The Three Trials She Must Pass

After the call with Reva ended, Moza did not waste a single second. Once she handed Kayden over to her aunt’s care, she retreated to her room and opened her laptop. Her fingers flew across the keys even as her heart hammered against her ribs.

​She filled out the application form Reva had sent with carefully masked information. She omitted her ex-husband’s name and left out any mention of her previous address in the capital. She provided only her education history, her extensive experience in cooking and baking, and the name of the small town where she currently resided.

​After uploading her identification and a recent photo, Moza pressed the ‘submit’ button.

​She let out a long breath as if releasing a weight she had carried for years. This was more than just a job application. This was her golden ticket into the lion’s den, a place where the truth lay hidden beneath layers of luxury and power.

​With a newfound resolve, Moza opened the old wooden wardrobe in her room. Even though she didn't know if she would be accepted, she began to pack. She tucked her clothes into a small suitcase inherited from her mother. Along with her essentials, she packed several photos of Kayden and a thick diary filled with her private thoughts.

​The bedroom door creaked open. Kayden walked in followed by Aunt Mara, the middle-aged woman who was the sister of Moza’s late mother. Kayden held a plastic toy airplane, zooming it through the air as he moved.

​"Is Mama going away?" Kayden asked while staring at the open suitcase on the bed.

​Moza immediately knelt to bring herself level with Kayden’s eyes. A smile touched her lips even though her chest felt tight with suppressed emotion.

​"Sweetheart, Mama has to go out of town for a while."

​"Are you going to find Papa?" Kayden asked with wide, curious eyes.

​Moza nodded slowly. "Yes. But you have to promise me something. Study hard and listen to Grandma Mara and Uncle Henry. Eat well, sleep on time, and be a brave boy. Mama doesn't know exactly how long I’ll be gone."

​Kayden’s face instantly fell. He threw his arms around Moza and clung to her tightly as he hovered on the verge of tears. "I promise, Mama. I’ll be the best boy in the whole world so I can finally meet Papa."

​Tears blurred Moza’s vision instantly. She pulled him closer and kissed the top of his head. No matter what happened, she would return with the father Kayden had always longed for.

​The sky was still a dull gray when Moza woke up. She lit the stove to prepare Kayden’s favorite chicken porridge and helped her young son get ready for school.

​Just as she finished bathing Kayden, her phone rang. Moza’s brow furrowed when she saw an unfamiliar number on the screen. She hesitated for a moment before answering.

​A firm and cold female voice spoke from the other end.

​"Good morning. Am I speaking with Mozarella Hutama, the applicant for the Limantara family’s domestic position?"

​"Yes, this is Moza."

​"I am Thalia, the Head Housekeeper. After reviewing your application, we have decided to invite you for a selection process."

​Moza’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected them to reach out so quickly.

​"When will the selection take place, Ma'am?" Moza asked eagerly.

​"Today at three in the afternoon at the Limantara Mansion. I will send the location to your phone. Present your ID at the gate and the staff will escort you inside. Do not be late."

​"I understand. I will be there on time," Moza replied before the call ended.

​Moza’s journey to the capital began with an old bus that took her to a small airport. From there, she boarded a direct flight to Jadara. After a three-hour flight, the plane landed on schedule. Moza stepped off the aircraft with bated breath as she looked at her hometown for the first time in five years.

​To save time, she immediately hailed a taxi to take her to the Limantara Mansion. The car navigated through the city's heavy traffic until it finally turned into an elite residential area guarded by four security officers. After she explained her purpose, they allowed the taxi to pass.

​The taxi stopped in front of a massive three-story estate protected by towering iron gates. Moza quickly paid and stepped out of the car. She stood for a moment to take in the European Mediterranean architecture of the residence. This was the Limantara Mansion, the place where she would fight for justice by risking her very life.

​Seeing a young woman standing at the gate, two security guards in blue uniforms approached her.

​"Who are you and what is your business here?" one of the guards asked.

​"My name is Moza. I’m here for the servant selection process. I was contacted by Madam Thalia," Moza replied calmly despite her racing pulse.

​The guard asked for her ID. After a brief check, he signaled for the gate to open.

​"You may enter."

​Moza gripped the handle of her suitcase and stepped through the slowly opening gate. The air inside felt cooler and was perfumed by the many ornamental plants and colorful flowers lining the garden.

​Escorted by a staff member, Moza entered the main foyer. It was a vast hall with soaring ceilings, deep blue velvet sofas, and a black-and-white marble floor that resembled a giant chessboard.

​As she sat on the edge of the sofa, Moza’s eyes scanned the room. She wondered how people who had everything—a palace for a home, limitless wealth, and immense power—could still find it in them to ruin someone else's life.

​Unconsciously, she squeezed her fingers together. Memories of that night resurfaced. She remembered the wild touch, the heated struggle, and the fleeting pleasure that had led to years of suffering.

​The sound of sharp footsteps suddenly shattered her daydream. A middle-aged woman in a black uniform emerged from a side corridor. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun and her face was as cold as ice. Her eyes were as sharp as blades.

​Standing before Moza, the woman looked her up and down as if she were appraising a piece of merchandise. This was Thalia, the head housekeeper who had served the Limantara family for over a decade.

​"Why did you bring a suitcase?" she asked flatly.

​Moza swallowed hard. "I just arrived from Sarima, a small town on the north coast. I thought it best to bring my things with me just in case."

​The woman gave a soft, disdainful snort. "There is no guarantee you will be hired. If you fail any of the three stages of selection, you must leave this mansion immediately."

​"I understand, Ma'am," Moza replied with a respectful nod.

​Without further pleasantries, Thalia told Moza to stand. She used her hands to measure Moza's bust and waist. She also grabbed Moza’s hands to inspect her nails and feel the texture of her palms.

​"Now you will undergo the first stage of selection. Follow me to the back kitchen. You are to prepare a spiced fish fin soup and a pomegranate pudding for Mr. Markus. I want to see exactly what you are capable of," Thalia commanded coldly.