My last maid, Anna, is applying make-up on me before my birthday party. I look extremely elegant and fresh, yet as I gaze at myself in the mirror, I cannot smile. I do not even understand why I agreed to host the party. My fingers unconsciously caress the pearls around my neck while my mind wanders off to a place unknown. The sound of a car horn downstairs startles me, causing me to lose control and yank the pearl necklace backwards. The necklace breaks, and the pearls scatter all over the floor. I am so shocked that I am unable to do anything but watch the pearls bounce on the ground. Is this a premonition of my unfortunate life? My eyes fixate on the smallest pearl, which is the most resilient of them all. Unlike the others, it keeps bouncing as if it has an insatiable desire to exist. But life is not a dream, eventually it has to bow down to fate. A lifeless tear drops on my cheek. I am numb and unable to feel the pain or regret. But now, I am not allowed to cry. I quickly wipe away the tear with my hand. I cannot ruin this makeup. At this moment, beauty seems so distant to me.

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

I stand by the window, looking down to find the car that startled me earlier. Anna finds another necklace for me to wear, but I am no longer interested in judging whether it is suitable. A black car that looks extremely luxurious and modern is parked in my yard. Three men step out of the car, and I can clearly tell who they are. The Morten family. Somehow, the three men from a family at the top of high society have come to my house at such a sensitive moment. Even if I am blind or completely unconscious, I can guess what might happen.

I slowly descend the staircase, with a wandering gaze. I am ready to face whatever will happen, whoever it may be. Step by step, I approach the men in their pitch-black tuxedos, with a pocket watch ticking away and half-smoked cigarettes in haste. What awaits me ahead, for they have not simply come here to celebrate my birthday?