The Horrors of Dubai: How Young Women Ended Up in the Deadly Trap of Arab Sheikhs

The Horrors of Dubai: How Young Women Ended Up in the Deadly Trap of Arab Sheikhs

PART1

Nineteen-year-old Ukrainian model Alina intentionally infected herself with HIV in order to to take revenge on the person whom she considered guilty of the death of his older sister. This plan, which had been in the making for over a year, was not an act of desperation, but in cold blood calculated operation, where it is my own life became the last and the most compelling argument.

This story did not receive wide publicity. in the world media. Its details were conveyed in whispers in narrow circles, circulating rumors, but never became the subject of official investigations. It all started 2 years ago with a call, which divided Alina’s life into before and after.

 The voice on the other end of the line, belonged to a model representative agencies, dryly and without emotion, reported, that her sister, twenty-two years old Katerina, found dead in a hotel room in Dubai. The official cause of death was given as overdose of prohibited substances. For a family from a small Ukrainian the city in which Katerina was the main one This news became a source of hope and support a crushing blow.

 Katerina was not there looks like a girl who is prone to self-destruction. She was ambitious, disciplined and well aware, that her appearance and reputation are hers the only capital. She sent take home almost all the money earned, I paid for my mother’s treatment and dreamed one day take my little sister to my place. The overdose version seemed to Alina absurd and false.

 She started own amateurish at first investigation. She spent hours on forums where girls working in communicated anonymously escort and modeling business. In the Middle East In the East she collected it bit by bit information, compared facts and rumors. Soon, things started to surface in the correspondence the same name.

 Prince Khalid Al Saud, an influential member of the Saudi royal family families, a man about 58 years old, known for its specific tastes and a huge fortune. His name was associated with several incidents related to disappearance or sudden death young women from Eastern Europe. But each time the matter was hushed up thanks to his connections and money.

 Alina I found out that in the last week of my Katerina was on his yacht throughout his life. Officially, this was not the case anywhere. recorded. As Alina sank into the dark world of elite escorts, she I came across information about a closed event. known as pearl circle. It wasn’t just an escort service, but underground auction where the richest people in the world bought the right first night with girls, whose virginity was confirmed medical certificates.

Auctions were held several times a year. on giant supercars cruising in neutral waters near Monaco. Prince Khalit was one of the constant and most generous clients of this circle. In this the moment the plan for Revenge began to take shape monstrous form. Alina realized that she doesn’t have the resources to fight it prince by legal means.

 Any the accusations would be laughed at and buried under tons of money from his lawyers. The only way to get to him is it is to become what he desires most in total. She decided to become a lottery on this auction. But her goal was not money. Her the target was his body, his blood, his future. Alina devoted the next year to methodical preparation.

 The first and most terrible The next step was intentional infection. Through she found the same anonymous channels the person who helped her do it. It wasn’t an impulsive decision. She I learned everything about the human immunodeficiency virus person. She knew about the stages, about therapy, about life expectancy. She accepted the fact that her own life will be short and fraught with treatment.

After infection, she waited a few months until the virus becomes determined by tests, and then received official medical report in private European clinic. This The document became her main weapon. At the same time, she was working on her own appearance, maintained physical uniform, attended etiquette courses and foreign languages.

 She had to look like a perfect lot, innocent, educated, elegant. Using the remaining contacts of the sister and a significant portion of family savings, she was able to contact one of the agents, who supplied girls for the pearl circle. She went through several stages selection: interview, psychological tests, medical examinations by doctors, whom the organizers trusted.

Her legend was impeccable. young model from a poor family, who retained her innocence for a great future and ready to sell her to save her family from poverty. After all, her photographs and biographies were included in the closed catalog for participants of the next auction. The operation has entered its active phase.

 Alina waited, knowing that Prince Khalid will definitely turn his attention to her attention. She looked like her sister, but had a colder, a detached beauty that, like her I expected it to intrigue a sated collector. Alina’s calculation turned out to be correct. As soon as Prince Halit saw her photos in catalog, he became obsessed.

 The girl was strikingly similar to Katerina, but in her there was a coldness in his gaze that he did not remembered from her sister. This mixture of the familiar and the new, innocence and a subtle audacity kindled in him collector’s passion. He immediately contacted his representatives and made it clear that this the lot must become his, no matter what It was worth it.

The auction itself took place in an atmosphere sterile luxury. On board the 150-meter super-heavy Oracle drifting in international In the waters, no more than 30 men gathered. All of them have passed the most rigorous testing and were admitted to this closed club. No names, just numbers. Security was provided by the former intelligence officers, and any Electronics were banned.

 Girls They weren’t brought out onto the podium like cattle. Their presented through high-quality video portraits where they spoke a memorized story about myself. Then a short question and answer session followed answers with the organizers, who read out questions from potential buyers.

PART2

 The auction took place in full silence through secure tablets. When Alina’s image appeared on the screen, the starting price was set at 1 million dollars. Within a few minutes the price rose to 3 million. In the auction three people participated: a representative Asian tech magnate, an elderly European aristocrat and himself Halit.

 When the bid reached 4 million, two competitors retreated. The prince, not wanting to leave no doubt about your superiority, made the final bet in 5 million dollars. The deal was made. IN within an hour the amount was transferred through a complex chain of offshore accounts. Alina delivered to the prince’s cabin. He was expecting to see awe and submission, perhaps, tears.

 Instead, he was faced with with a calm, almost indifferent look. She behaved with restraint and politeness, but without the slightest hint of servility. This coldness was intriguing and at the same time irritated him. He’s used to it. to control not only bodies, but also emotions their acquisitions. That same night they flew out on his private plane to the Maldives, on one of islands located in its entirety property.

It was his personal paradise, protected from prying eyes. The flight took place in silence. Alina most of the time looked out the window without showing any no fear, no interest in your companion. Upon arrival on the island they were met by silent staff. Everything was prepared for the weekend, which, as the prince assumed he would become the next a nice addition to his collection memories.

He took Alina to the main villa, located on the ocean shore. The setting was luxurious, but the girl didn’t showed no delight. She was leading herself as if it was all for her everyday life. After a night spent together, the prince Halit woke up alone. It’s not his surprised. The girls woke up often earlier and were waiting for him in the living room, but something The silence of the house made him wary.

 He stood up and on the pillow next to his I saw a neatly folded sheet of paper. This there was a note written in calligraphic handwriting in English language. My sister says hi from that time Sveta. Welcome to my world. You I have about 10 years left to live, if I’m lucky. At first he took it as a bad thing joke, but there was another note lying next to it a document folded in four.

 It was official certificate from Switzerland clinics with seals and signatures. He unfolded it. The diagnosis column was abbreviation HIV Positive. The prince has everything inside it got cold. He reread it several times diagnosis, but the letters did not change. He rushed to the phone and with a trembling voice ordered his personal physician, who was always on the island, immediately Come to the villa with a rapid HIV test.

While he waited, his world, built on power, money and impunity, began collapse. He remembered the cold look Alina, her strange calm. This is not it was victim behavior, it was executioner behavior. The doctor arrived in a few minutes. The test was done in complete silence. 15 minutes of waiting seemed like an eternity to the prince.

 When on appeared on a small plastic strip two lines, the doctor turned pale and could not not say a word. For Khalid Al-Saud, a man who considered himself invulnerable, it was a death sentence. The panic that gripped the prince was animalistic, irrational. In one moment he is from an all-powerful ruler turned into a carrier of a deadly diseases.

His first reaction was to order the search Alina. He called his boss security, a former British officer special airborne service, and ordered the island to be blocked. However, it was it’s already late. Quick inspection of the area showed that Alina left the island a few hours ago. On one of the secluded berths used staff, there was a small absence speedboat.

 CCTV cameras at the pier were disabled professionally and without any signs of hacking. It became obvious that her escape was also carefully planned, like everything rest. She didn’t just disappear, she dissolved. Probably, there was something waiting for her in the open sea another ship that took her away limits of the territorial waters of the Maldives.

While the security guards were combing through without success the surrounding atolls, Prince Halit tried realize the scale of the disaster. He was is known for its numerous and disorderly connections. In his entourage there were not only escort girls, but also wives of business partners, actresses, representatives of the political elite.

 IN Dozens of faces flashed through his mind. He I realized that I had become not just sick, but a biological bomb planted in the very the heart of the world establishment. Every contact he’s had in the last few months was now under threat. Consequences for his reputation and business might not have been not just destructive, but fatal.

He ordered his team to begin immediate, but absolutely secret operation to inform their last partners. It was delicate a mission that requires the utmost take care to avoid leakage information to the press. A week later incident to the editorial office of one of the major European news agencies received anonymous packet.

 Inside was flash card. It had only one video file on it and several documents, including a copy Alina’s medical report and a brief Description of the auction for the yacht Oracle. Editorial staff, aware of the explosive nature of the material, started her own investigation. Journalists contacted several sources in the world of elite escort and special services.

Although no one agreed to speak under recording, anonymous information was confirmed. The story began to leak into the closed Telegram channels and blogs, specializing in investigations. Major media outlets have remained silent for now, fearing lawsuits. from the prince’s side and without having one hundred percent evidence.

 But the smoke is already went. The first to react Khalid’s business partners. In financial Rumors spread faster in the world news. Several large ones investment funds from the USA and Europe suspended without explanation participation in joint projects with the prince. Shares of his holding company listed on London Stock Exchange, in 2 days fell by 30% amid negative information expectations.

 Financial The prince’s empire began to crack. At the same time, in several human rights in European countries organizations that received the same anonymous information, filed requests with the police demand to reopen the investigation cases of disappearance of several girls from Eastern Europe. which in the last once seen in the prince’s entourage.

 Among Among these cases was the case of Katerina, sister Alina’s. Investigators who previously these cases were closed due to lack of evidence, were forced under pressure the public to return to them. Steel new details will emerge that were previously were ignored. For example, it turned out that the doctor, signatory of the death certificate Katerina overdosed a month later After that I received a large sum of money transfer from the account of an affiliated company with Khalid. The scandal itself did not deal a blow

not only for the prince, but for the entire industry underground auctions. Pearl Circle organizers are in panic all planned events were cancelled and lay low. Security and privacy, on which their business was built, were irrevocably compromised. Clients whose names might surface in during the investigation, they began to hastily cut off all ties with the organizers.

The culmination of the information campaign The appearance of Alina’s video message was marked. It was published simultaneously on several platforms, including a website specially created for this purpose One-pager and anonymously sent to dozens of leading global media outlets. The video was recorded in an extremely simple manner.

The girl sat in front of the camera against the background neutral white wall. She was wearing simple clothes. There was no makeup. She looked tired, but spoke evenly, without pathos and trembling in the voice. Her The performance lasted just over 10 minutes. In a calm, almost monotonous voice she told her sister’s story Katerina’s. She didn’t cry or raise her voice.

voice, simply stating the facts. what’s her name? my sister dreamed of escaping poverty, How did she get to Dubai, how was she in last seen in the company of the prince Khalida and how after a few days she the body was returned to the family in a closed coffin conclusion of death from overdose. Alina spoke about her own investigation into the pearl system circle and how impunity and power is given to people like the prince, destroy lives without consequences.

Then she moved to her place. “I I understood that no court in the world “will condemn him,” she said, looking straight ahead. into the camera. His money and connections can buy any silence and any decision. So I decided to take out my own sentence. I used the only weapon I have was, his body.

 I infected myself with HIV and sold him not just a night, but a mirror a reflection of the fate to which he cursed my sister. and many others girls. He bought life and innocence, and received death. This is not terrorism, this is justice as I see it. She ended her address with the words that, that he understands the cost of his actions and I’m ready to pay it, but I hope that it history will make the world take notice to the shadow industry in which women are just a commodity.

 This video has become with the same match that set it on fire wick. In a few hours it gained popularity millions of views. All the largest news channels from CNN to BBC came out in broadcast with urgent issues dedicated to this scandal. The story of a billionaire prince and a vengeful models became the main topic of the day in everything world.

 Khalid’s lawyers immediately released him an official statement in which they named video of a monstrous lie and planned an action to discredit and extortion. They described Alina as unstable personality with criminal inclinations. They announced the filing libel suits against all media outlets that will disseminate this information. However, this attempt to defend itself failed.

 Against the backdrop of a calm and Alina’s convincing performance The prince’s official statements looked as a clumsy excuse for the guilty. Public opinion was clearly on the girl’s side. The scandal caused irreparable damage to the Saudi royal family family. Although officially there are none there were no comments, unofficial channels learned that that Khalid was summoned to a family council, where he was given an ultimatum.

 His forced to completely withdraw from all affairs, transfer management of your assets trusted persons and stop any public appearance. He was actually placed under unofficial house arrest in one of his palaces in Riyadh. His deprived of access to most of it states, leaving only the means, necessary to sustain life and payment for treatment.

The family distanced themselves from him, making his outcast and toxic asset, from which needed to be done as soon as possible get rid of. To the outside world, Prince Khalil Al-Saud just disappeared from the radar. His name ceased to appear in secular life. chronicle and financial reports. He turned into a ghost, locked in golden cage.

At the same time, an investigation is underway in Europe gained momentum. Alina’s testimony was given a powerful impetus for investigators. Several former employees escort agencies that worked with the prince, inspired by her actions, they agreed give anonymous testimony. They confirmed the existence of the system auctions and told about the cruel handling and suspicious incidents on Khalid’s yachts.

 The Case of Katerina’s Death was officially reclassified, and German prosecutor’s office, citizen which, according to the second passport, was one from the pearl circle managers, issued an international warrant for his arrest. Chain the reaction launched by Alina was already irreversible. A year and a half after publication video messages the world almost forgot about this stories.

 The media noise died down, giving way to place for new scandals. Alina, just like promised, disappeared. Rumor has it she found refuge in one of the countries of Southeast Asia Asia, where there is no extradition treaty with Saudi Arabia. She lived under by another name, regularly passing antiretroviral therapy. Money, received from the prince, those same 5 million dollars, through anonymous funds directed to support organizations, helping victims of human trafficking.

 She did not give interviews and did not go out connection. Her mission was complete and she I was just living out my time. For her it is was not a tragedy. She did a conscious choice and now peace of mind accepted its consequences. There is nothing in her life there was room for regret. She took revenge for sister the only way available to her way, and it brought her a gloomy, but solid satisfaction.

Meanwhile, Prince Khalid Al Saud was fading away. in complete isolation. He lived in luxury the palace is under 24-hour surveillance the guards who were assigned to him more like jailers than like defenders. Modern therapy made it possible control the development of HIV, but it the psychological state was destroyed.

A man accustomed to unlimited power and worship, found himself in complete social vacuum. His former friends and partners avoided even mentioning him name. The family completely cut him out of your life. He grew old alone, surrounded by servants who were afraid look him in the eyes. His only ones the interlocutors were doctors who reminded him daily of his vulnerabilities.

He spent his days re-watching old photographs and videos of where he was young, healthy and omnipotent. The memory of that night in the Maldives and Alina’s cold gaze became his personal hell. Results of the investigations, initiated by the scandal, were ambiguous. Manager arrested in Germany the pearl circle made a deal with consequence.

 He provided information about the structure of the organization, its clients and financial schemes. This led to a few loud ones, but mostly financial scandals. Some famous businessmen and politicians were forced to resign or pay huge fines for participating in illegal activities financial transactions related to auctions. However, it is difficult to prove anyone’s involvement of which to violent crimes it didn’t work out.

 Too much time was missed, but direct evidence were absent. Cases of disappearance and death of girls, including Katerina, they remained undisclosed in the legal sense of this words. Prince Khalid is officially unknown did not accuse of murder. Without evidence Alina, which she could not give in court, without risking their freedom and life, it was impossible to prove his guilt.

Thus, there is no formal justice it happened. However, the effect of Alina’s actions turned out to be much broader than the legal framework. The entire underground luxury industry escort was set back for decades back. Reputational risks have become too much high even for the most powerful clients. Alina’s story has become a kind of a horror story that was told in behind the scenes of power and big business.

a warning that even absolute power has its limits and that a cornered victim can turn out to be more dangerous than any predator. The final shot of this story was not filmed. not a single camera. It exists only in imagination of those who know its details. An aged, sick and lonely prince in in his gilded mausoleum.

 And somewhere on the other side of the world a young woman, watching his slow decline on the screen of your laptop. Her revenge did not bring her happiness or long life, but it brought her peace. She restored justice in the way that considered it necessary, having paid the most for it high price. The nineteen year old Filipina was found dead in the desert along with his girlfriend in a few weeks after her wedding with an influential Dubai man sheikh. Both were killed by gunshots.

head. Liana Raymond grew up in a small the village of San Miguel on the island of Luzon in provinces where most families live for a few dollars a day. Her father worked in the rice fields. Mother was trading vegetables at the local market. There was a family five children, Liana was the eldest. House was a simple hut with bamboo walls and a roof made of palm leaves.

 Electricity the water supply was intermittent, there was no running water was. The girl graduated from the local school in 16 years old and began to help her mother market. She earned about 20 dollars per week. This money is barely enough for food for the family. Younger brothers and the sisters could not continue their education due to lack of funds for school accessories and uniform.

 Liana’s father suffered from chronic back pain after an injury at work, but there was no money for There was no treatment in the family. In the village there was a small agency that worked helped local girls find work abroad. Many people left for the Persian countries bay, house workers or nannies. They paid there tens of times more than on Philippines.

Families receiving remittances from their daughters, working in Dubai or Abu Dhaba, could afford to renovate a house, buy motorcycle, payment for the education of younger children. Maria Santos has been Liana’s friend since childhood. They grew up on neighboring streets, We went to school together and spent everything together free time with each other.

 Family Mary was even poorer. The girl’s father died from malaria when she was 12. Mother was left alone with four children. Maria was forced to drop out of school at age 14, to help the family. She worked as a cleaner at a local hotel, receiving about $15 a week. When Mary turned 18, she turned to the same agency and went to Dubai to work at home worker. The contract was for 2 years.

The salary was $400 per month. She spent most of the money sent to mother. Maria’s employer became a wealthy family from the Jumeirah area. The house had eight bedrooms, a swimming pool, large garden. Maria was responsible for cleaning and work in the kitchen. The working day lasted from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

 Weekends there were practically none. Liana stayed on Philippines and continued to work in market. The girls kept in touch through messengers. Maria talked about life in Dubai, about the wealth of local families, about how much money is spent on things, which would be considered in the Philippines incredible luxury.

 She described cars worth hundreds of thousands dollars, jewelry, clothes from the world designers, houses the size of an entire quarter in their village. A year later Maria’s departure affected the family’s financial situation Liana’s condition has worsened. Father finally lost the ability to work due to progressive back problems.

Family income has fallen to a critical level level. Liana’s mother started taking small loans from neighbors to buy food. Debts grew, and the younger children went hungry. Liana understood that the situation required radical measures. She turned to agency asking to find her a job in Dubai. An agency employee, a middle-aged man in a white shirt, sat at the old wooden table and leafed through the folder with documents.

 He explained that now demand for Filipino housekeepers decreased, competition is high, salaries dropped to $350 per month. “But there is other options,” he said. “Options that can bring much more money.” The agency sometimes received an offer from wealthy people Arab men who were looking for wives from Southeast Asia.

 Such marriages existed legal according to Islamic law, allowing a man to have up to four wives at the same time. Filipinas were in demand because their youth, humility and readiness accept Islam. To the families of the brides mahar, the wedding ransom, was paid, which could range from 50,000 to 150,000 dollars depending on age and the girl’s appearance.

 Agency employee took a photo out of the folder. In the picture an elderly man was depicted in traditional white clothes and red and white headscarf. Gray beard, dark eyes, folds on the face. The man was 65 years. His name was Khalid Al-Mansouri. He was a member of an influential family clan, who owned several construction companies and large tracts of land in Dubai.

 His condition was estimated at tens of millions of dollars. Khalid already had three wives. The first one was his cousin. The marriage was concluded more than 40 years ago. He had it from her five adult children. Second wife bore him three children. Third, significantly younger, was originally from Syria and joined the family 10 years ago.

Khalid had no children from his third wife, and now he was looking for the fourth, the last one according to Islamic law, to the spouse. The agency sent Khalid several questionnaires of young Filipinas, ready consider a marriage proposal. Among they had Liana’s questionnaire with several photographs.

 There is a girl in the pictures looked shy, with long dark hair and big brown eyes with eyes. Khalid chose her. He told the agency representative that the girl looks modest and well-mannered, exactly what a wife should be a pious Muslim. The agency contacted Liana’s family. An employee came to their village and laid out proposal to the girl’s father.

 Mahar will make up 100,000 dollars. Half the amount will be paid immediately after signing contract. The second half will be translated after the wedding. Liana will have to accept Islam, learn the basic prayers and Rules of conduct for a Muslim wife. The agency will organize all necessary documents, visa and flight.

 Liana’s father was a Catholic, like most of the residents their villages. The idea that the daughter will accept another religion and marry an elderly foreigner with three wives, seemed alien to him. But he looked at his starving younger children, on his wife, who cried at night because of debts, into their own hands, which are no longer could work.

 50,000 dollars decided would solve all the family’s problems for many years forward. He called Liana and explained to her situation. The girl listened silently. She she understood that she had no real choice No. The family was dying of hunger. Juniors The brothers and sisters went to school without shoes because there is no money for a new pair was.

 Mother sold all the jewelry, which she had. The neighbors refused give new loans because the old ones the debts were not repaid. If Liana refuses, the family will be left behind street in a few months. Liana agreed. She told her father that she was ready to do it. for their sake. That same evening she wrote to Maria long message, told about offer, that she accepted it, about how scared she is at the thought of marriage to an unknown old man.

 Maria replied a few hours later. She wrote that she understands Liana, that she herself I would have been in her place if I received such an offer. After added that employers who She works and is familiar with the family. Al-Mansuri. These are very rich and influential people in Dubai. The next 2 weeks passed in preparation.

 Agency representative came to Leana every day. He taught her basic Arabic phrases, explained rules of conduct in a Muslim family, talked about how to dress, just with elders, how to behave with husband. Liana was supposed to be submissive, quiet, obedient. She shouldn’t have objected to her husband. raise your voice, leave the house without permissions.

 Her job was to serve husband, to bear children and support order in the house. Liana also had to go through a formal acceptance ceremony Islam. The agency organized a meeting with by a local imam, a Filipino, who himself converted to Islam 20 years ago. The imam explained taught the girl the basics of faith pronounce the shahada, testimony of acceptance of Islam.

 Liana repeated the words in Arabic, not fully understanding their meaning. The imam gave her a certificate of acceptance. Islam, which was necessary for marriage. The agency translated the first half of Mahra at the father’s expense Lianas, $50,000. The amount that the family had never seen each other in their entire lives. Father paid off all my debts and bought Back pain medicine, paid for tuition younger children a year in advance, repaired the roof of the house.

I put the remaining money in a local bank. Liana’s mother cried with relief and from a feeling of guilt at the same time. She I understood that my daughter was sacrificing herself for families. The day before Liana’s departure met with Maria, who specially flew to the Philippines for a short vacation.

 They walked around the village, sat on the river bank where they spent time in childhood. Maria held Liana’s hand and she said that they would be back soon together in Dubai. that it won’t last long, that They will definitely succeed. Liana asked what exactly would happen. Maria replied that she had a plan. Halit is very rich. His family owns real estate, accounts, businesses.

If Liana becomes his wife, she will receive access to some of these resources. Maria works in the house of family friends Al-Mansuri. She knows how it works life of rich Arabs. Wives have own money, own jewelry, personal accounts. Khalid will give Liana money for expenses. So over time she will be able to accumulate enough, so that they both return to the Philippines and started a new life.

 Life where they don’t you will need to hide. Liana listened and nodded. She asked what time it was. it will take. Maria said that year, maybe two. You will need to behave carefully. Don’t arouse suspicion, save money unnoticed. Halit should not don’t suspect anything. Liana must be an ideal wife, quiet, submissive, grateful.

 And then, when they accumulate enough, they will disappear. They will fly back to the Philippines, to another province, where they nobody knows. They will buy a small house, they will open a store or a cafe and live there together, as we always dreamed. Liana asked if it was dangerous. Maria She replied that it was dangerous, but they didn’t have it.

no other choice. In the Philippines they are not can be together. Their families, their village, their church will never accept them relationship. In Dubai it is also not allowed, but there there is money. The money that will be given to them freedom. They just have to be patient and careful. On the last night before Lian’s departure I hardly slept.

 She was lying in her bed and looked at the ceiling. I heard, how the father snores in the next room, how the younger brothers and sisters are tossing and turning. I thought that I would never do that again. will see this house, this village, these people that tomorrow she will fly to another the country to a stranger who will become her husband.

 To the man who is three times older than her, to a person who already has three wives and eight children. to a person, which she saw only on photos. In the morning the whole family saw Liana off airport. The mother cried without stopping. The younger children clung to their sister’s hands. Father stood to the side with a stony face. Liana hugged each of them and said, that everything will be fine, that she will write to them every week that they will soon we’ll see each other again.

 She didn’t believe in these words, but continued to repeat them. An agency representative accompanied Liana to Dubai. There’s a girl on the plane sat by the window and watched as underneath her The Philippine Islands and rice fields are disappearing fields, villages, rivers. All she knew was everything that was her life. Airplane rose above the clouds, and below them only the sea remains.

 The flight lasted about 8 hours. Liana couldn’t eat because unrest. Agency representative tried to calm her down, said that the family Al-Mansuri is very respected, that to her They will treat her well, that she is lucky. Liana nodded silently. When the plane I landed in Dubai, it was early morning. Liana was taken through passport control.

Her luggage was checked at customs. At the exit They were met from the airport by a driver in a black suit. He took the suitcase of liana and led them to the car. It was a big black SUV with tinted windows and leather seats. They were driving along a wide motorways. Skyscrapers flashed past the window, shopping centers, hotels.

 Liana never I’ve seen nothing like it. The buildings were they seemed huge and sparkling unrealistic. The roads were perfect clean, expensive cars. Everything looked like a set for a film about the future. The driver turned off the main road into Residential area. There were villas here, surrounded by tall walls, palm trees, well-kept lawns, flowering shrubs.

 The car stopped in front of the massive gates and the shackled gland. The driver pressed the button. Gates opened slowly. Behind the gates there was a spacious courtyard, paved with light stone. There was a fountain in the middle. There were palm trees growing around in large ceramic pots. The house itself was two-story, light beige color, with large windows and columns at the entrance.

 This there was a villa that could accommodate 20 houses from the village of Liana. There was a woman standing at the entrance an elderly woman in a black and gold obaya embroidery. Her face was covered with a veil, only the eyes were visible. This was the first one Khalid’s wife. She looked at Liana silently. head to toe, then gestured follow her.

 There was a house inside cool from the air conditioners. White marble floors on the walls Arabic calligraphy in gold frames, dark wood furniture with carvings. The first wife led the liana through living room, then up the stairs to the second floor. They walked down a long corridor and stopped at the door at the end. Woman opened the door and showed Liana the room.

It was a spacious bedroom with a large bed, wardrobe, dressing table. And separate bathroom. The windows looked out into the courtyard with a garden. First The wife said something in Arabic. Liana I didn’t understand a word. The woman repeated slower, but it didn’t help. Then she she just pointed to the bed, to the closet, to bathroom and left, closing the door behind her.

Liana was left alone. She sat on the edge bed and looked around. The room was larger than her entire house. families in the Philippines. There was a bed soft. bed linen snow-white. There was a huge bathtub in the bathroom, marble sink, full-length mirror wall. There were new towels on the shelves. There were bottles of perfume on the dressing table.

perfumes and cosmetics. Liana came up to window. Below was a garden with fruit trees. trees, rose bushes, paths made of stone. In the corner of the garden she saw a small building that looks like a guest house house. Perhaps the servants lived there. She I thought about Maria. The girl worked not far from here.

 Maybe Maybe they will see each other soon. Liana got it phone and wrote Maria a message. She reported that she had arrived and that she had been brought into the house that she was in her room. Maria answered almost immediately. She wrote that I’m glad Liana is safe, that you need to behave quietly and obediently, that They will see each other soon.

In the evening a young woman came for Liana maid. The girl was from Indonesia, spoke in broken English. She brought Liana Abajjab, explained with gestures what to wear. Liana changed clothes. The abaya was made of thin black fabric. Hijab covered the hair and neck. The maid nodded. approvingly and showed to follow her. They went down to the dining room on the first floor.

floor. The long table was set with food. A dish with rice, meat and vegetables. bread, fruits. There were several people sitting at the table. Human. The first wife is at the head of the table. Next to her are two men of about thirty. Probably sons of Khalid. Then they sat two women in hijabs. One of them held a child in her arms.

 Two more children sat on high chairs. All spoke Arabic. Liana seated at the end of the table. Everyone fell silent and looked at her. The first wife is something said. Everyone nodded and continued eating. Liana took the fork, but the maid stopped her and showed her that she needed to eat with your hands, like everyone else.

 Liana I tried to repeat it, but it was awkward and awkward. Khalid was not at the table. Liana I wanted to ask about him, but I didn’t know how. After dinner, everyone went their separate ways. Maid walked Liana back to the room. The girl lay down on the bed and looked at ceiling. She didn’t know what would happen next.

When she sees Khalid, when will it take place wedding, what will be expected from it. On The next morning Liana was woken up by a maid. She brought breakfast on a tray and left it on the table by the window. After the first wife came for breakfast translator, a young man in white shirt and jeans.

 He explained that is Khalid’s nephew and will be help Liana with the translation until she will learn Arabic. First wife through the translator reported that the wedding will take place in 3 days. Before this Liana should stay in her room, study prayers and prepare. To her a teacher will come who will teach its fundamentals of the Islamic faith and duties wives.

 After the wedding she will become a full member of the family and the fourth Khalid’s wife. The next 3 days were blurred. Kliane came every day elderly imam. He spoke English with with a strong accent and explained the rules to her Islamic marriage, duties of the wife, the importance of obedience to your husband. Liana listened and nodded, although much of what was said frightened her her.

 The Imam said that the wife should obey your husband in everything that your husband has the right to punish the wife if she does not listen, that the main duty of the wife – is to give birth to children and serve the husband. On the evening of the third day the wedding took place. It was a small ceremony in the house. Only family members were present and several of Khalid’s close friends.

Liana was dressed in a luxurious wedding dress a gold-colored dress embroidered with stones. They styled my hair and put makeup on my face. She’s not I recognized myself in the mirror. Ceremony took place in a large living room. Liana sat on a chair surrounded by a woman with families. The imam read prayers in Arabic.

Then they brought Khalid. He was in snow-white clothes. The beard is neat trimmed. He smelled expensive perfume. He sat down opposite Liana and looked he nodded appraisingly at her satisfied. The Imam asked Khalid a question and he answered affirmatively. Then the imam addressed Liana through the translator asked if she agreed become the wife of Khalid Al-Mansouri.

Liana looked at all these strange faces. around, at Khalid with his gray beard and with cold eyes, at the luxurious house, which was now her cage. She thought about her family in the Philippines, about 50 000s of dollars that saved them from poverty, about Mary, who is waiting for her, about plan that they must implement.

 She said: “Yes.” The imam read more A few prayers and the marriage was concluded. The guests congratulated Khalid, the women hugged Liana, set the table with food, but Liana ate almost nothing. She I felt like all of this it’s not happening to her, it’s as if she’s watching on someone else’s life from the outside.

Late in the evening, when the guests had left, Halit approached Liana. He took her by the hand. His palm was dry and rough. He gestured for me to follow him. He led her up the stairs to the second floor, but not to her room, but to his own. His the bedroom was huge, with a bed larger than Liana’s room Philippines.

He closed the door. Khalid spoke in broken English. He said that Liana is now his wife and must fulfill their responsibilities. Liana stood motionless, not knowing what do. Halit came closer and began take off her jewelry. His movements were slow and methodical. Liana closed her eyes and thought about what anything but about what’s happening.

I thought about the sea, about the rice fields at home, about Mary. Liana hardly slept that night. Halit fell asleep quickly. His breath was heavy and hoarse. Liana was lying next to me and looked into the darkness. When did you start? it was getting light, she quietly got up and returned to your room. She sat on the bed and sat there for a long time.

motionless, looking at one point. IN In the following days a certain pattern was established routine. Liana was supposed to wake up early, do morning exercises prayer, then go down to breakfast with the rest of the family members. She was sitting silently, ate little, answered questions in monosyllables through a translator.

Her first wife treated her coldly, but without open hostility. The second and third wives hardly paid any attention attention to her. Khalid’s children, adults men and women looked at her with curiosity or indifference. During the day, Liana spent time in her room or in the garden. She was not allowed go outside the villa without accompaniment.

Khalid provided her with a credit card for shopping, but there was nothing to buy and no one. The maid brought her food and did her laundry. clothes, cleaned the room. Liana tried talk to her, but the girl spoke only in Indonesian and a few Arabic phrases. In the evening Halit usually called Liana to him.

 Sometimes it’s just spoke to her through an interpreter, asked how she was feeling, Does she like life in Dubai? Is she happy? Is she? Liana replied that everything was fine, that she is grateful to him for everything. Khalid seemed pleased with her answers. He said she was a good girl, obedient and modest. That’s exactly it must be a Muslim wife.

 Passed week. Liana wrote to her parents that everything is good that he treats her well, that she is happy. It was a lie, but she I couldn’t write the truth. The family received money. Their lives changed. She’s not could have destroyed it. The mother responded with long messages, told how they repaired house, bought new furniture, recorded younger children to a good school.

 Father found a job as a security guard at a local store. His back hurt less after treatment. Liana also wrote to Maria every day. Short messages on how a day passed, what she ate, what she did. Maria rarely answered, usually late. in the evening, when work ended. She She wrote that she was very tired, that the owners demanding, that misses Liana.

She promised that they would see each other soon. In 2 weeks after the wedding, Halit announced that his first wife’s family hires a new one servants. Need a girl to work on kitchen and help around the house. The first wife already She’s not young, it’s hard for her to cope all matters.

 Khalid asked Liana through translator, does she know anyone? from the Philippines who are looking for work. Liana she replied that she had a friend, who now works for another family, but I would like to change the location. Khalid said he could arrange a transfer contract, if the girl is good worker. Liana assured that Maria is very hardworking and responsible.

Khalid nodded and said he would contact the right people. Contract in 3 days Mary was transferred to the Al-Mansuri family. Her former employers didn’t object, because Khalid’s family had influence, and It would be unwise to refuse them. Maria arrived at the Villa on Saturday morning. Liana looked out of the window of her room, how the driver brought her by car.

 Maria I left with one suitcase and a bag. She was dressed in simple jeans and a T-shirt. Hair is pulled back into a ponytail. The maid spent She took her into the house and showed her the servants’ room. in a separate building in the garden. Liana couldn’t approach Maria right away. This would arouse suspicion.

 She must was to act like they were just acquaintances, not close friends. All day she waited for the moment when will be able to see Maria. In the evening, when everything we parted after dinner, Liana went out garden, pretended to be walking, approached servants’ quarters and knocked quietly at the door. Maria opened the door.

 They stood and looked at each other for a few seconds. Then Maria pulled Liana inside and closed the door. Hugged her tightly. Liana I felt all the tension have been coming out of it for the last few weeks. They sat down on a narrow bed in a small in Maria’s room. The room was simple, just a few square meters. Bed, wardrobe, small window.

 Maria asked how Liana was feeling. Liana said it was fine. Maria looked at her carefully and said, who knows it’s not true. Liana started crying. Everything she held back these weeks, it burst out. She told Maria about the wedding, about Khalid, about how she hates every minute of it in this house.

 Maria hugged her and said, that it will all end soon, that they should just hold on a little longer. They agreed to meet at night when everyone is sleeping. The liana will go out into the garden through the window. your room. It was on the first floor. They had to be very careful. No one was supposed to know about their meetings.

 In the eyes of the Liana family should have remained an obedient wife, and Maria is just a servant. The following weeks passed in this double existence. During the day, Liana played the role Khalid’s wives. I prayed and sat with my family, smiled when necessary. in the evenings went to Khalid and allowed him to do what he wanted was to close his eyes and I was thinking about something else. Khalid didn’t notice her.

absent gaze or did not pay attention this is attention. For him she was an obedient body performing a function. At night, after midnight, when the house I fell asleep, Liana quietly climbed out of the window. The garden was dark, only rare lanterns were lit. illuminated the paths.

 She walked quickly towards servants’ quarters. Maria was always waiting her. They spent an hour or two together, talked in whispers, held on to hands. These were the only hours when Liana felt alive. Maria I worked in the kitchen from 6:00 am, cooking breakfast, helped with lunch and dinner, I washed dishes and cleaned the dining room.

There was a lot of work. The first wife was watching watch everything carefully and strictly. Maria no complained. She told Liana that The main thing is that they are close now, that’s all doesn’t matter. They started discussing the plan. Liana had to save money. Halit gave her a card for shopping.

 She could withdraw cash in small amounts, so as not to arouse suspicion. 500 each dollars once a week. She said that buys clothes, cosmetics, gifts for families in the Philippines. Khalid didn’t check. He was rich so much so that these amounts seemed to him insignificant. In a month, Liana saved up about 3,000 dollars, hid the money in a suitcase the false bottom that I made, cutting the lining.

 Maria too I saved my salary, $400 per month. She sent some of them to her mother. 200, I hid the rest. They calculated, that in six months they will be able to accumulate about 15,000. This is enough to buy tickets for Philippines, rent a house in another province, start some small business. But Half a year is a long time, too long.

 Liana I felt like I couldn’t handle it for that long. Every evening with Khalid became more and more more difficult. She started taking sleeping pills that she secretly took from first wife’s medicine cabinet. Saw before go to Khalid to feel detached, as if it were not happening with her. Maria noticed a change influence.

 The girl became silent, the look is dull. She hardly ate, I was losing weight. Dark circles appeared under the eyes circles. Maria became worried. One day at night, when Liana came to her, Maria asked directly how much longer she could this is how to live. Liana said she didn’t know. Maybe a month, maybe less. Maria made a decision.

 She said they didn’t they will wait six months for them to leave earlier. They already have about 4,000 dollars. This will be enough for tickets and at first. They can leave through several weeks. Liana asked how exactly. Maria said that she has a familiar driver from Bangladesh who works for the neighbors. He can take them to the airport early in the morning when everyone is asleep.

They will fly to Manila, then go to another province. No one will find them there. Liana listened and felt how hope appears inside. real tangible hope that this nightmare will end soon. She asked when exactly they could leave. Maria said that in 2 It takes weeks to prepare the documents, buy tickets online, negotiate with driver.

 Liana nodded 2 weeks, 14 days. She can hold out for another 14 days. In the following days, Liana counted hours, behaved as usual, so as not to arouse suspicion. prayed, ate with family, talked to Khalid through translator, but inside all her thoughts were about escape. Maria bought tickets for the flight to Manila, departure on Saturday at 6 am.

 They agreed with the driver. He agreed. take them for 200 dollars. Maria She said that we needed to leave at 4 am, to make it to registration. There was left 5 days. Liana packed her things in backpack. Minimum clothing, documents, money. Maria also prepared her bag. They were ready.

 Every night brought them closer freedom. But after 3 days something has changed. Halit began to behave differently. He began to watch Liana more closely, asked strange questions, asked, Where does she go in the evenings, why not? sleeps at night. Liana replied that it was just walks in the garden because he can’t fall asleep.

 Halit looked at her for a long time, studying, then nodded and let go. Liana became worried. She wrote to Maria that Halit suspects something. Maria replied that I needed to behave even more Be careful, there are only 2 days left, that they must hold out. On Thursday In the evening, Halit did not call Liana to his place. It was strange.

 He usually called her every evening. Liana remained in her room, waited, but no one came. She I went to bed but couldn’t fall asleep. Something it wasn’t like that. On Friday morning for Liana the first wife came. I was with her translator. The woman said through him, that Liana should go with her to shopping mall.

 Need to buy a new one clothes and gifts for the family. Liana I was surprised. She usually didn’t go out anywhere. from home, but she couldn’t refuse. She nodded and went to get dressed. They were riding on car with a driver. The first wife was sitting silently, she looked out the window. Liana tried talk to her through an interpreter, but the woman answered in monosyllables.

 They we arrived at a large shopping center, spent several hours there. First wife I bought things, showed Lina dresses and jewelry, but didn’t take anything for her. We returned home towards evening. Liana I immediately went to my room and wrote Maria, that they are leaving tomorrow, what is needed be ready by 4 am.

 Maria answered in one hour. wrote that everything is ready, that The driver will be waiting at the gate. Liana no I had dinner and told the maid that I was not feeling well. He feels unwell and has a headache. Lay down on bed and waited, listening to the sounds of the house, as gradually everything became quiet, as if it was switched off the light in the rooms, as silence fell.

 IN at half past twelve at night Liana got up, dressed in dark clothes, took a backpack, She walked up to the window and carefully opened it. listened closely. Silence. She climbed over through the windowsill and jumped into the garden. The grass was damp from the evening watering. Liana quickly walked towards the servants’ quarters.

I knocked quietly, but no one opened. She knocked again. Silence. Liana I tried to open the door. She was not locked. She opened it and went inside. Room was empty. The bed is neat made up. The cabinet is open. There are no things belonging to Mary. There was a note on the table. Liana took it with trembling hands.

 The note was on English. The handwriting did not belong to Maria. There were only a few words written there: “Return to your room immediately.” Liana stood with a note in her hands. Heart it beat so hard that she could hear it ringing in the ears. Maria disappeared. Her things No. Someone wrote this note. Someone knows.

 She turned around and ran out rooms. ran back to the house. Need to I had to get into my room and pretend, that nothing happened. Maybe more It’s not too late. Maybe she can come up with an excuse. But when she I ran to my window, there stood man. This was Khalid’s eldest son. To him was about 35 years old. He was dressed in black clothes, arms crossed on the chest.

 Watched at Liana with a cold look. Behind him from Another man came out of the wall. Security guard villas, large, silent. Son of Khalid said something in Arabic. Security guard grabbed Liana by the hand. She tried I tried to break free and scream, but the guard held me back he covered her mouth with his palm and held it with his other hand over the shoulder. Liana couldn’t move.

 Son Khalida came closer and looked at her with with contempt, said something harsh at Arabic, then waved his hand to the guard. He dragged Liana to the car, which stood at the side entrance to the garden. Black SUV with headlights off. Liana pushed into the back seat. Son of Khalid sat down next to me. The security guard is behind the wheel.

 The car is quiet left the yard through the side gate. Liana looked out the window and saw how the villa, the garden, everything that was hers is being removed prison in recent weeks. The car was driving through the empty night streets of Dubai. The skyscrapers were aglow with lights. Then the city began to disappear.

 The road has become narrower, houses less. They drove out onto the highway. Ahead there was a desert. Liana realized that is happening. She knew stories about girls who disappeared into this country. About the servant who ran away and who was found dead. About wives, who disgraced the family and who are more never appeared. She knew that in This country has laws.

 But for such families like Al-Mansuri, laws are not always worked. Money and influence decided much. She tried to open the door. Blocked, tried to hit her son Khalida. He easily caught her hand and it hurt unscrewed. He said something in Arabic, the voice was icy. Liana stopped resist, I realized that this is it’s pointless. They drove for more than an hour.

The desert around was black, only the headlights illuminated the road ahead. Then the car turned off the highway onto a dirt road. We drove for another 20 minutes and stopped in the middle nothing, just sand around. Security guard got out of the car, opened the trunk, took out two shovels, then opened the back door and pulled out Liana.

 She fell on the sand, I tried to get up, but my legs wouldn’t hold me up. The guard pulled more out of the trunk someone. Maria. The girl was in the same clothes that Liana saw her in last time. Hands tied behind the back, mouth taped shut, eyes wide open in horror. They were placed next to each other. Khalid’s son got out of the car and took out pocket pistol, black, matte.

He looked at the girls with a long gaze, then he threw the shovels at their feet and said something in Arabic. The guard translated to English. Dig. Liana looked at shovels, then on Maria, then on endless desert around. They were in an hour’s drive from the city. Wait for help out of nowhere.

 The phone was left in the backpack, which the guard took. Scream it’s pointless. There is no one here. Maria looked at Liana. Scotch tape on the lips, but the eyes said it all. I’m sorry, I love you you. Goodbye. Liana took a shovel, I stuck it into the sand and started digging. They We dug for about an hour. The sand was dense, the shovels are heavy.

 Maria worked with with her hands tied, she fell several times. The guard lifted her up and forced her continue. Khalid’s son stood aside and smoked, not taking his eyes off them. When the pits became deep enough, approximately belt each, Khalid’s son waved his hand. The guard took the shovels. Girls They were placed on the edge of the pits facing the desert.

Liana turned around, wanted to say something, ask for mercy, explain anything. Khalid’s son raised his gun. Liana saw a gun pointed at her, closed her eyes. The last thought was a mother who sells vegetables at the market. Younger siblings in the new school form. The shot broke the silence of the desert. Liana fell into the hole face down.

 Second the shot rang out a few minutes later seconds. Maria collapsed next to him. Security guard checked the pulse of both of them, nodded, took shovel and began to fill the holes with sand. He worked quickly and methodically. Through Only two remained on the spot for half an hour small tubercles.

 The wind began level them even before men left. The car returned to Dubai on dawn. Khalid’s son entered the house through side entrance, went up to my father’s bedroom. Khalid sat on the edge of the bed and read Koran. He looked up. The son nodded. Khalid closed the book and continued his prayer. In the morning the first wife told the servants that Liana and Maria no longer work in the house.

The girls’ things were collected in a box and thrown out. Liana’s room was cleaned and closed. Maria’s room in the room for a new maid took over the servants’ duties Sri Lanka. A week later, Liana’s family A representative from the Philippines called agencies. He reported that their daughter had run away. with her lover, disgracing Khalid’s family.

The marriage is dissolved. According to the contract, in in case of violation of the terms by brides, the family is obliged to return Mahar. 100,000 dollars. The family doesn’t have that kind of money was. The representative said he gives them a month to collect the amount, otherwise it will be trial. Liana’s father sold the house.

 Mother sold everything, what they bought with Mahra’s money. They took it loans from everyone who agreed to give them. Collected 60,000. The rest of the agency wrote off as bad debt. The family moved to another a poorer area. Younger children again dropped out of school. Father returned to work fields, although his back hardly allowed him to bend.

Liana’s mother tried several times call my daughter. The number was unavailable. I wrote a message to which no one answered. contacted the police Philippines with a missing persons report. Police contacted Dubai authorities. They replied, that there was no missing persons report there was no Filipino citizen and that, according to migration data services, Liana Raymond left the country 3 weeks ago on a flight to Bangkok.

 Mother Maria received her last monetary transfer from my daughter at the beginning of the month. After The transfers stopped and the connection was lost. The woman also contacted the police, received the same answer. Both mothers we met, compared stories, understood, that their daughters disappeared on the same day, tried to attract media attention, wrote to several newspapers.

 One a small newspaper published a note about missing girls, but the article is not has become widespread. A lawyer who agreed to help families for free, tried through Philippine Embassy in the UAE information about the girls’ location. The embassy sent a request to the police Dubai.

 The police responded that both girls left the country voluntarily, no no crimes were registered. The case was closed. Khalid Al-Mansouri continued to lead ordinary life. I visited the mosque five times day, I prayed long and with concentration, donated money to charity. He was respected in the business community as an honest and God-fearing person.

Six months later he took a new fourth wife, this time a girl from Indonesia 20 years. Khalid’s eldest son was promoted family business, became director of security of all company facilities. The guard who was with him that night, a year later he quit and went back to Pakistan. I bought a small shop there money that he saved in Dubai.

 Bodies Liana and Maria were never found. The desert holds many secrets, and two a hillock among the endless sands is nothing were different from thousands of other irregularities relief. Wind for several months completely razed them to the ground. The girls are officially listed as missing. missing in action. Their case is in the archives.

Manila police among thousands of others similar cases involving Filipino workers, missing abroad. Every year from Gulf countries are not returning home of dozens of Filipinas. Some they really run away and start a new one life. Others die from accidents cases or diseases, the third is simple disappear and no one will ever know that happened to them.

 The Story of Liana Raymond and Maria Santos became another line in these statistics. Their families still exist They are waiting. Mothers sometimes receive messages from scammers who claim that saw their daughters in Thailand or Malaysia. They ask for money for information. Families don’t believe it anymore, but every time They’re checking because Hope is dying.

the last one. The only thing left of the girls is – These are a few photos on the phones relatives and church records village books. Their names are written there. among the baptized. In the death column it says dash. Technically they are still alive. just disappeared somewhere between Dubai and Manila, between hopes for a better life and the reality that turned out to be a grave in the sands.

A twenty-four-year-old Russian girl Victoria Sokolova drowned in a swimming pool. Emirati developer’s villas on the Palm Jumeirah after he learned the truth about her life. Officially it’s unfortunate case, but the details point to something else. Victoria came to Dubai 3 years ago with two suitcases and a dream of a better life life. The seller’s visa was in the passport.

consultant of the Dubai Mall shopping center. The salary was $1.00 per month. She rented a studio apartment of 28 m² in Sharjah, the neighboring Emirate, where rentals are available cost 600 dollars. Every morning Victoria boarded the crowded bus and rode 40 minutes to work. stood behind the counter of a cosmetics store 8 for hours on end, smiling at tourists, advised on creams and lipsticks, I returned late in the evening to the tiny an apartment with one window overlooking parking. This was her real life in

Dubai. There was another one on social media Victoria. She had 850,000 subscribers on Instagram. Her profile showed a completely different reality. On In the photographs she posed in penthouses with panoramic windows and a view of Burj Khalifa. She was driving a red Ferrari, sunbathing on the bow of a snow-white yacht in the middle of the Persian Gulf.

 Had lunch at Burj Al Rab restaurant, where the bill started at $500 per person. She wore Versa dresses and Chanel bags. Saw champagne on the terraces overlooking fountains. the life of a successful rich girl, who made herself in the city opportunities. It was all a lie, carefully orchestrated lies that required money, time and constant stress.

Victoria did not own any of these things. She rented them. In Dubai there is a whole industry serving influencers and those who wants to create the illusion of luxury for social networks. Victoria found several agencies, which provided such services. The penthouse cost 200 for an hour of filming. dollars.

 The owner of the apartment allowed come when he was not at home. Gave hour of time. Victoria brought a suitcase with clothes, I took a series of photographs in in different outfits by the panoramic windows, on balcony, in the living room with designer furniture. 40-50 frames per hour. This there was enough content for a month. Supercars rented from parking lots.

 150 dollars for a half-hour photo shoot with red Ferrari or yellow Lamborghini. The owners of these cars were often ordinary people who bought a car on credit and such payments were recouped in this way. Victoria no I got behind the wheel and just posed next to or inside the shopping center parking lot center.

 The cameraman took pictures under at the right angle so that it is not visible, that the car is just standing among others cars. Yachts were more expensive. Three-hour rental of a small yacht with The captain’s fee was $400. Victoria teamed up with others girls bloggers, and they shared expenses for three or four. They went out into the bay, taking photos against the backdrop horizon. Each one got her portion.

content. The main thing was not to show it frame of other girls to create the illusion of a private walk. Clothes and accessories were rented in special services. Dior Day Dress 80 dollars. Hermes bag – $50 evening. Jewelry, watches, sunglasses luxury brand glasses. All this is possible was to be rented.

 Victoria put on them, took pictures and returned them to the next day. In her real wardrobe jeans from the market were hanging in the apartment T-shirts for $10. There were restaurants the simplest part of the fake content. Victoria came to the expensive establishments, I ordered one dessert for 20 dollars and coffee. I sat for 2 hours doing it.

dozens of photographs of the interior, plates, glasses, view from the window. I posted it with a caption about something beautiful. dinner, although in fact I only ate cake. Then I went to the diner nearby and had shawarma for 5 dollars. This double life brought income. Advertisers saw the number subscribers and engagement level audience.

They didn’t check if it was true Victoria is rich. It was important to them that she 850,000 people are watching Human. Brands of clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, tourist services offered paid placement from 300 to $1,000 per post depending on conditions. Victoria earned from 3 to $5,000 a month in advertising.

deducted the cost of renting props about $1,200 monthly. There was enough left to save. The money was not needed for her. IN She lived in a small town near Moscow mother Irina Sokolova, 52 years old. She has breast cancer was detected on the third stages 2 years ago. Free treatment in the state the hospital included chemotherapy and standard procedures, but the doctors said, that surgery is needed for a complete cure in a private clinic and targeted therapy.

Cost: $80,000. Insurance is not bedspreads. Victoria’s father died 10 years ago. back. Other relatives with money there was none. Victoria sent it to her mother 2-3,000 dollars every month. In 2 years 58,000 have accumulated. Another 22,000 were needed for the operation. Mother I was waiting.

 The condition was getting worse, but she held on. I called my daughter every week, asked how things were in Dubai. Victoria talked about working in a shopping center, but never mentioned Instagram and fake life. The mother thought that her daughter It just saves a lot of money on salary. Profile Victoria’s Instagram account was simply called her first and last name, in Latin letters.

 IN the description said entrepreneur, Travel lover, Dubai. None direct statements about wealth, but The photographs spoke for themselves. There were comments under the posts enthusiastic. The girls wrote that dream of such a life. They asked tips on how to move to Dubai, how achieve success. Victoria answered evasively: “Work on yourself, believe in the dream, don’t give up.

” She never revealed the mechanics of creating your own content. She had several acquaintances bloggers who did the same thing the most. They met in cheap cafe-Sharjah, discussed new locations for filming, shared agency contacts rental. It was their secret community. Nobody talked about it publicly.

 Everyone understood that the revelation will destroy your account and income. They supported each other, but competed for advertisers. Victoria spent an average of 2 days in a month to create content. These were weekends when she wasn’t working shopping center. She rented everything locations for one day, filmed a huge number of photos and videos, then stretched out the publication over 4 weeks.

 One fasting a day, sometimes two. stories several times a day, reposts of someone else’s content, short videos from the archive, Screenshots of messages from brands. This created the illusion of constant activity life. Although in fact the main part Victoria spent a lot of time in the store or in my studio in Sharjah.

 Halet Al-Maktoum appeared in her direct messages late in the evening October. Victoria had already gone to bed after her shift, checked my phone before turn off the light. I saw a new message from a verified account. Profile showed a man of about 45 years old in traditional Emirati clothing. Subscribers 320,000. Posts about real estate, construction projects, meetings with other sheikhs and businessmen.

The description stated general director of a construction company, owner several properties in Dubai. Message was short. I want to meet a girl of my level. Victoria knew, that many people receive such messages bloggers. Wealthy Emiratis often wrote girls with beautiful profiles. Usually it ended with proposals meet for money or become kept mistress.

 Victoria I never responded to such messages. She didn’t do escort work and didn’t want to connect with this world. But this time She hesitated and looked at the profile. Khaleda is more attentive. He really is looked like a wealthy developer. Photos from the opening ceremony of residential buildings complexes, handshakes with people in business suits, post about completion construction of a tower worth 2 billion dollars.

 It wasn’t just rich tourist, it was a man with real status in the city. Victoria thought about mother, about 22,000 dollars, which is all what was missing was how long she saves 2-3,000 per month. Another year, maybe to be, more. Mother might not have waited. The doctors said, that with each passing month the chances of success treatments are reduced.

 She replied to Khalid the next day. Thank you for your interest in my profile. Was careful in formulations, did not flirt openly. Halet answered quickly, asking who she was, What does she do in Dubai, where did she come from? Victoria wrote something that had been written for a long time I rehearsed it in my head for such cases questions from subscribers.

 She entrepreneur, engaged in consulting for Russian companies wishing to exit to the OA market. Lives in Dubai for 3 years, was born in Moscow. Halit asked if he could invite her for dinner. Victoria agreed, but asked for time for a week, citing workload. In fact, she needed to get ready.

 She understood that the meeting with a real rich person requires a different level of play than the photos in rented locations. Victoria spent 2 days studying Khaled’s profile and information about him in on the Internet. Found articles in local business publications about his company. She specialized in construction elite residential complexes on the coast.

Haleth was the son of an influential clan Al-Maktoum, although not from the main branch ruling family. He had three brothers. Everyone was engaged in business. Halet himself graduated from the University of London. Received degree in civil construction. I was married 20 years ago, got divorced. No children.

 Lives in a villa on Palm Jumeirah. She realized what was in front of her a serious person who will not satisfied with superficial conversation. A convincing legend was needed. Victoria decided to stick to the story about daughters of a rich Russian entrepreneur. That explained it. social media profile and gave grounds for confident behavior.

 She thought it through details. My father is in the oil industry. business, lives between Moscow and London. They are on good terms, but she prefers independence and builds his career separately from family business. 3 days before the meeting Victoria spent the last saved up 800 dollars on preparation.

 I rented a room at the Jumeirah Hotel One night stay for $250 to have an address for a taxi if Khalet will offer to take her away. Rented a black one Dolch Gabbana cocktail dress for 150 dollars for the evening. I bought a new pair $100 shoes because rented shoes always looked found. Spent $200 on hairdresser and makeup artist. The remaining I put money aside for a taxi and unforeseen expenses.

 Nobu Restaurant was at the Atlantis Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah. Victoria arrived by taxi, paying $30 for the ride. Came out before entering, straightened the dress, did take a deep breath. The heart was beating fast. She I took many photos in expensive ones places, but I’ve never been to them I didn’t really have dinner or talk to anyone people of this circle.

Khalet was waiting at a table on the terrace with view of the bay. He stood up when she was brought up. He was tall, about 185 cm, in white traditional kondura and black gutra. The face is stern, but with a warm smile. A firm handshake. He invited me to sit opposite. Waiter brought the menu.

 Victoria opened and on I was confused for a second when I saw the prices. Appetizers from $40. Main courses from 80 to 150. Halet told her to order everything, what he wants. Victoria chose sushi and sashimi, based on the names, which I heard before. Khalet ordered steak and a bottle of white wine for 300 dollars. We started a conversation.

 He asked about her life, family, plans. Victoria answered confidently, using prepared legend. talked about consulting, about the difficulties of conducting business between the two countries, about love for Dubai. She mentioned her father in passing as successful but busy person, with which she has good, but distanced relationships.

Khalet listened attentively, told about his projects, showed photographs towers under construction on the phone, spoke about plans to build a new residential complex on coastline worth $1.5 billion. Victoria nodded and asked questions, showed interest. She was good listener. This job is in the store taught her to communicate with people and find approach. Dinner lasted 3 hours.

 Check amounted to $850. Halet paid with a black credit card, not even looking at the amount. I walked Victoria to taxi, asked for a phone number. She gave. He said he would like to meet again. Victoria replied, that I was also glad to meet you. In a taxi Back at the hotel she exhaled. Evening went well. Halet believed.

 She played the role convincingly. Now the question was how far this could go The game and what she’s willing to do for money for mother? Khalet wrote to Victoria on the next day. The message arrived in it was midday when she was standing behind the counter store between two customers. Telephone vibrated in his uniform pocket.

 She’s not I could check, but I felt increasing tension. During my lunch break I read: “Thank you for a wonderful evening. I would like to show I have my new project for you. May be, is your consulting interested? “look”. Victoria replied an hour later when I have a free minute. I wrote, which he will watch with pleasure.

 Halet suggested meeting at the construction site in 3 days. Victoria took a day off work, citing a visit to the doctor. Her manager reluctantly agreed, reminding that time off is deducted from salaries. The construction site was located in the Dubai area. Marina. Khalet sent a car, black Mercedes with driver.

 Victoria put on business suit rented for 50 dollars a day, and low-heeled shoes heels. I arrived at the site where it was already the first floors of the huge building were being erected complex. Halet met her in a helmet and reflective vest, showed the drawings, explained the concept of the building, talked about technologies.

Victoria listened, asked questions, which I found the day before on the Internet about construction of high-rise buildings. After inspection they Let’s go have lunch. Khalet chose a restaurant on the embankment. During the meal the conversation became more personal. He asked why she didn’t Married.

 Victoria replied that she was busy with my career, haven’t met anyone yet the right person. Halet nodded, said he understood. His marriage fell apart because his wife didn’t share it ambitions, wanted a quiet family life, and He was building a business. Victoria sympathetically I listened. He added that he was looking for a woman, who understands the world of business and can be a partner, not just a housewife.

Victoria felt that he was assessing her as a potential couple. It was suddenly. She thought he was looking entertainment or short-term relationships. But Halet was talking about serious things. He mentioned that at his age and with his position is important reputation, that a woman next to it should match his status. Victoria understood the hint.

They saw each other for the next two weeks. times. Khalet invited her to restaurants, evening walks along the beach, on display yachts in the Marina. He was a gentleman, no he rushed things and didn’t demand intimacy, gave flowers after each meeting. Victoria came up with a reason every time, Why can’t he take her from the house? She said she was dating a friend.

nearby, that she has business meet near the restaurant. Halit did not insist. She gave the address hotel where I stayed overnight for counting his meager savings after every date. Maintenance costs images grew. Every meeting required new clothes, taxis, sometimes a night in hotel.

 Victoria spent everything she had I made money from advertising on Instagram. There was nothing left to send money to my mother. Mother called and asked when it would be next translation. Victoria promised in At the end of the month I was making up an excuse about delays in payments from clients. A month after meeting Halit invited Victoria to dinner at his villa.

He said he wanted to show her the house where lives so that she can get to know his life better. Victoria agreed, although inside alarm arose. Private territory meant less control over the situation. The villa on Palm Jumeirah stood on the beach with its own pier and beach. A two-story building with a white facade, with huge windows and a flat roof terrace.

 The guard opened the gate, the car drove down the driveway. Halet met Victoria at the entrance. Conducted by home. Living room with 6m high ceilings, marble floors, dark furniture wood, paintings on the walls, not reproductions, not originals. Victoria no I understood art, but I saw that These are expensive things.

 The kitchen is the size of hers studio in Sharjah. Swimming pool in the backyard went straight out to the bay, creating the illusion endless water. Dinner was served on terrace by the pool. The cook prepared four-course meal. The waiter was pouring wine. Victoria sat and realized that this was already This is not a game of renting props for an hour.

 This the real life of a real rich person the person she entered into by deception. After dinner, Halet took out a small box. opened. There was a bracelet inside, gold and diamonds. Victoria froze. Halet said he wanted to do it to her a gift because she is special. Allotment bracelet on her wrist. Victoria thanked, tried to refuse, I said it was too much, but Khalat insisted.

 He said that the woman is of his level must wear appropriate jewelry. Victoria returned to her studio late at night, I took off the bracelet, turned on the lamp, considered. On the inside there was a Cartier hallmark. She found a similar one model on the brand’s website. Price 25,000 dollars. Victoria felt dizzy. It was the money that was missing for mother’s operations. Almost the entire amount.

She spent the next two days thinking about what to do. The bracelet lay in the desk drawer, wrapped up. in a scarf. Victoria understood that his can be sold. There was a market in Dubai resale of luxury items, but this would mean betraying Halud’s trust. WITH on the other hand, their whole relationship was based on deception. She’s already cheated.

him every day, pretending to be the one who she was not. Victoria found a contact through friends reseller. The man agreed to meet at a cafe, I looked at the bracelet and checked its authenticity, offered $15,000. Victoria wanted more, but the reseller explained that when reselling without the cost of documents and boxes drops by 40%.

 Plus his commission of 15,000 or Nothing. Victoria agreed. Money they sent the money by transfer to her account in 2 days hours. She sent everything that same day. the amount to the mother, called in the evening. Mother cried with joy and said that now enough for the operation, you can sign up to the clinic.

 asked where her daughter got it from that kind of money. Victoria replied that closed a large contract with a client, received a bonus. Her mother blessed her, She thanked me and said she was proud daughter. Victoria hung up and sat in the silence of the studio. I realized that crossed the line. Now she’s not just created fake content for social networks.

She robbed the man who trusted her. But there was no strength inside feelings of guilt. there was fatigue and relief. Mother will receive treatment. This is the main thing. Khalet not I asked about the bracelet on the following meetings. Victoria didn’t wear it, when they saw each other, explaining that he was afraid to lose such a valuable thing.

 Wears only on special occasions. Halet accepted explanations. Their relationship continued develop. He called every day, was interested in things, sent messages Good morning. In 2 weeks Halet gave her a bag. Hermis Birkin. Black leather, gold fittings. Victoria found out model, I saw her in rental services for $50 a day, but I always counted too recognizable for its fake content. Now she was holding the real one.

Halit said that he saw it in the store and thought about her. Victoria hugged him, kissed on the cheek. Showed up for the first time physical intimacy. Halet smiled, hugged back. The bag went to a reseller in 3 days. Victoria received 27,000 dollars. The original price was 45,000. She sent her mother another 10,000 for payment for additional procedures after operations.

The rest he kept for himself as a pillow. security. For the first time in 3 years she has there were savings. The mother underwent surgery at the end of November. Victoria could not fly to Russia. Because Halet was expecting her at an important business lunch where I wanted to introduce to friends.

 She spoke via video link with mother from the hospital ward. Mother looked weak, but the doctors said that Everything went well. Need recovery and a course of targeted therapy therapy. The prognosis is good. Victoria I cried after the call from relief and from understanding the price that had to be paid pay.

 The business lunch took place in private club in Downtown. Halit introduced Victoria as his a girl to three couples. The men were his business partners, women are their wives. Everyone spoke English, discussed real estate, investments, plans for the holidays. Victoria kept up the conversation, smiled, answered questions about her work memorized phrases about consulting.

One of the women asked where Victoria was. studied. Victoria named the higher school economics in Moscow. The woman nodded, said she heard about it university. After dinner in the car, Halet said that She made an excellent impression. His Friends approved. Victoria realized that I took the test.

 Halet checked to see if he could she exist in his social circle. She passed the test. Gifts in December became more frequent. Rolex Watch, Earrings with diamonds, Maxmara coat, perfume Clive Christian for $1200 bottle. Victoria accepted everything, thanked, and then sold it through resellers. Money flowed like a river. She sent mother for therapy, saved the rest.

 For She’s been in a relationship with Khalid for 2 months. earned more than in 2 years of work in a shopping mall and a fake Instagram taken together. But a new one appeared problem. Khalid wanted more intimacy. He hinted that he wanted Victoria spent more time in his villa. He offered to stay the night. Victoria refused, making up her mind reasons.

 Early meetings at work, malaise, fatigue. Khalet was patient, but she saw it in his eyes questions. He was beginning to be surprised by her. constant refusal. He is also somewhat once I offered to take her from the house, I wanted see where she lives. Victoria every Once she avoided answering. said that in the apartment is being renovated, that her friend lives with it’s temporary and inconvenient to bring her guests, it is better to meet in restaurants, it’s more romantic there.

Halet accepted the excuses, but Victoria I felt that his patience was not unlimited. In mid-December, Halet made the proposal that put Victoria into a dead end. He said he wanted her to moved in with him, that they have serious relationship and it’s time to take the next step. The villa is big, she will have her own room, if she wants personal space.

But he wants to see her every day, wake up together, fall asleep together, build the future. Victoria froze. It was a trap. She I couldn’t move in with him because then the deception will be revealed. She has no things a rich girl doesn’t have a wardrobe that You can bring it, no personal items, photographs with family, documents that would confirm her legend.

 In her studio In Sharjah, cheap jeans are hanging and lying around empty refrigerator. The move meant the end of the game. Victoria asked for time to think, said that This is a big step, everything needs to be weighed. Halet agreed, but added that he did not wants to wait a long time, that in January he He is turning 47 and wants to meet Birthday with your beloved woman nearby.

Victoria nodded and promised to give an answer. after the holidays. She returned home in panicked, lay down on the bed, looked at ceiling, trying to find a way out. Can it was necessary to confess everything, but that meant the loss of Khaled, probably a scandal, Possibly problems with the law. In the UAE strict rules against fraud.

 She sold his gifts for tens of thousands dollars. This could be classified as theft. It was possible to disappear, to leave Dubai, return to Russia. But then I’ll have to quit my job, my account, everything. what she was building. Plus Halet knew her name, I’ve seen her face thousands of times in photographs. and he could find him in person through his connections.

The third option is to continue the game, deepening the deception. come up with a new legend, which will explain the absence of things when moving. Victoria chose the third way because I didn’t see any other way out that didn’t would destroy everything. A week later she met with Khalid and said that ready to move. But there is a problem.

 She in a quarrel with his father. A serious quarrel over her unwillingness to work in the family business. Father wanted her to come back to Russia and took a position in his companies. Victoria refused, she wanted independence. Her father, in anger, blocked all her accounts, which he controlled, took the keys from the apartment that I bought in her name.

She is currently living with a friend and is using the minimum of things that she had on moment of quarrel. Halet listened with seriousness face, asked how long ago this happened. Victoria said that a month ago, so she didn’t want to burden him I tried to solve my problems myself. Halet hugged her and said that she was a good girl, that he defends independence, that he will help that she will have everything necessary.

The next day Halet invited Victoria to the shops. They spent the whole day in shopping malls. He bought her clothes, shoes, accessories, dresses, suits, jeans, tops, underwear, cosmetics, perfumes. I didn’t ask the price, I simply pointed out to the consultants that pack. Victoria tried to stop at first, I said it was too much, but Halet said he wanted to provide for her everything to make her feel comfortable in the new house.

 They spent $200,000 in one day. Victoria I didn’t believe what was happening. It was more money than she had ever seen in her entire life life. Boxes and bags filled the entire SUV trunk. Khalet ordered more one vehicle for transportation. In the evening they They brought everything to the villa. Khalet showed Victoria, the room that I prepared.

Large bedroom on the second floor with dressing room and bathroom. Victoria I put the purchases on the shelves. Halet watched from the door, smiling, said he was happy to see her here, that now this is her home too. Victoria moved officially after 3 days. She has there were no things to move from the alleged friend’s apartment.

 only one suitcase with a minimum of personal items that she collected from a studio in Sharjah. Khalet not asked questions, accepted the situation as There is. The first days in the Villa were strange. Victoria woke up in a huge bed under silk bed linen. I had breakfast on the terrace where the chef was cooking whatever she wants.

 Spent days at pool or in the room, because quit my job at the shopping mall. told the manager that she was leaving countries. In the evening, Halet returned with work. They had dinner together, talked, watched movies in home theater. This was the life that Victoria showed on Instagram. Now she lived her for real, but there was no joy.

 There was constant fear revelations. Every conversation with Khaled, every question about the past, every mention of family caused tension. She lied constantly, remembered the lie, built new layers of deception on top of the old. Halet became more serious in his intentions, talked about the future, mentioned the possibility marriage, wanted to introduce Victoria to my family, brothers, mother.

 This scarecrow. The family will ask questions, check. Victoria postponed meetings, Referring to a quarrel with her father, she said that It’s awkward to meet his family when She has a conflict with hers. Khalet suggested help make peace, he said he wanted to talk to her father, explain that they are in a serious relationship, ask blessings, asked for a phone number father.

 Victoria was confused and said that father won’t talk, what is he too stubborn, it takes time. Halet insisted. said that as a man understands the importance of talking with his father Girls, this is correct according to tradition. Victoria gave a non-existent number, She said she would try to negotiate herself. First, prepare the ground.

 Halet agreed to wait a week. Victoria I understood that time was running out. She drove myself into a corner with my own lies. How The further the relationship went, the more difficult it became It was possible to get out without consequences. She tried to find a way out. I was thinking of hiring the man who will play the role of the father phone, but she understood that Halet would want personal meeting.

 I thought about confessing, but I was afraid of the reaction. Halet was influential a man in Dubai. She deceived him, sold gifts for a lot of money. IN In this country, people have been jailed for less. She will be deported at best. Victoria continued to live in the Villa, playing the role loving girl, smile, kiss Khaleda. to thank for the gifts.

 Inside anxiety grew. She slept poorly, I woke up from nightmares and lost my appetite. Halit noticed and asked if everything was okay in order. Victoria said that worries about his mother who is going through treatment. It was true, but not entirely. truth. Mother called once a week, I felt better after the surgery.

The doctors were pleased with the results. Therapy helped. She asked when Victoria will come to visit. Victoria I promised for the New Year, but I knew that I wouldn’t will be able to. Halet planned to meet holidays together at the Villa, arrange party for friends, imagine Victoria as his future wife.

 At the end In December, an event occurred that hastened the denouement. Khalet said for dinner, what does Victoria want to do? surprise. His mother will come to visit them tomorrow, wants to meet his son’s girlfriend. Victoria froze with a fork in her hand, asked why so suddenly. Khalet replied that his mother had found out about them relationship from the brothers and insisted on meeting. She is a traditional woman.

 For It is important for her to approve of her son’s choice. Victoria I didn’t sleep all night. I understood that my mother Khalyada will ask questions, check. Traditional Emirati families carefully select brides for their sons, especially in families with status. Victoria I didn’t know all the rules of behavior, spoke Arabic, didn’t understand culture at a deep level.

 She was Russian girl who portrayed a rich heiress. The meeting took place the next day in living room of the Villa. Khaled’s mother came with one of the brothers’ wives. Both women in traditional black obaya. Sat on sofa, drank tea that I made housekeeper. Victoria wore a modest outfit dress, put her hair in a bun.

 minimum makeup, tried to look respectably. The conversation went through Khaled, who translated from Arabic and English. Mother asked about Victoria’s family: “What What does your father do? Where does the mother live? Is there any? “Brothers and sisters?” Victoria answered. carefully.

 She said that her father was a businessman, The mother is a housewife, there are no more children. Mother Khaleda wanted to know what business. Victoria said: “Oil.” The mother nodded. asked clarifying questions. Victoria answered vaguely, referring to the fact that that her father doesn’t tell her the details of his work because of a quarrel.

 The brother’s wife was silent, but watched carefully. Victoria I felt an appraising gaze. After After an hour of conversation, the women stood up, said goodbye. Khalet walked them to the car and returned with smiling, he said that everything went well. Victoria’s mother approved of her and named her a well-mannered and beautiful girl, but added that she would like to meet Victoria’s family before they will become closer.

 Victoria realized that the trap snaps shut. Meeting with the family impossible. Father oligarch does not exist. Mother in Russia recovering after operations and does not know about the fake life daughters. Victoria can’t organize meeting without revealing the deception. Halet said, that he will ask his mother to wait until spring.

It will give Victoria time to make peace with her father, but in the spring it will be necessary to organize meeting of families. This is a tradition before engagement. Victoria nodded in agreement. Panic was growing inside. She understood that This can’t go on for long. IN They celebrated New Year’s Eve with a holiday together on the terrace by the pool.

 Halet ordered fireworks over the villa, opened a bottle of champagne for $1,000. V I kissed Victoria at midnight and said that this is the best year of his life that she changed everything that he wants to spend with her the rest of my life. Victoria smiled, hugged him, spoke words of response, I watched the fireworks over the bay and thought about when everything collapses.

 Not if, but when, because such deceptions do not last forever. Sooner or later the truth comes out. The only question was how exactly to do it will happen and what will be the consequences. She didn’t know that Halet had already started check that on the evening before the New Year year he called a private detective, which I used for testing business partners.

 Asked to bring it information about Victoria Sokolova. Complete name, date of birth, information from passports. Halet said he plans to marry. Wants to be sure he knows everything about the future wife. The detective promised results in week. The detective began work on January 2. His name was Karim, a former police officer, who opened after retirement private agency.

 He specialized to check business partners and investigations for the wealthy clients. Robe was his regular customer. the last 5 years. Karim checked potential investors, contractors, competitors. The clients’ personal life was checked a rarity, but not news. Karim received complete data from Khalid Victoria.

 First name, last name, date of birth from passport that Victoria showed when registering documents for a villa as guest. Karim started with basic checks. The visactorium turned out to be operational. Sponsor Dubai Mall. This is right away raised questions. The daughter of an oligarch with a working seller’s visa. Karim went deeper. He I found Victoria’s registration address through Immigration Service database.

Studio in Sharjah. Rented apartment. Karim I went there on the second day investigations. The house was an ordinary residential one. complex for middle-level workers class. Nothing luxurious. He talked with the security guard, showed a photo Victoria, asked about the tenant of this apartments.

 The security guard confirmed that The girl has been living there for 3 years and rents studio, regular tenant, quiet, pays during. Karim contacted his employer through an official request. Received confirmation that Victoria Sokolova worked as a sales consultant in cosmetics store until the end of December. Salary is $1,200 per month. Resigned voluntarily on 28 December.

 No signs consulting business or working with Russian companies. Karim’s next step was to check the profile. Victoria on Instagram. 850,000 subscribers, hundreds of photos of luxurious life. He started analyzing geolocations and details of the pictures. Some of the photos were taken in apartments that were rented out for short-term rental.

 Karim found advertisements for the same apartments on websites daily rent. Compared the interiors, coincided. The cars in the photos too aroused suspicion. Karim noticed that Ferrari and Lamborghini always took photos in parking lots, never on the move. He contacted several companies providing Supercar photo shoot services.

 In one one of the companies’ managers confirmed that Victoria was a client. I rented it cars for photo sessions at a rate of 150 dollars per half hour. Last time in October before meeting Khalid Karim found a clothing rental agency and accessories. In two of them in the database Victoria Sokolova was a permanent client.

 She rented designer dresses, bags, jewelry. The managers remembered her because she was a careful client, always returned items on time and in good condition condition. In 5 days Karim collected the full picture. Victoria Sokolova, ordinary a middle-class girl who worked I lived as a salesperson for a minimum wage in a cheap studio, she created a fake image on social networks through prop rental.

no oligarch father, no consulting business, no quarrel with family and blocked accounts. All was a fiction. Karim prepared a report on 30 pages. Included photos studios in Sharjah, screenshots of correspondence with rental agencies, confirmation of work in the shopping center, extracts from the database immigration service data, comparative analysis of photographs in Instagram and rental ads locations.

 also added financial information. Victoria’s bank account showed regular transfers to Russia for large sums. Over the last 2 months She sent $42,000. On January 7, Karim met with Khaled in in his office, handed over a folder with a report. Khalet read silently, turning the pages. Face petrified. When I reached the end, I closed it.

folder, put it on the table, sat for a few minutes without words. Karim waited. Khalet finally spoke and asked if he was sure Is Karim in the information? Karim replied that everything had been double checked, There is documentary evidence. Halet released the detective, asking Don’t tell anyone about the investigation.

Karim promised confidentiality. Left alone in the office. Halet looked in window to the city. I understood that the last 3 I lived in deception for months. The girl he I loved, I trusted, I I was going to make him my wife, but it turned out a fraudster. She used him as a source of money, I sold all the gifts.

 Played a role so convincingly that he believed it fully. It wasn’t easy for Khalid deception, it was humiliation. In Emirati culture, honor and reputation are of great importance. He presented Victoria spoke to her mother’s friends about engagement. Everyone thought he was dating with the daughter of a Russian oligarch, worthy party.

 Now, if the truth comes out, he will become a laughing stock. The Man Who Was Fooled a simple saleswoman. Halet felt fury. Not so much because of money. The gifts cost about 100,000 dollars. For him it was non-critical amount. Because of humiliation. Because of that she dared to consider him stupid, easily deceived, because that every kiss, every word of love were lies, calculated for profit.

Halet decided that there should be confrontation. He wanted to see her face, when he shows evidence. I wanted hear her try to explain. I wanted her to understand that it was a lie it cannot be done with impunity. He arrived at the villa in the evening. Victoria I met him as usual, kissed him, asked about the day.

 Halet behaved ok, smiled, hugged. Said, that he is tired and wants to have a quiet time evening at home. Victoria suggested dinner for terrace. Halet agreed. They We had dinner and talked about plans for weekend. Khalet suggested opening a bottle of champagne to celebrate the beginning years. Victoria agreed.

 They were sitting at pool. Evenings in Dubai in January cool. Temperature is about 20 degrees. The water in the heated pool was emitting light steam. The lights of the villa were reflected on surfaces. Khalet took out his phone, said he wanted to show Victoria something interesting. Connected the phone to a large screen mounted on the wall terraces for watching movies on in the open air.

 Appeared on the screen documents. Victoria didn’t immediately realize that sees. Then I took it apart. Photograph of her studios in Sharjah. Contract with the merchant Center for a job as a salesperson, screenshots correspondence with rental agencies cars and locations for photo shoots. The blood drained from his face.

 A glass of champagne almost fell out of my hand. She looked at Khalida. He looked at her coldly. with a look she had never seen before earlier. I flipped through the pages of the report screen. Every page was a blow. The evidence of her deception lined up an irrefutable picture. Victoria I tried to say something, but my voice stuck in my throat.

 Halet spoke calmly, without raising the tone. He said he hired detective to check her, that wanted to be I was confident before marriage that I had received full report on everything: about the present work, real apartment, about rent props for fake photos, o selling his gifts. Knows everything. Victoria started crying and said that can explain.

 Halet replied coldly, that I’m ready to listen. Victoria through tears told about her mother, about cancer, about an operation that cost 80,000 dollars, about what she didn’t have there was no other way to get money that she I didn’t want to deceive him, but it was the only way to save the mother. Halet listened in silence.

 When she finished, asked why she didn’t contact him Honestly, why didn’t you tell me about the problem? didn’t ask for help. Victoria replied, that they just met. She’s not I could ask a stranger that kind of money. Halit asked: “And deceive a stranger, using it as an ATM is Fine”. Victoria was silent, she understood that there are no excuses.

 She really is I used it, I could ask for help honestly, when they became closer, but chose the path of deception and selling gifts. Khalet stood up and walked along the terrace, he said that she humiliated him, put him out made a fool of myself introduce her to her mother and friends as a worthy woman, even though she is a fraud.

asked if she understood that in the UAE such things put you in jail, that selling gifts obtained by deception, qualifies as fraud. What he can contact the police and they will will spend several years in prison, then deports with a ban on entry. Victoria fell to her knees and begged not to to do this, she said that she would return everything, that he will find a way, that he will do what whatever you like. Halet looked down at her.

down, said that she had no money return that she sent all the money to Russia, that there is nothing to return. Victoria she cried and repeated that she would find a way, ask his mother to sell the apartment, will borrow from someone, will work and pay off a debt for years. Halet said that He is not interested in money.

 He’s interested justice. She must bear it punishment for what I did. Victoria in In despair, she tried to get up to leave. she said that she would leave right now and disappear, he will never see her. Halet blocked the way, he said that she would not go anywhere, until they decide what to do next. He called the security guard who was on duty at the gate.

Villas. Two people came out onto the terrace. Halet ordered them not to let Victoria out outside the villa. Victoria is in a panic rushed to the exit. The guards stopped not roughly, but firmly. Returned to terrace. Victoria screamed that she was being held against one’s will. that it is illegal. Halet said he just wanted to finish conversation that she is a guest in his house and must listen.

He continued speaking. He said that The problem is not only about money. The problem is that she had broken his trust, that Because of her, he will doubt people all my life, that she stole not only gifts, but also his belief that people can be honest. asked how she was can look in the mirror knowing that lives a lie every day.

 Victoria stopped crying and said quietly that he right that she is a terrible person, that deserves punishment, but asks to be taken into account, that I did it not for myself, but for mother that any daughter would do the same the most in her place. Halit replied that any honest daughter would find an honest way. took out a loan, applied to charitable foundations, asked help from the state, but Victoria chose deception.

 The conversation continued more than an hour. Victoria didn’t try anymore run away, sat on a sun lounger by the pool, clasping his knees with his hands. Khalet walked back and forth, speaking out the accumulated. At some point, his anger reached its peak. He shouted that no one has the right humiliate his family, that they disgraced him the name that must pay for it.

Victoria stood up and said she understood. his feelings, but must leave. I tried walk past him. Halet grabbed her by the hand, stopped with a jerk. Victoria tried to break free. Between them the fight began. Not cruel, but physical. Victoria tried to free herself. Halet held. She scratched his hands, tried to push. He held on tightly.

 They stood on the edge of the pool. Victoria made a sharp movement, trying to pull it out hand. Khalet instinctively squeezed harder. Victoria lost her balance. Her leg slid onto the wet tile at the edge. She fell backwards. Halet tried hold on, but the momentum was too much strong. Victoria fell into the pool.

 Water It was warm, but the blow was unexpected. Victoria plunged completely, choked, surfaced, coughing, she tried to hold on surfaces. The dress was wet and pulled down. She couldn’t swim well. The panic increased. She was struggling, choked on water. Halet stood on edge, looked, did not jump into the water, did not I held out my hand and just watched her is fighting.

 Victoria screamed and begged help, tried to swim to the edge, but Panic interfered with coordination. She was leaving under water, surfaced, went under again. Forces were ending. The guards stood at a distance, saw what was happening, but did not move. Waiting for the command from Khalid. The team is not was admitted.

 Khalid watched as Victoria is drowning. There was a cold look in his eyes rage. He didn’t help. Perhaps he thought, that she will swim out on her own. Maybe he wanted to, so that she would be truly scared. Maybe I didn’t think about it at all, just watched. Victoria went underwater in last time, it didn’t surface. Surface the pool became smooth.

 Halet watched another minute, then turned around and went away house. I told the guards that it was evening. finished, they can go. Security guards they looked at each other but didn’t ask any questions, went to the gate. The maid came in the morning to work at 8 o’clock. I started cleaning the terrace as usual, I saw something in the pool and came over.

closer, I realized that it was a body, I screamed. The gardener who was working came running in the yard. They called the police. First outfit arrived in 15 minutes. The officers pulled him out body from water. Victoria was lying face down down. Hair disheveled, dress torn, the skin is pale.

 The police stated death, fenced off the area with tape. They called in an investigative team and forensic expert. Halet came out of the bedroom when he heard sirens. I went down to the terrace and saw police, feigned shock. He said he didn’t understands how it happened that yesterday they had a peaceful dinner and drank champagne, He went to bed around midnight.

 Victoria she said she would stay a little longer, wants to sit by the pool. He assumed she had drunk too much a lot, lost coordination, fell in water. Tragic accident. The investigator asked questions. Halet answered calmly and confidently. He said that they were on good terms, were planning an engagement. None conflicts, just a romantic evening, which ended in tragedy.

The investigator was recording the testimony and asked about surveillance cameras. Halet replied, that the system has not been working for the last 2 days, We were waiting for a repairman to come and do the repairs. Investigator nodded and wrote it down. The forensic expert has arrived in one hour. examined the body on the spot.

Preliminary cause of death – drowning. But there were bruises on the body hands, abrasions on the wrists. Expert noted this in the protocol. Said the investigator that a full examination to determine whether these injuries before falling into the water or received at the time of drowning.

 The body was taken away to the morgue. The investigator completed the examination. scene of the incident, told Khaled that the investigation will continue, he asked stay in touch. Halet promised full assistance. Death Information did not make it into the local media. It’s strict in Dubai monitor news about incidents with participation of influential families.

 Only dry entry in a police report. Russian The consulate learned of the death of a citizen Rossigrav in 3 days when the police sent a standard notification. The consul scheduled a meeting with the investigator, demanded to provide details. The investigator told the official version. Accident. The girl fell She fell into the pool while intoxicated and drowned.

The consul asked about the bruises on the body. The investigator replied that it was likely that obtained by falling or attempting get out of the water. The consul is not satisfied with the explanation, demanded independent examination, contacted mother Victoria in Russia, reported about death of his daughter.

 Mother didn’t believe it at first, then she burst into tears and demanded that it be returned daughter’s body. I wanted to bury him in Russia. The consul promised to organize repatriation, but first it needs to be completed investigation. Russian pathologist I received permission from the consulate attend the autopsy and examine the body carefully, confirmed the drowning as cause of death, but drew attention to the nature of the bruises on the hands.

 They corresponded to the hold when someone squeezed his wrists tightly. Skin abrasions pointed to a struggle. There were also some on the neck traces of pressure, barely noticeable, but present. The pathologist prepared a separate report, indicated that death could not have been it’s random that physical data suggest a conflict before falling into the water, which is necessary interrogate witnesses and check testimony of the owner of the villa.

 Submitted the report to the consul. The consul sent a note of protest to Dubai police. Demanded expansion investigation, interrogate Khaled more details, find witnesses. Police replied that an investigation was underway in a proper manner that the testimony the owner of the villa was checked and found not to be there grounds to suspect crime.

 Consul I understood that things would not go any further. Khalet Al Maktoum belonged to influential family. His connections reached the highest levels of government in the Emirate. Police will not aggressively investigate the death foreigners at his villa without iron evidence of a crime. Khalid’s family I contacted my mother through a lawyer Victoria.

 Offered compensation in in the amount of 500,000 dollars for the tragic loss. She also promised to pay for everything. expenses for repatriation of the body and burial in in exchange for closing all issues and claims. Victoria’s mother first refused. She said she wanted to justice, not money. But the lawyers explained that to prove anything impossible.

 The cameras weren’t working, there are no witnesses. Medical examination showed drowning. There could have been bruises obtained by falling. The criminal case is not will open. The most she will get is a protracted investigation that will end with the same result, and compensation will allow her to finish treatment, don’t worry about money.

The mother accepted the offer and signed documents confirming the absence of claims. The money was transferred to her account. Body Victoria was delivered to Russia. Funeral took place in a small circle of relatives and friends. The mother stood by the coffin and looked at daughter, not realizing that in reality happened in Dubai.

 Victoria’s profile on Instagram remained active. Last The post was 18 hours before death. Photograph on the terrace of that very same the pool where she drowned. Sunny morning. Victoria in a white dress smiles at the camera. Caption under the photo. Living my best life. Diamond emoji and a star. Comments under the post continued to come after death.

 People wrote enthusiastic words, asked advice, admired life. Nobody knew that the girl in the photo was dead, that her luxurious life was meticulous lies behind the beautiful pictures hidden was a story of deception, despair and tragic ending. Khalet closed the case payment of compensation. Life has returned to normal channel.

 He continued to build towers, meet with partners, attend business events. None of His circle did not know the details of what happened. The official version is tragic. an accident with a girl who was his guest. The body of thirty-two-year-old Elena Rosario, citizen of the Philippines, was discovered on paved area at the foot of the elite skyscraper in Doha’s business district.

The official version, voiced by the local police, suicide due to depression. However, the materials that she managed to transmit it a few hours before death, indicated cold-bloodedness the murder that became the finale of her attempt open an international trade network children, organized by her employer, Qatari billionaire.

The case did not receive wide attention in the world press, and the key details were hidden behind formulations about the tragic accident. For Elena Rosario, an experienced nanny with twelve years of experience, The job offer in Qatar looked like winning the lottery. At 32 years old she managed to work in wealthy families in Hong Kong and Singapore, having earned impeccable reputation.

 She was famous with your patience, professionalism and sincere love for children. The money she sent home in Manila, went to the maintenance of her elderly parents and payment for the education of the younger brother at the university. An offer from a prestigious recruitment agency promised a monthly salary of $2,500, an amount three times greater than it previous income.

 The employer was listed as Said Al-Hamad, a Qatari billionaire, whose fortune was built on construction and investment. It was difficult to look after his two children: a five-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl. After a short while video interview with Said’s wife Amira, which seemed polite and to Elena educated woman, the contract was signed.

 In 2 weeks Elena was flying to Doha towards what she believed dream job. I met her at the airport a silent driver in a snow-white uniform, who escorted her to the representative sedan. A trip through the floodlit streets Doha’s avenues ended at the foot of one of the tallest towers in the area West Bay.

 A luxurious penthouse that occupied the entire fortieth floor was amazing imagination. Panoramic windows from floor to ceiling the ceiling opened up to a view of the Persian bay. Polished marble floors reflected the light of designer lamps, and minimalist furniture emphasized huge space. It was a world of wealth that Elena had never seen before.

I’ve only seen this in magazines. Children, five-year-old Leo and three-year-old Nina, turned out to be charming, but their The behavior immediately caused Elena to feel uneasy anxiety. They were unusually quiet and obedient. for their age, they hardly played and didn’t make noise.

 You could read it in their eyes a wariness that is not characteristic of children, surrounded by love and care. The first weeks were spent trying establish contact. Elena quickly noticed strange inconsistencies. The children were completely different from each other. Said, a man with characteristic Arabic facial features, nor his wife Amira.

 U the boy Leo had light brown hair and piercing blue eyes that made he looked like he was from the north Europe. The girl Nina had dark skin. and subtle traits characteristic of the inhabitants East Africa. One evening when Amira came back from shopping, Elena, Having plucked up my courage, I decided to ask a long time ago the question that tormented her.

 She’s neat asked if the children were foster. Amira’s face instantly turned cold and impenetrable. “Yes, they are adopted children,” she snapped. without looking at Elena. Their parents died in car accident. We won’t discuss this issue further. we’re coming back. The tone was such that Elena understood: “This is not a request, not an order.

” Only suspicions intensified when she discovered that the children don’t know a word of Arabic, which was the native language of the family. Between They didn’t talk to each other, but they tried Elena to speak to them in simple language English answered in monosyllables, with noticeable accent that she identified as Eastern European.

They seemed to exist in their own in his own isolated world, full of unspoken fear. Elena saw them shudder from loud sounds or sudden movements, such as instinctively cringe when Said enters the room. He rarely paid attention their attention. most of the time spending time in your office or on business meetings, but his presence seemed paralyzed the children.

These observations added up to an alarming a picture that had nothing in common with a story about the tragic deaths parents and happy adoption. Elena felt that behind the facade luxury and respectability are hidden a dark secret, and these frightened children were located in its very center. Turning point the moment came one late night, almost a month after Elena’s arrival.

Waking up from a quiet, stifled crying, she stood up and walked down the corridor children’s bedroom. In my bed, curled up in a ball, the little girl cried Nina. Elena sat down next to him and carefully hugged the girl. She’s used to the night ones. children’s fears, but this cry was different. There was a deep, conscious tone to it.

sorrow. “What happened, darling?” she asked quietly Elena, stroking the girl on the back. Nina pressed herself against her and whispered in her own language Broken English: “I want to go to my mom.” Elena’s heart sank. She continued stroke her soothingly, choosing the words: “I know, honey, I know.

 And do you remember? your mother?” The girl for a moment she fell silent and then said the phrase, which turned vague suspicions Elena’s chilling confidence. Don’t know. Uncle said my mother sold me. Elena’s world was turned upside down. Words spoken by a three year old child with an unchildlike resignation to fate, they were more terrible than any scream.

 It wasn’t It seems like a fantasy or a childish whim. It was the knowledge that was put into a little girl’s head to break her will. From that night on, Elena realized that She can’t just be a nanny anymore. She became the only person in this huge cold penthouse, who saw in Leoinine is not property, but the unfortunate stolen children.

 She was aware of everything the danger of one’s position. She was a disenfranchised foreign worker in a foreign country confronting a man with unlimited power and money. Contacting the local police would not be not only useless, but also deadly dangerous. No one will believe her, and Said without labor will make her look crazy or blackmailer.

The only way is to find irrefutable proof. Elena began her secret investigation, proceeding with extreme caution. She knew that Said’s office was forbidden territory. It was not allowed to enter there. even the cleaners without his personal presence. She began to watch him daily routine, remembering when it leaves and for how long.

The chance came a week later. Said and Amira left for an evening event. A charity dinner about which All the gossip columns in Doha were saying. Elena put the children to bed and waited, until silence reigns in the penthouse. She I knew that security was at the main entrance and near the elevators, but inside the apartments no personnel movements were controlled so strictly.

 Approaching door of the office, she discovered that she, as expected, locked electronically castle. But the week of observations did not pass for free. She saw Said, several once, having forgotten his key card, he opened it door, putting a finger to the little one scanner, and then entered the code on the barely noticeable panel.

 However, one day she I noticed how he, in a hurry, simply I took an ordinary one out of a vase in the hallway metal key. She took a risk check. The key was in place. hidden among artificial flowers. With bated breath she inserted it into the keyhole of her heart well. The click of the lock sounded in the silence deafeningly loud.

 Inside the office It smelled of expensive wood and tobacco. Elena I didn’t turn on the overhead light, using only the flashlight of my phone. She quickly looked around the table. polished polysander. There were lying on it only papers related to legal Said’s business. She began methodically check the desk drawers.

 The top two were were not locked and contained only office supplies accessories. The lower one was locked with a key. Having examined the bunch of keys that Said left on On the chest of drawers in the hallway, she found a small a key that fits the lock perfectly. Inside the drawer there was a thin folder made of dark leather without any inscriptions.

Elena opened it, and her hands trembled. There were non-business documents inside. First, What she saw were photographs of children. About fifteen color photographs passport format, attached to sheets with printed text. Children of different ages and nationalities, several blond ones, similar to Leo, There were a few dark-skinned people like Nina, too.

Asian faces. Under each photo there was a name, age and amount in dollars USA. From 30,000 up to 8000. People’s contact information was listed nearby, marked as suppliers with telephone numbers numbers and email addresses in Ukraine, Moldova, Ethiopia. It was a catalogue, a catalogue of living children. Scrolling further, she found printouts correspondence from the WhatsApp messenger.

The dialogues were conducted in English between Said and other subscribers recorded under names like Khalid Dubai or Fahad Errit. The messages were short and to the point. Looking for a boy, 4-5 years old, European appearance. You guarantee health. Eat new party. Three girls aged 4 to 6 years old white-skinned. Price is negotiable.

 Client satisfied. asks if there is a possibility find a sister for the previous one acquisitions. Elena felt sick. Said was not just the buyer, he was the center, the dealer in monstrous network of children for sale rich and childless Persian couples bays, which for one reason or another couldn’t or didn’t want to go through official adoption procedure.

She realized that Leo and Nina were just two of many. The goods have been purchased and delivered on request. Overcoming the attack of nausea and panic, Elena began to act. She methodically, page by page, I took pictures of everything on my phone folder contents: photos of children, price lists, supplier contacts, correspondence.

 Then she sent all the files my best friend in Manila, accompanied by a short message. If If something happens to me, pass this on to police and international media. Nothing ask and don’t answer. She knew she was sending her friend away. minefield, but there was no other way out. Having returned the folder and keys to their place, she left.

from the office, locking the door behind him. But It was easy to expose Said not enough. She couldn’t leave Leo. and an ode to Nina in this. That same night, overcome with despair, she took action one last reckless attempt. She’s quiet woke up the children, dressed them and tried take out through the service exit, hoping go down the freight elevator and unnoticed leave the building. But her plan failed.

An employee stopped her right next to the elevator. security. He was polite but not inflexible. “Madam,” he said in a calm voice. You are not allowed to leave the apartment with children without the direct instruction of Mr. Al-Hmad?” All pleas and explanations of what children need get some fresh air, crashed his composure.

The path to salvation was cut off. She found herself trapped on the fortieth floor with evidence that could be worth her life. Elena didn’t know that everyone was a step into the office and a subsequent attempt escapes were recorded. Said Al-Hamad, being a human being prudent and suspicious, installed a hidden system in the penthouse video surveillance that covered everything premises, including his personal office.

While sitting at a charity dinner, he I received a notification on my phone about movement in the office. Having turned on the broadcast, He watched in real time as the nanny he picks locks and takes pictures of his children secret documents and sends them with phone. His face did not twitch. He watched the show to the end, including an unsuccessful escape attempt with children.

 Silently putting his phone away, he apologized to his interlocutors, citing urgent matters, and together with Amiroi left the event. The journey home passed in complete silence. When they entered the penthouse, Elena was like I once put the awakened children back to bed in bed. Said calmly walked into his office, leaving the door open and gesturing called the nanny.

 Elena, come in, Please. His voice was even, almost friendly. When she entered, he pointed her on the chair opposite the table. In his hands was her phone. “You saw things you shouldn’t have. “See?” he said without preamble, scrolling through a photo gallery documents. “This creates a problem for both of us.” Elena went cold.

She was overcome with animal fear, but the sight of him the calm face caused a surge in her rage. She remained silent, looking him straight in the eyes. He He put the phone down and laced his fingers. But every problem has a solution. I’m ready offer you $100,000 in cash. You’re flying away right now. on the next flight, you sign non-disclosure agreement and forget about it everything that I saw here.

 You forget about these children, about me, about this house. This That’s a very generous offer, Elena. It will allow you and your family to live comfortably until the end of days. At that moment, Elena’s despair gave way contempt. She looked at this man in an expensive suit that spoke of buying her silence as casually as discussed buying children.

 She’s slow She rose from her chair and spat in his face. “You’re a monster!” – she shouted. “These children “Someone’s sons and daughters.” Said’s face distorted into a grimace of anger. He silently wiped face with a silk scarf. At that very second in two of his guards entered the office, Before this they were standing unnoticed behind the door.

“It seems we haven’t reached an agreement,” he said coldly. he said. Elena rushed to the exit, but the guards, tall and muscular, easily intercepted her. She is desperate she struggled, but her hands were grabbed with an iron grip. They dragged her through living room to panoramic windows. leading on spacious balcony. Said followed behind.

Stepping out into the piercing night wind, he pulled her own out of her pocket telephone. “You’ve already managed to send photos? “To whom?” he asked, looking in her eyes. Elena was silent, breathing heavily. Her gaze was fixed on the glass door leading to the living room. There, pressing our faces against the cold glass, Leo and Nina were standing.

 Their eyes were full horror. They watched in silence as the two Men are kept by their nanny. Said, no After waiting for an answer, he nodded to the guards. They lifted her up without the slightest effort and carried through high glass balcony railings. For a brief moment she hung in in the air, held by strong arms. The last thing she saw was the frightened faces of two children frozen behind window. Then the hands unclenched.

 Fall from the height of the fortieth floor took up a little more than 4 seconds. Official conclusion Qatar police was brief and not left room for interpretation. Suicide committed in a state of deep depression caused by longing for home and financial problems. The case was closed in record time. deadlines, but Elena’s friend is in Manila, having received the terrible news of death, fulfilled her last wish.

 She sent the received photographs and a copy correspondence to all major Philippine news agencies, and also sent a full package of documents to the headquarters Interpol. A quiet commotion broke out international scandal. Under pressure human rights organizations and Philippine government Qatar authorities were forced to launch an investigation.

Said Al-Hamad was arrested, but were kept in custody for only 3 months. He was released due to lack of evidence. Key witnesses from among his servants and the guards either refused to give testimony, or stated that nothing saw. A folder with documents that Elena took the photo and disappeared from office. Soon after his release, Said sold his property in Qatar and moved to Saudi Arabia, where are his traces? got lost.

 Of the birds of children whose photographs were in the folder, international organizations managed to find and return to their home countries only four. The fate of the rest, including Leo and Nina, remained unknown. Elena Rosario’s family received from Qatar government monetary compensation in the amount of $200,000 as humanitarian aid with a secret condition to stop any public accusations and contacts with the press.

 Story Elena, the nanny who gave her life in attempt to save other people’s children, and it didn’t work became public knowledge, remaining just one of many untold tragedies hidden behind facades of wealth and power.