Part 3

Chelsea sat in front of her vanity table, gazing at her swollen face that had just stopped crying. Witnessing and hearing her parents' arguments, which always seemed to fill her days, was taking its toll on her. Life was becoming more complicated by the day.

Chelsea closed her eyes, the echoes of her mother's shouts replaying in her mind.

"I don't care anymore, Tomas. You have to divorce me right now!" Margareth, her mother, demanded a divorce from her father. She couldn't bear to continue living a life of poverty like this.

Meanwhile, Chelsea had been working tirelessly to help support her mother's presence. It wasn't that Chelsea was afraid of her mother leaving home, but she didn't want the woman who was so beloved by her father to go, which would only worsen Tomas's condition. Margareth had been Chelsea's father's main source of support and encouragement all this time. Chelsea didn't quite understand why.

"I can't give you a divorce yet," Tomas whispered, still hoping to salvage his marriage with the woman he had adored.

If only Margareth hadn't interfered in the company's affairs that day, and if only she hadn't fallen for the fraudulent investment, their lives would undoubtedly be in a better state. They would still be wealthy, able to buy anything without worrying about the cost. Such was the extent of Tomas's love for Margareth that he had granted her every wish. And it was that very love that had led them to being scammed and ending up poor like they were now. But Margareth never acknowledged her mistake and instead blamed Tomas, hurling insults at her husband.

Since falling into poverty, Margareth had changed boyfriends frequently, seducing businessmen to get branded items and anything else she desired. Unfortunately, she never shared anything she obtained with Chelsea or contributed to Tomas's medical expenses. She spent it all selfishly as if she had her own world.

Chelsea was actually tired of her mother's behavior and wanted to kick her out, but Tomas's condition was her consideration before doing anything drastic. After all, Margareth was still Chelsea's mother.

"I want to marry my lover. Can't you see this diamond ring on my finger? It's proof that he loves me so much. Please, help me find a way to marry him as soon as possible. I'm tired of living like this because of your foolishness and stupidity. We've come to this point!" Margareth's harsh words echoed in Tomas's room.

Tomas sighed deeply, trying to turn his body so he wouldn't have to face his wife. He had thought of divorcing Margareth at times, but he was afraid no one would ever love him the way she had. He was frail and could only function halfway, suffering from aches and pains.

Who else would take care of him? Even though Margareth hadn't cared for him, her presence still served as a source of strength. If they divorced, who would be his source of strength? There was Chelsea, but the love he had for her wasn't as strong as the love he had for his wife.

Margareth was everything in his life, the reason he had survived up until this point.

"Tomas, please, just divorce me. Sign this paper so I can get married. I'm begging you," Margareth pleaded, kneeling before the bed where Tomas lay. Even though he had turned his back to her, she didn't care. All she wanted was his signature so she could proceed with the legal process at the religious court.

She was determined, even willing to change her affection to Carlos, who had been treating her so well.

Chelsea's plan was now clear. She would finalize her divorce from Tomas and then find a suitable partner for her son, Vano, who she planned to marry off to Chelsea. Matching Vano with a potential wife wouldn't be a problem. Margareth intended to pair Vano with Chelsea, so they could both marry into wealthy families, securing their happiness.

Margareth had decided to forget about Tomas, who could no longer provide anything of value. All that mattered to her was that she and her daughter could find happiness in their new lives.

"Mas!" Margareth called out, frustrated by Tomas's lack of response. "Come on, don't make me force you with violence," she threatened as she got up and circled the bed to face Tomas.

Tomas closed his eyes, seemingly ignoring her words. Margareth was annoyed and, in her frustration, she threw the divorce papers she held onto Tomas's face.

"I swear, you'll die because of your selfishness. You won't give happiness to your wife!" she berated before storming out of the room.

The scene was painful for Chelsea to witness every time Margareth and Tomas argued like that. Margareth always exploited Tomas's helplessness for her own gain. Despite the lack of intimacy between them, Tomas still loved his wife deeply. Chelsea sighed and reached for the dress she had placed on the bed.

The dress was revealing and extremely short. She had received it from Indri after their meeting with Carlos earlier. Indri had mentioned it was her favorite dress for her dates. The dress was beautiful, but it was unfortunately too revealing, with a very low neckline and an incredibly short hem.

Chelsea didn't know how Indri managed to date like that with her lover, but she was determined to make it work. She put on a long skirt underneath to cover up, wore a jacket to conceal her shoulders and the low neckline, and allowed her hair to cascade over her face, which she hid under a cap.

"Where are you going at this hour?" Tomas asked as he saw Chelsea getting ready to leave.

"I have a small job, Dad. I'm baking some cakes at Indri's place. The pay is good, so I'll be back soon. If you need anything, just call me," Chelsea assured, holding Tomas's hand and placing a kiss on the back of it.

"Take care," Tomas advised before Chelsea left. She offered a smile and nodded, feeling guilty for lying to her father. But she had to do it for the sake of getting money, and the bonus was potentially separating Margareth from Carlos.

"Penginapan Pelita," that's what the sign said on a dimly lit inn. The inn was slightly away from the bustling city. Chelsea was confused as to why Carlos had chosen to meet her there when there were so many luxurious hotels or apartments available.

Recalling her mother's claim about the diamond ring on her finger being a gift from her lover, it indicated that Carlos was incredibly wealthy. But he had chosen to meet her in this shabby inn.

Before entering the inn, Chelsea removed her long skirt, jacket, and cap. She caught a glimpse of her appearance in the motorbike's rearview mirror. She also whispered a prayer to Indri for strength as she approached Carlos. Walking gracefully, yet with determination, she headed towards the reception desk to inquire about the room registered under Carlos's name.

After learning that Carlos was waiting in room 04, Chelsea quickly made her way there. Her heart pounded as she counted the room numbers. "Here it is," Chelsea whispered, opening the door to room 04.

In the dimly lit room, Chelsea saw Carlos sitting in a chair, his legs crossed and his arms folded. The room's lights were turned off, with only the bedside lamp casting a soft glow across the room.

Chelsea stared at him, feeling a mix of nervousness and uncertainty. She closed the door and locked it, afraid that someone might suddenly barge in and see what they were about to do.

"Do it if you really want to be my sugar baby," Carlos requested, challenging Chelsea as she had suggested.

For some reason, Chelsea's inner voice told her she was doing this out of compulsion rather than her own desire. It was evident in her nervous demeanor and the way she seemed to force herself.

Chelsea nodded, though Carlos could barely make out her agreement in the dim light. Slowly, she began to remove the mini dress she was wearing. Gradually, the last remaining coverings on her body came off. There was nothing left to obstruct Carlos from fully enjoying her exposed form.

Chelsea squeezed her eyes shut tightly. She sat on Carlos's lap and took his large hand, guiding it to one of her soft mounds.

"Come on, Sir," Chelsea whispered, her voice trembling. She was afraid that Carlos would take away her innocence.

Carlos tried to remain composed, even as his passion surged uncontrollably. He had managed to resist Margareth's advances that went further than this many times before. But with Chelsea, he was struggling. In a matter of seconds, he felt the tenderness and suppleness of her skin, and he was aroused.

"$2000 for servicing me in bed, $10000 if you're still a virgin and can make my son Vano fall in love with you. There will be so much wealth in the future if you two get married," Carlos spoke, before Chelsea pressed her finger to his lips.

It was difficult to speak, but Carlos managed to express the agreement they hadn't discussed yet.

"$10000?" Chelsea repeated, pulling away from Carlos.

Carlos nodded. "Yes, I have the agreement letter. It's up to you whether you want to be my sugar baby or my daughter-in-law," he offered.