On my wedding night, the maid, who had worked for me for a long time, suddenly knocked softly on my door and whispered, “If you want to be safe, change your clothes and leave immediately through the back door, before it’s too late.” The next morning, I fell to my knees, tearfully thanking the woman who had saved me.
A wedding night is supposed to be the happiest day of a woman’s life. Sitting at my vanity, my lipstick still fresh, I listened to the music and laughter fading away outside. My husband’s entire family had gone to their rooms.
The bridal chamber was sumptuous, a golden light reflecting off red silk ribbons. Yet I felt a weight in my heart, as if a strange premonition were pressing upon me.
Suddenly, there was a soft knock at the door. I froze. Who could be coming at this hour? I took a step forward, opened the door a crack, and saw the worried look on the face of the maid, who had worked there for a long time. Her voice trembled as she whispered:
“If you want to live, change your clothes and leave through the back door right now. Hurry, before it’s too late.”
I froze, my heart pounding. Before I could say a word, his eyes widened and he gestured for me to be quiet. His expression was completely serious.
A shiver ran through me as I clutched my wedding dress tightly. At that precise moment, I heard my future husband’s footsteps approaching.
In a split second, I had to decide: stay or flee.
I changed quickly, stuffed the dress under the bed, and slipped out the back door. The narrow alleyway pierced me with its cold air. The maid opened an old wooden door and told me to run. Her faint voice followed me:
“Keep going straight. Don’t turn around. Someone is waiting for you.”
