Chapter 6

"Hello, Cla," said Nadine as she answered the incoming call from Clara. She had just woken up, startled by the persistent ringing of her phone.

"Hello, Nadine. Where are you? Aren’t you coming to work?" Clara’s voice sounded rushed on the other end.

Nadine stayed silent for a moment. Her whole body ached; the sting from the slap on her cheek still burned and throbbed.

I just hope my ear isn’t deaf from that slap, she thought, touching her sore, ringing ear. Her head pounded. She reached for the small mirror on her bedside table.

"There’s no way I can go to the shop looking like this," she muttered softly, staring at her bruised reflection.

"Nadine? You fell back asleep, didn’t you?" Clara’s sharp voice made her flinch; the loud tone pierced right through her tender ear.

"Sorry, Cla. I just woke up. Cla… can I take the day off? Just for today," Nadine said quietly.

"What’s wrong?" Clara asked, sensing something unusual in her friend’s tone.

"I’m just tired, Cla. I didn’t realize cleaning toilets could be that hard," Nadine whispered. Her voice trembled as tears slipped down her cheeks. She covered her mouth to muffle her sobs.

The memories of the night before came flooding back—something she had never imagined would happen to her. The pain wasn’t only in her body, but also in her heart and soul.

Still, she was determined to stay strong. She needed to keep working—for her father’s medical treatment.

Cold sweat gathered on her temples as the face of that cruel, merciless man flashed in her mind again.

"Yeah, you’re not used to working all night yet. Alright, take the day off and rest," Clara said gently, understanding her situation.

"Thank you, Cla," Nadine replied, her voice trembling.

"Sure. I’ll tell the boss. Just rest for now, okay?"

"Thanks, Cla," Nadine said again.

"Alright, I’ll get back to work. Bye," Clara said before ending the call.

Nadine set her phone down on the bed and broke into uncontrollable sobs. Tears streamed down her face, carrying all the grief, guilt, and fear in her chest.

Father… Mother… I miss you. If only you were here… I just want to hug you. Mother, Father, please forgive me. I’ve failed to protect myself, she cried softly. She didn’t know what else to do.

Her body sank back onto the bed as her head pounded in pain. She wept until exhaustion silenced her tears.

For now, she could take the morning off—but not the night shift. The pay was good, and she had only worked one day. Still, with a face like this, how could she possibly show up?

"How do I get rid of bruises like this?" she murmured, touching her swollen cheek. She grabbed her phone and searched online: how to remove bruises and swelling quickly.

After scrolling through a few articles, she set her phone aside and went to the bathroom.

"Ah… it hurts," she hissed as she walked. Each step sent a sharp sting through her lower body, and her head spun with dizziness. She splashed her face with cold water and filled a small basin to make a cold compress.

Moving slowly, Nadine returned to her room. Every motion ached.

She soaked a few clean cloths in cold water, wrung them out, and pressed them gently against her cheeks, forehead, neck, and wrists.

"I hope the bruises fade soon," she murmured, closing her eyes. "It hurts so much. My head too… If I go to a doctor, it’ll be expensive. I don’t have the money. Payday’s still a week away. Maybe I’ll just buy painkillers at the small store later—they’re only two thousand."

She pressed the wet cloth to her skin again and winced. "Ouch… that stings," she whispered as she dabbed the corner of her split lip.

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Justine glanced at the watch on his wrist. He sat up and pressed a button on the remote to unlock the door.

"Forgive me for disturbing your rest, Sir," said Iswandi as he entered the room. He stopped a short distance from the bed, where Justine was still seated. Though reluctant, he had to wake his boss—there was an important meeting at nine.

"Have you prepared my clothes?" Justine asked, his tone flat.

"Yes, Sir," Iswandi replied, showing the paper bag in his hand.

"Wait outside. I’ll get ready shortly," Justine said calmly, leaning back against the headboard.

"Yes, Sir."

"Iswandi," Justine called again before the man could leave.

"Yes, Sir?" Iswandi turned quickly.

"What about the traitor?" Justine asked coldly.

"I’ve already instructed our men to handle it, as you ordered," Iswandi replied carefully.

"Remember, I don’t want any trouble with the authorities. Make sure it’s cleaned up properly."

"And his family, Sir?" Iswandi asked cautiously.

"My business is only with him. Let his family live," Justine said flatly.

"Understood, Sir." Iswandi turned to go, but Justine called out once more.

"Iswandi."

"Yes, Sir?"

"Tell Teddy to wait for me in my office. I want to speak with him."

"Yes, Sir. Anything else?"

"That’s all. You may go."

"Yes, Sir." Iswandi left the room, closing the door tightly behind him.

Justine rose from the bed. His eyes fell on the faint stains of blood on the sheets.

That girl was so young… still a virgin. Was she sent here to lower my guard? Or is this another trap from my enemies?

He grabbed a towel, wrapped it around his waist, and headed for the bathroom. The memory of last night surged back, tightening his jaw. He rubbed his face roughly, angered by the fact that his body still desired her.

"I can’t let myself get caught in my enemies’ games," he muttered under his breath. "After what I did, she’ll think twice before becoming anyone’s spy again."

The corner of Justine’s lips curved into a cold, crooked smile.

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"Excuse me, Sir. You called for me?" Teddy’s voice quivered as he stood at the doorway of Justine’s office.

"Sit," Justine ordered curtly.

With a pale face and sweat trickling down his temples, Teddy obeyed. Every time the boss summoned him without notice, it was never good news.

"I want the employee data for the toilet cleaning staff," Justine said sharply.

"Yes, Sir. I’ll get it right away," Teddy stammered, hurrying out. He knew his employer despised even a second’s delay.

Moments later, Teddy returned, slightly out of breath, holding a brown envelope. "Here it is, Sir," he said, handing it over.

"Her name’s Nadine. She just started yesterday," Teddy explained.

"A woman?" Justine’s eyes narrowed.

"Yes, Sir. A woman."

"You hired a female toilet cleaner?" Justine’s tone turned sharp, making Teddy lower his gaze.

"There wasn’t any rule about gender, Sir. You said so yourself. That’s why I hired her. Besides, male workers usually quit after just a few days. I asked Clara to find someone new—I thought she meant a man, but it turned out to be a woman," Teddy said nervously.

Justine was silent for a moment. "I find that woman suspicious," he finally said, his tone icy.

Teddy didn’t dare to respond.

"What else do you know about her?"

"She works at a clothing shop, same as Clara. They’ve known each other for over a year," Teddy explained softly.

Justine stared blankly for a moment, then said, "Don’t touch her. Let her keep working—if she still shows up. But if she disappears, leave it be. Report every move she makes to me."

"Yes, Sir," Teddy replied, bowing his head deeply.

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