"Hi, Jane. It's so nice to see you."
"Oh… Hi to you too, Lucas."
The man sat with his legs raised. He waved at her with a small smile before she was asked to sit next to him. Despite her doubts, Jane did as she was told. She wondered what was really going on.
"What is going on here?" Jane asked, not sure about the situation.
Jane's first thought was about how Lucas might be curious and want to use her services. Finally he dropped his good man facade.
That was probably the reason why he was in front of her now, even though they had only met last night. Jane didn't have any other possible thoughts or reasons. Jane looked at Madam Lexa and Lucas in turn. They both exchanged glances, as if wanting to know who would speak first.
Madam Lexa looked at Jane then.
"There is something that we need to talk about."
Finally! Someone finally spoke up and was willing to dispel the curiosity in her mind.
But okay? Jane understands that there must be something they need to talk about because she could not have been called here early in the morning, even when it's not her working hours. And whatever they want to talk to her about, it must be related to Lucas. Jane glanced at Lucas, who looked relaxed in his place.
"Go on. I'm all ears."
"You don't have to work here anymore starting today."
Jane felt her heart almost drop hearing what Madam Lexa said.
She couldn't remember ever making a mistake. She always did her job as best as possible, satisfying the men out there. Jane didn't understand. This job was very important to her and she couldn't just lose it like that.
Panic-stricken, she quickly rose from her seat and approached Madam Lexa.
Jane knelt in front of Madam Lexa, not caring if she looked like a woman with no self-respect at all. "Did I do something wrong? Oh my God. I will fix that! Please forgive me! I promise I will-"
"Jane!" Madam Lexa interrupted her while shaking her shoulders. "You no longer work for me, but you will work for Mr. Winters."
Jane turned to Lucas, who remained calm and watched her closely. "Huh?"
"Mr. Lucas bought you, Jane. At a very high price. He also paid off your debt."
Jane was still trying to process Madam Lexa's words and accept what was happening when Lucas stood up from his seat and walked straight towards Madam Lexa, who quickly stood up as well.
"Jane belongs to you now, Mr. Winters. She has no connection to this bar anymore," said Madam Lexa with a sweet smile, which was also returned by Lucas.
"Good. I'm glad to hear that," said Lucas as he reached out his hand for a handshake, which was promptly returned by Madam Lexa.
"It's been a pleasure doing business with you," she said.
He answered, "Likewise."
What Jane knew next was how Lucas took her out of the bar and headed towards his car.
Jane is still in shock and she just follows wherever Lucas takes her.
Jane still couldn't make sense of it all, but one thing was certain. She would take back her words about Lucas whom she believed was a good man.
This is crazy. This doesn't make sense.
Did she just get sold? Oh god… what in the world…?
The first time she worked in this dark world, letting her body be touched as long as she was paid adequately, Jane thought she couldn't feel any lower. But the world was happy to prove her wrong. Because now she truly felt so low.
Herself, her body, everything about her had become someone else's property. From head to toe. Every inch of her body. Maybe even her soul was included. Jane was no different from a decoration item in a store.
She couldn't do anything when she found out that Madam Lexa, who was now her former boss, had sold her without even trying to keep her or at least asking her first. She sold her to Lucas, a man she had just met last night. The man she thought was a good guy, different from the men out there.
It turned out to be the same, even worse.
"So, do you want pancakes or maybe waffles? Just tell me what you want to eat." Jane just stayed quiet, listening to Lucas's question. She had no intention of answering him.
Lucas took her to a café for breakfast together. And what could she do except to comply when he pulled her with his hand, which was also held tightly. It was like crossing the street.
"I don't want to eat. I don't want any breakfast. I just want an explanation from you. Now."
Closing the menu book he had been holding, Lucas called the waiter and ordered several kinds of food for them. He seemed not to care about what Jane had just said. It was only after the waiter who served them left that Lucas said, "You will get an explanation after we finish breakfast. That was the agreement."
Jane could only snort in annoyance, knowing that she had no other choice. She tapped her fingers on the table, impatiently waiting for her food to arrive. Not because she was very hungry, but because she couldn't wait to know what Lucas really wanted from her.
As if knowing that there was an impatient customer, their food arrived quite quickly. And without further ado, Jane started to enjoy her breakfast. Despite her annoyance, Jane had to admit that she was quite enjoying her breakfast this morning. The waffle she ate was really delicious and became even more perfect when she spread it with her favorite chocolate spread. In less than ten minutes, she had finished her breakfast."So, where is your promised explanation?" Jane urged Lucas, who seemed indifferent and was still busy enjoying his pancakes.Janem thinks that Lucas is getting revenge by not answering his question because he did the same thing to him earlier. He straightened up when he saw Lucas put down his knife and fork, a sign that he was done with his breakfast."It's not good to talk while eating, Jane," Lucas said after wiping his mouth."I don't need your advice. Now quickly tell me what all this means."Lucas cleared his throat before starting. "You know, I spent a fantast
Lucas thought his life was perfect. He had almost everything.Everything was complete, and he couldn't complain about his life. But that changed when his grandfather passed away. For the first time, he faced a problem that might ruin his life entirely.Willy, Lucas's friend, asked if he agreed with his idea. Lucas was at Willy's apartment, sitting on the balcony, enjoying the breathtaking view of the night. "What else can she do besides agreeing? She no longer needs to work as a prostitute, and I will give her a lot of money. She only needs to be my wife for a few months, and everything will be over." Lucas was desperate, thinking that there was only a dead-end for his problem. For the first time in a while, he thanked his friend Willy because he gave him an idea that he had never thought of before."I was just talking nonsense back then, Luke. Are you sure my idea can help you?" Willy asked, feeling a bit uncertain. "Do you have any better idea?" Lucas asked Willy, who remained silen
Jane breathed a sigh of relief as the train she was on arrived at its destination. She quickly got up from her seat and walked out. With a little haste, she walked past several people, wanting to get out of the crowded station as soon as possible.It had been about six months since she last set foot in New Oak to check on Serra. Blame her job for not allowing her to visit her sister frequently, but now that she was free, she could visit her sister whenever she wanted.As usual, she would stop by the flower shop first to buy flowers for her sister. Serra wouldn't be happy if she visited her after so long without bringing anything. She chose beautiful and bright daisy flowers that reminded her of her sister's figure."Thank you," she said as she received her ordered flowers, which had been beautifully arranged, and quickly left.Jane looked around, curious if anything had changed in her hometown. Unfortunately, every time she went to New Oak, she only went to the hospital and accompanie
"I'm going home, Uncle. Take care." Lucas said, closing the door to his uncle's hospital room softly so as not to disturb him, as he seemed to be falling asleep due to the medication he had been given.Taking a deep breath, Lucas was grateful that he didn't have to spend any more time at the hospital. He had no personal issues or grudges with his uncle that would make him want to spend any more time here.What he disliked about the place was the environment. Lucas hated hospitals. For him, the hospital easily made him feel uncomfortable. So when the nurse entered his uncle's room earlier and gave him medicine, Lucas was ecstatic inside.He quickly said goodbye and promised to visit again later, having already spent the morning and afternoon with his uncle. If he didn't leave now, he might end up spending the night there.Lucas was only disappointed that his parents couldn't come with him to visit his uncle, who had suffered a heart attack a few days ago. If they had come, Lucas wouldn
With happy steps, Lucas entered the luxury apartment complex where his girlfriend lived. It felt like only yesterday when Lucas came here alone, picked a unit that he thought was suitable, and finally bought it for his beautiful girlfriend. And that was about five years ago.How fast time passed, but that wouldn't affect the love he had for her. They were still like a new couple in love. At least for him.With a beautiful flower bouquet in his hand, Lucas pressed his girlfriend's apartment bell. He could have gone straight in because he knew the password, but he was a true gentleman. He wouldn't just enter a woman's place like that, even if the woman was his own girlfriend. He had both respect and great love for that woman.While waiting, Lucas looked at the hallway where he stood now. It was really quiet, the main reason he chose this apartment. It was in line with his desire to hide his girlfriend from her family. Speaking of her family, he really hoped that none of them knew he was
Lucas could feel his respect and admiration for his late grandfather grow each time he looked at the photo. The photo, displayed in a large frame in the family room, showed his grandfather with a serious expression that could intimidate anyone, including Lucas himself. Despite this, Lucas found his grandfather incredibly authoritative and handsome.Lucas wasn't sure when it started, but looking at the photo had become an unconscious daily routine."Mr. Lucas must be very sad about the passing of the Grand Master.""Of course. Mr. Lucas was his favorite grandson."He often overheard the servants whispering like this and chuckled inwardly. They weren't entirely wrong, but Lucas didn't want to confirm their words entirely either. Everyone grieves the permanent loss of a family member, unless they're a psychopath. Lucas was indeed sad. His grandfather had been a constant figure in his life since he was born. The reality that the founder of the Winter Group was no longer around felt like a
Jane woke up to the sound of the doorbell being pressed constantly. Sometimes she got annoyed with herself for being so easily woken by noises. It would be nice if she could sleep through it like other people.Dragging herself out of bed, Jane walked to the door to see who had disturbed her peaceful sleep. She wondered who would visit her apartment and ring the bell so rudely. It couldn't be the landlord, as she only came around for late payments, and Jane had paid her rent through the end of the year.So, who could it be?Without bothering to check, she opened the door, only to be met by the angry face of her best friend."You! There's so much you need to explain to me!"Of course, it was Kayla. Who else would be so disrespectful to her?Without waiting for an invitation, Kayla barged into the apartment. She put her bag on the table and headed to the kitchen, opening every cabinet and the fridge, pulling out various food items, and starting to put on the apron that hung haphazardly o
“I’M GOING CRAZY!” Jane screamed, letting the documents Lucas had brought to her apartment the other day fall over her face. Lucas had never mentioned that memorizing details would be part of her role as his temporary wife.The last time Jane had to memorize so much was back in high school, specifically for her terrifying final exams. She never imagined she’d have to do it again years later.In her mind, she kept repeating the answers to potential questions she might face.Her name is Jane Sharpe. Not Jane Summers .She works as a secretary at one of Willy’s company branches in Minst.Her parents are deceased, and she is an only child.She and Lucas first met when he visited Minst a few months ago. From there, they slowly fell in love.Willy had crafted this entire lie for her to recite, and it was her job to memorize it. Jane agreed, to some extent. Preparing for battle with strategies and tactics was wise for achieving a decisive victory.She was about to turn to the next page when
“I’M GOING CRAZY!” Jane screamed, letting the documents Lucas had brought to her apartment the other day fall over her face. Lucas had never mentioned that memorizing details would be part of her role as his temporary wife.The last time Jane had to memorize so much was back in high school, specifically for her terrifying final exams. She never imagined she’d have to do it again years later.In her mind, she kept repeating the answers to potential questions she might face.Her name is Jane Sharpe. Not Jane Summers .She works as a secretary at one of Willy’s company branches in Minst.Her parents are deceased, and she is an only child.She and Lucas first met when he visited Minst a few months ago. From there, they slowly fell in love.Willy had crafted this entire lie for her to recite, and it was her job to memorize it. Jane agreed, to some extent. Preparing for battle with strategies and tactics was wise for achieving a decisive victory.She was about to turn to the next page when
Jane woke up to the sound of the doorbell being pressed constantly. Sometimes she got annoyed with herself for being so easily woken by noises. It would be nice if she could sleep through it like other people.Dragging herself out of bed, Jane walked to the door to see who had disturbed her peaceful sleep. She wondered who would visit her apartment and ring the bell so rudely. It couldn't be the landlord, as she only came around for late payments, and Jane had paid her rent through the end of the year.So, who could it be?Without bothering to check, she opened the door, only to be met by the angry face of her best friend."You! There's so much you need to explain to me!"Of course, it was Kayla. Who else would be so disrespectful to her?Without waiting for an invitation, Kayla barged into the apartment. She put her bag on the table and headed to the kitchen, opening every cabinet and the fridge, pulling out various food items, and starting to put on the apron that hung haphazardly o
Lucas could feel his respect and admiration for his late grandfather grow each time he looked at the photo. The photo, displayed in a large frame in the family room, showed his grandfather with a serious expression that could intimidate anyone, including Lucas himself. Despite this, Lucas found his grandfather incredibly authoritative and handsome.Lucas wasn't sure when it started, but looking at the photo had become an unconscious daily routine."Mr. Lucas must be very sad about the passing of the Grand Master.""Of course. Mr. Lucas was his favorite grandson."He often overheard the servants whispering like this and chuckled inwardly. They weren't entirely wrong, but Lucas didn't want to confirm their words entirely either. Everyone grieves the permanent loss of a family member, unless they're a psychopath. Lucas was indeed sad. His grandfather had been a constant figure in his life since he was born. The reality that the founder of the Winter Group was no longer around felt like a
With happy steps, Lucas entered the luxury apartment complex where his girlfriend lived. It felt like only yesterday when Lucas came here alone, picked a unit that he thought was suitable, and finally bought it for his beautiful girlfriend. And that was about five years ago.How fast time passed, but that wouldn't affect the love he had for her. They were still like a new couple in love. At least for him.With a beautiful flower bouquet in his hand, Lucas pressed his girlfriend's apartment bell. He could have gone straight in because he knew the password, but he was a true gentleman. He wouldn't just enter a woman's place like that, even if the woman was his own girlfriend. He had both respect and great love for that woman.While waiting, Lucas looked at the hallway where he stood now. It was really quiet, the main reason he chose this apartment. It was in line with his desire to hide his girlfriend from her family. Speaking of her family, he really hoped that none of them knew he was
"I'm going home, Uncle. Take care." Lucas said, closing the door to his uncle's hospital room softly so as not to disturb him, as he seemed to be falling asleep due to the medication he had been given.Taking a deep breath, Lucas was grateful that he didn't have to spend any more time at the hospital. He had no personal issues or grudges with his uncle that would make him want to spend any more time here.What he disliked about the place was the environment. Lucas hated hospitals. For him, the hospital easily made him feel uncomfortable. So when the nurse entered his uncle's room earlier and gave him medicine, Lucas was ecstatic inside.He quickly said goodbye and promised to visit again later, having already spent the morning and afternoon with his uncle. If he didn't leave now, he might end up spending the night there.Lucas was only disappointed that his parents couldn't come with him to visit his uncle, who had suffered a heart attack a few days ago. If they had come, Lucas wouldn
Jane breathed a sigh of relief as the train she was on arrived at its destination. She quickly got up from her seat and walked out. With a little haste, she walked past several people, wanting to get out of the crowded station as soon as possible.It had been about six months since she last set foot in New Oak to check on Serra. Blame her job for not allowing her to visit her sister frequently, but now that she was free, she could visit her sister whenever she wanted.As usual, she would stop by the flower shop first to buy flowers for her sister. Serra wouldn't be happy if she visited her after so long without bringing anything. She chose beautiful and bright daisy flowers that reminded her of her sister's figure."Thank you," she said as she received her ordered flowers, which had been beautifully arranged, and quickly left.Jane looked around, curious if anything had changed in her hometown. Unfortunately, every time she went to New Oak, she only went to the hospital and accompanie
Lucas thought his life was perfect. He had almost everything.Everything was complete, and he couldn't complain about his life. But that changed when his grandfather passed away. For the first time, he faced a problem that might ruin his life entirely.Willy, Lucas's friend, asked if he agreed with his idea. Lucas was at Willy's apartment, sitting on the balcony, enjoying the breathtaking view of the night. "What else can she do besides agreeing? She no longer needs to work as a prostitute, and I will give her a lot of money. She only needs to be my wife for a few months, and everything will be over." Lucas was desperate, thinking that there was only a dead-end for his problem. For the first time in a while, he thanked his friend Willy because he gave him an idea that he had never thought of before."I was just talking nonsense back then, Luke. Are you sure my idea can help you?" Willy asked, feeling a bit uncertain. "Do you have any better idea?" Lucas asked Willy, who remained silen
As if knowing that there was an impatient customer, their food arrived quite quickly. And without further ado, Jane started to enjoy her breakfast. Despite her annoyance, Jane had to admit that she was quite enjoying her breakfast this morning. The waffle she ate was really delicious and became even more perfect when she spread it with her favorite chocolate spread. In less than ten minutes, she had finished her breakfast."So, where is your promised explanation?" Jane urged Lucas, who seemed indifferent and was still busy enjoying his pancakes.Janem thinks that Lucas is getting revenge by not answering his question because he did the same thing to him earlier. He straightened up when he saw Lucas put down his knife and fork, a sign that he was done with his breakfast."It's not good to talk while eating, Jane," Lucas said after wiping his mouth."I don't need your advice. Now quickly tell me what all this means."Lucas cleared his throat before starting. "You know, I spent a fantast
"Hi, Jane. It's so nice to see you." "Oh… Hi to you too, Lucas." The man sat with his legs raised. He waved at her with a small smile before she was asked to sit next to him. Despite her doubts, Jane did as she was told. She wondered what was really going on. "What is going on here?" Jane asked, not sure about the situation. Jane's first thought was about how Lucas might be curious and want to use her services. Finally he dropped his good man facade. That was probably the reason why he was in front of her now, even though they had only met last night. Jane didn't have any other possible thoughts or reasons. Jane looked at Madam Lexa and Lucas in turn. They both exchanged glances, as if wanting to know who would speak first. Madam Lexa looked at Jane then. "There is something that we need to talk about." Finally! Someone finally spoke up and was willing to dispel the curiosity in her mind. But okay? Jane understands that there must be something they need to talk about because