The Billionaire One Night Lie

It was Sunday evening. Thira stood in the kitchen, staring at the floor while holding her phone in her hand. She was nervous about her job interview the next day. Her friend, Carden, had helped her find it. Maybe, if she got the job, she could finally leave this place.

She heard footsteps behind her. Her stepmother, Celina, walked in wearing her high heels and strong perfume. Thira kept her eyes down, hoping Celina would just leave.

But Celina opened the fridge and frowned. "Did you make dinner yet?"

Thira swallowed hard. "I... I was about to start."

Celina let out a harsh laugh. "Useless girl! Who are you waiting to do it? Me? Or Vela?"

Thira felt the words cut deep inside her chest. She held back her tears as Celina stepped closer.

"If it weren't for me," Celina said coldly, "you'd be starving on the streets. Don't think I won't throw you out if you keep being useless."

Thira said nothing. She quickly untied her apron and left the kitchen. Her legs felt weak as she climbed the stairs to her room. She closed her door quietly behind her, pressing her back against it. Tears slipped down her cheeks.

She wiped them away.

Later that day, as the sun had set, Thira sat on her bed, picking out a simple pale blue dress for the interview. She wanted to look neat and serious. While folding it, her phone buzzed.

Her heart lifted. She grabbed it quickly, hoping it was her boyfriend checking on her. But when she saw the name on the screen, her smile faded. It was Vela, her stepsister.

Vela was Thira's stepsister; they weren't that close, but certainly not enemies. Despite her mom's hostility, she still confided in Thira for some time.

She answered quietly. "Hello?"

"Thira..." Vela's voice was shaking. "Do you remember that guy I told you I met online?"

Thira frowned. "Yeah... why?"

"I think he's a psycho," Vela said, her voice breaking. "He brought me to this Club Altere. He's acting weird. I think he might hurt me. Please... Room 020. Don't tell Mum. She'll kill me."

"I'm coming right now," Thira said, already pulling on her black hoodie over the dress.

The call ended before Vela replied. Thira grabbed her keys and opened her bedroom door carefully. The house was quiet. She saw her father reading in the living room.

"Papa," she said softly. "I'm meeting a friend for coffee. I'll be back soon."

He didn't even look up. "Mhm."

She rushed out into the night, her chest tight with fear. Please let Vela be okay, she prayed, starting her old car and driving as fast as she could.

Thira drove quickly through the quiet city streets. Her hands shook on the steering wheel. Soon, she parked in front of the club and ran to the entrance. Loud music thumped inside.

She showed a photo of Vela to the bouncer. "Room 020?" she asked, out of breath.

He pointed down