Novel-novel oleh Becky

I stood in front of the mirror, staring at the beautiful engagement ring on my finger, heart fluttering with a mix of excitement. I had finally said “yes” to the one man who saw my worth but now came the hardest part of my family. I walked into the house quietly that evening, hoping to go unnoticed. But the sparkle of the ring caught Ruthie’s eye. Ruthie gasped. “Is that a ring? Vivian turned sharply from the dining table. “What ring?Ruthie stormed toward me, grabbed my hand, and shouted, “You’re engaged? Vivian stood slowly. “To whom? Don’t tell me, Dylan? Silence fell. I nodded gently.Vivian’s face twisted with rage. “So, this is how you repay me? You slut! You stole everything from me,Before I could speak, my stepmother stepped in. “How dare you keep such a thing from us? Who do you think you are, embarrassing this family like that? My eyes welled up, but I held my ground. “I didn’t steal anything. He chose me. Dad, seated in his usual spot, looked up slowly. His eyes met my eyes

Vivian never mentions Dylan again. But her eyes watched me more closely, her insults became sharper, and every chance she got, she found a way to hurt me with her words, or sometimes, her hands. Ruthie followed her lead like a shadow. They didn’t need to know the truth to feel it , they could sense it,but I stayed quiet, I still went to work with a smile. Because Dylan was there.Even though we couldn’t talk much, even if I had to pretend I was just another cleaner he would glance my way. He would leave a sticky note inside the staff closet saying Smile for me today, or sometimes, an energy drink placed at my spot with a small heart drawn beneath the bottle. Our love was a secret, but it was growing.One day at work, my phone rang during break. It was Dylan. I want to see you tonight. Somewhere quiet he said, I agreed.Later that evening, we met at the small hill behind the hotel, where city lights shimmered below. I sat beside him on the hood of his car.“I missed you,” he said quietl

That night, I clutched the phone to my chest like it was made of gold. My heart races every time I saw his number saved as “Dylan, He didn’t say “I love you” yet. But I felt it. And I knew this was only the beginning of something beautiful. The moment Dylan’s flight took off, the air around the Silver Palm Hotel changed.Vivian, already bitter and resentful, saw his absence as her golden chance. What started as cold glances and harsh orders turned into slaps, yes, actual slaps. One for “cleaning too slowly,” another for “using the wrong mop,” and even one because a client smiled at me too warmly in the hallway. Each day became a nightmare. My body ached, not from the work, but from being treated like I was nothing. Vivian turned me into a living punching bag emotionally and physically. And because I was just “the cleaner,” no one dared stand up for me.One evening, after wiping tears silently while scrubbing the toilet floor, I tried calling Dylan. I just needed to hear his voice. Som

The third day, Dylan found himself sitting in front of his doctor. Are you feeling dizzy? Weak? the doctor asked.“No , but distracted . I can’t sleep properly. I keep thinking about someone, Dylan admitted. The doctor smiled knowingly. “You’re not sick, Mr. Hart. You’re in love.Dylan blinked. “Love”? Exactly. All the symptoms match, the doctor said. Dylan was surprised because he had never felt this way before. He never believed in that thing called love. Dylan stood up and left, wondering if the doctor even knew what he was saying.Back at home, Vivian was still celebrating. “It’s been so peaceful since she left. That girl was like a shadow that wouldn’t go away. Good thing she finally quit. But the next morning, everything changed. Dylan arrived at the hotel with his usual calm but firm stride. The cleaners had left streaks on the glass. One of the VIP clients complained about a stain in their room.Enough was enough, “Vivian,Dylan called, standing at the edge of her office door. S

Then one afternoon, Vivian spilled a tray of plates near the VIP dining hall and blamed me. I tried to defend myself, but she shouted louder. Guests turned. Staff watched in silence. I stood there, humiliated. Eyes welled up with tears.That's when I reached my breaking point.That night, I sat in the tiny room I shared with my stepsiblings, held the cleaning cloth in my lap, and stared at the wall.“I can’t do this anymore,” I whispered to myself. The job, the insults, the pain, and the feelings I couldn’t explain.I decided I’d write a resignation letter and leave quietly. Maybe find a new city. And a new beginning. Because love wasn’t supposed to hurt like this, and maybe walking away was the only way to heal.That morning sun rose gently, but it brought no warmth to my chest. My heart was heavy, dragging like a stone in my chest as I folded my simple uniform for the last time. I ran my fingers over the badge, Silver Palm Hotel*. A place that had become my pain and my peace. I dropped

Thoughts of my boss kept lingering in my mind. I noticed I felt happy whenever I remembered him. The next day, I was running late for work because of all the house chores I had to do. I was told I couldn’t leave the house until I stocked the fridge. On my way out, I was rushing to catch a cab when a car pulled up beside me. The driver rolled down the window and it was my boss. My heart skipped a beat,I was about to say, I am sorry sir” when he interrupted me. “Get in, I’ll give you a ride," he said. I refused politely, No thanks boss, but he insisted, “You’re already late, Riley. No choice.I got in quietly. While driving, he said, “You look beautiful today.” I glanced at my dress, wondering if he was mocking me. When we reached, I stepped out and thanked him. But I noticed all the staff staring at me, whispering. “Who does she think she is? I overheard someone say. “The boss has never given anyone a ride before.Vivian stood in front of the hotel and immediately she saw me, her face