong move, and you won’t see daylight again. This isn’t a threat—it’s a promise.”

The man halted, weighing the warning. “I just want my money,” he growled again.

“She said you’ll have it in a month,” Ria said firmly. “She’s not like her father. Now leave before things get ugly.” Her stance radiated confidence, eyes blazing with unshakable resolve.

Without another glance, the debt collector stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Relief washed over Bella in a sudden rush. She turned to Ria and wrapped her arms around her friend’s sturdy frame, tears spilling freely onto her shoulder.

“Shh… no more crying,” Ria soothed, fingers threading gently through Bella’s hair. “You’re safe now. And from today, things will get better.” She wiped away the lingering tears as Bella hiccupped softly.

“Be the strong woman you are,” Ria urged, tilting Bella’s chin up with a gentle finger. “Remember, today is your first day at your new job.”

A tentative smile blossomed on Bella’s lips, a fragile hope taking root in her chest.

“Ready?” Ria asked, stepping toward the door.

“Yes,” Bella replied, determination threading through her voice. “This is a new beginning.”

As they walked together toward Ria’s waiting car, the conversation turned practical.

“Did you let your other employers know you’re leaving?” Ria inquired.

Bella nodded, eyes cast downward. “I told them. The bakery owner was understanding, but the cafeteria manager was harsh and didn’t even pay me for last month. He said no one can quit without long notice.”

“Don’t worry,” Ria said with a smirk, nudging Bella playfully. “You’ll be earning more than enough now. Even the mansion’s bodyguards make more than that cafeteria manager.”

Bella’s gratitude swelled. “I can’t thank you enough, Ria. You’ve saved me.”

“No need to thank me,” Ria teased. “Just promise me a party once you’re debt-free. Maybe even a night out at the club.”

Bella laughed softly, shaking her head. Nightclubs weren’t her scene, but she appreciated the offer.

Settling into the car, Bella gazed out the window, the city unfolding before her like a vast, untamed world. For the first time in years, a flicker of hope stirred within her. This was her chance — the last time she’d gamble on happiness.

As the car pulled away, the weight of the past slowly lifted, replaced by the uncertain promise of what lay ahead.