Chapter 1/
It was the day before summer vacation in our third year of university when Sophie Evans, my roommate, burst into the room with a huge grin on her face.%
Bursting with excitement, she announced a trip to Europe for all of us.
“My boyfriend’s covering everything. Our flights, food, and lodging are all free. You guys just wait and enjoy yourselves!“}]
I couldn’t believe it.
It sounded way too good to be true, like one of those human trafficking schemes. Panic set in, so I quickly suggested we check out my family’s new hot spring hotel instead.”
After all, Sophie wasn’t just my roommate–she’d been my best friend since high school. The thought of her walking into something dangerous was unbearable to me.
Later that day, she was scrolling through her phone and saw pictures of her foreign boyfriend showing off his wealth.
Without missing a beat, she snapped at me. “You’re just jealous that I found a rich boyfriend, especially now that I’m going to marry into an aristocratic family. Don’t be a buzzkill, Megan! Gosh, you’re trying to ruin it for me!“>
I quickly apologized, but Sophie completely brushed it off. She then went online and spread a rumor that our hot springs caused people to develop skin diseases.”
And that was when everything started falling apart.
The hotel we’d worked so hard to open was shut down within a week.
The stress it caused was too much for my parents. They both fell ill, were hospitalized, and passed away shortly after.}
Icouldn’t handle it.
I broke.
And in a daze, I wandered into traffic and was hit by a truck.}]
Then, I woke up.
That’s when I realized I was back to the moment when Sophie first announced her trip to Europe.
—
“My boyfriend’s taking us to Europe, and all expenses are covered. Our flights, food, and lodging are all free. You guys just wait and enjoy yourselves!“}]
Sophie grinned like the Cheshire cat, fiddling with her new iPhone as she proudly shared the news the day before summer break.}
As soon as Rachel and Whitney heard about the free European trip, they jumped up, practically bouncing with excitement.>
Rachel raised an eyebrow. “Wait, Sophie, you’ve never even met him in person, and he’s willing to spend all that money on you?“}]
“What do you know?” Sophie shot back, snapping a selfie in the mirror, way too pleased with herself. “We’re in love! He’s a European aristocrat who loves American girls. He’s already sent me money to buy stuff worth tens of thousands. Plus, he has a manor in Slovakia and a private beach. Maybe you’ll meet some handsome European guys while you’re there.“}
“Oh wow, he sounds amazing, Sophs! I’m so jealous!” Whitney said, practically squealing.
That’s when Rachel and Whitney, both single and desperate for romance, immediately started packing, their heads full of fantasies about meeting their foreign suitors.
Suddenly, Sophie turned to me, flashing that innocent, expectant smile. “Megan, why aren’t you packing yet?“}
I stared at her, my irritation bubbling up so much I could barely control myself.”
I honestly wanted to strangle her.”
But I took a deep breath and kept my cool. “I get motion sickness, so I will have to pass on this trip with you, Sophie.“>
Sophie’s face dropped in disappointment. “What? Come on, don’t be such a loser! You’ve never even left the state! How could you pass up an opportunity like this?“}
I turned on my heel and walked out, explaining, “My family’s business is short–staffed. I’ll be helping them during the summer break.“}]
As I reached the door, I heard Sophie grumbling behind me.”
“Seriously? I invite you to join me on a free trip, and you act like this? What an ungrateful bitch.“}
Immediately, Rachel and Whitney rushed to comfort her.
Eager to stay in Sophie’s good graces, Rachel chimed in, “She’s just a small–town girl who can’t appreciate the finer things. We’ll have more fun without her.”
Whitney, with an even bolder tone, added, “She’d rather go home and work at a factory. Let’s not stop her.“>
I didn’t reply. Instead, I pinched myself to calm my nerves and regain composure.
Besides, I had been here before. I was reborn.
In my past life, just like the summer before, Sophie had shared her plans to travel to Europe with her online boyfriend the day before. She claimed Slovakia was the ‘heart of Europe, the perfect summer destination.
I’d always been into horror movies, so I knew that human trafficking was a major problem in that area, especially for American girls. It was often a theme in the bloody, disturbing films I watched. I warned Sophie that online relationships like hers could be risky and might even be a cover for human trafficking.
sound like it’s a problem?”
10:08 AM
Coincidentally, my family’s hot spring hotel had just opened, so I invited everyone to spend the summer with me instead. My parents had invested their entire life savings into the hotel, taking out loans for upscale renovations and even channeling spring water from the mountains to create a wellness spa.
