EPISODE 2: THE DARK AGREEMENT

Morning light crept in through the worn-out curtains. The small house remained quiet after a night filled with sobs and restlessness. But that peace was only temporary.

A knock sounded at the door—soft but firm. Standing at the threshold was Rayyan—the same man who had brought a storm into their lives just the night before. His face was calm, but there was something threatening in his eyes. Power. Control. And something even more terrifying: unwavering confidence.

“I came with an offer,” he said coldly.

Nina froze. Her breath caught in her throat. Beside her, Madam Selena clutched her daughter’s hand tightly, as if trying to transfer strength through her grip. But nothing could calm the storm inside them.

Rayyan stepped inside without being invited. He moved like he owned the place. Sitting down, he pulled out a document and slowly unfolded it.

“This is a contract,” he said, handing it to Nina. “Read it carefully. You have two choices—pay the debt or work for me.”

Nina took the paper with trembling hands. The black letters on the white page felt like they were writing her destiny.

“Work?” her voice wavered. “What kind of work?”

Rayyan gave a small smile—a smile that chilled Nina to the bone.

“You’ll find out soon.”

The amount printed in bold stopped her breath. RM198,540. It was an impossible amount for them, even if they were given a year.

Madam Selena covered her mouth. Tears flowed uncontrollably. “How are we supposed to pay this much?” her voice cracked.

Rayyan said nothing. He simply stared, waiting for an answer he knew wouldn’t come.

“Please,” Madam Selena begged, now on her knees. “Give us more time. We’ll try!”

Rayyan stood. “You have 24 hours. After that... I make no promises.”

“She’s my daughter, Rayyan! Don’t be heartless!” Madam Selena screamed, her voice shaking.

Still, his face remained emotionless. No pity. No hesitation. He stared at Nina as if expecting an answer she hadn’t given yet.

“If I agree to follow you,” Nina finally spoke, voice firm despite the fear in her eyes, “what kind of job is it really?”

Rayyan leaned in, his voice low and chilling. “It’s not a normal job. You follow my rules. That’s all.”

That tone—steady and dangerous—made Nina realize just how serious this was.

“You have 24 hours,” he repeated before walking toward the door. “If you don’t agree... I’ll come back with another way.”

Another way?

Nina didn’t dare imagine what he meant.

“Nina,” her mother whispered, “do this for the family. You have to sacrifice.”

“Mom... this isn’t a sacrifice. It’s surrender.”

“We have no other choice!” Madam Selena's voice rose, desperate. “If you don’t agree, we’re all doomed!”

Nina went quiet. Her heart burned.

“Just think of it as saving all of us,” her mother’s voice softened. “Be strong.”

Nina turned away. Her tears fell freely now. “I’m more than just a sacrifice,” she whispered.

That night, she sat by the window, staring out into the dark sky. Questions swirled in her mind.

“Why did Dad do this to us?”

“Why is Mom forcing me?”

She reached under her pillow and pulled out a small savings book. The balance: RM478.50. Embarrassingly small when their lives were at stake.

“It’s not enough... But it’s all I’ve got,” she whispered.

And yet, in that hopelessness, a spark ignited inside her. She would not go down without a fight.

The next morning, Nina walked into a luxurious restaurant that sparkled in every corner. All eyes turned to her, but she only looked at one man—Rayyan.

He sat there, as if the world belonged to him. On the table in front of him was a thick, blue file.

“Read and understand,” he said, sliding it toward her.

Nina opened the file. The job contract was detailed, but some parts were vague—almost as if they were hiding something.

“This isn’t a joke, Nina.”

“I know,” she muttered.

Her hand trembled as she signed. With the final stroke of the pen, she sealed her fate.

Rayyan smiled, satisfied. “Good.”

He opened the door of his black luxury car for her. Inside, it smelled of expensive cologne—intoxicating and intimidating.

“You belong to me now,” he said quietly.

The drive was silent. Rayyan seemed relaxed. But every word he spoke felt like a knife.

“You do as I say.”

“No questions.”