Chapter 4 Other Sin

Clara smiled sweetly as she walked up to a man who was sitting at the end of the room enjoying a glass of wine.

"I know you are beautiful, but I did not think you were this beautiful, Flo." He greeted her, pulled her into his lap, and offered her a glass of wine.

"I don't drink." Clara shook her head.

"Oh really? Why? This is Dom Perignon. You don't regret turning it down?" He raised an eyebrow.

Clara smiled and shook her head slowly. "I don't drink." Strictly speaking.

"I like women with principles." He said as he brought his lips closer to Clara's.

Clara reached out, her finger stopping his lips. "And I don't do kiss," she whispered.

"What?" He looked at her in surprise. “Are you kidding me? No sex is without a kiss on the lips!” He stared angrily.

Clara had often seen surprised looks from the men who were her clients. And she was also used to responding to shock.

“I don't really want to kiss on the lips, but I can offer something better. You wanna try?” she asked with a seductive smile. She lowered her head and pulled the towel wrapped around his waist to find something she was looking for.

That man groaned. His hand holding the wine immediately let go of the glass. He enjoyed what she is playing on his private parts more than wine. Every movement paralyzed his nerves, sending pleasant sensations that were so shocking. He stared at her in amazement. There has never been a woman who can do a blow job as well as that woman.

"Is this enough to make up for my refusal?" Clara asked with a sweet smile.

"More than enough," he growled as he grabbed Clara's head to continue her game.

"So you accept my terms?" Clara held her head back up and stared at the pia with erotic flashing eyes.

“Deals. Let's not do a kiss."

***

"What's your name?"

Clara turned her head while combing her hair in front of the mirror.

“Flo,” she answered calmly. She gave a sweet smile, not the teasing smile she showed when she first came to that place.

“I know that Flo is an alias. You must have a real name, right?” He stood up, walked over to Clara and touched her back gently.

Clara grabbed his hand, and then she shook her head slowly. "We're done." She strictly spoke.

"Oh really?" He took a deep breath, then nodded slowly. “Give me your number. Next time I'll give you double what Rachel gave you.”

Clara smiled, “I don't accept orders other than from Maam Rachel. You have to contact her if you want to see me again.”

“Rachel is a cunning woman. She saved the best for the last. I remember that I ordered you a month ago, but I only got you now.” He said with a snort, "then how long do I have to wait to see you?"

Clara didn't answer. She just smiled and shook her head slowly. Inwardly she swore at the man.

There is no next time. For Clara, there is only one chance for a man to touch her—spend the night with her. After that, she will disappear. She doesn't accept the same client for a second time.

"Give me your account number. I'll send you a tip." He said while holding out his cell phone.

Again Clara shook her head, "I don't accept any money other than Rachel."

His eyes widened briefly, "I also have cash if you want."

Clara shook her head. "I'll go home." She said as she stood up.

"Wait!" The man walked up to her. This time it wasn't a cell phone but a business card. “You can contact me whenever you change your mind. Remember well, I offered twice as much money as Rachel, and I accept all your terms, including no kiss."

***

Clara splashed her body with cold water as soon as she came home. She let the shower water wet her clothes and hair—removing every trace left by the man who had just touched her.

She is disgusted with her own body. She is disgusted with her life, her job, and her decisions. However, no matter how hard she tries to stay away from the dirty work, in the end she will come back again.

“Cla? Are you at home?”

Someone's voice was heard, followed by a knock on the door.

Clara opened her eyes, "wait a minute!" She shouted as she stood up and immediately turned off the shower.

Her clothes were wet, and so was her hair. But the make-up still looks neat on her face. So she quickly removed her make-up and changed her clothes.

"Hey, did you just shower?" Louis frowned when he saw Clara open the apartment door with wet hair.

Clara nodded her head. "What is it? Why come here at this time of night?” she asked.

Louis blinked, then walked into the apartment to follow Clara. "I brought dinner. Let's eat!" He said while holding up a food wrapper from a well-known restaurant.

Clara raised an eyebrow, "you came here just to invite me to eat?" She massaged her forehead gently.

"I called you, but you didn't answer. Then I came to the hospital to visit Anthony. Elena says you're still at home. And I can guess you haven't eaten." He smiled, then took a plate from the kitchen and gave it to Clara. “Eat. Don't make excuses," he said with a smile.

Clara exhaled slowly.

In this world, apart from Anthony, Louis was a worthy person. Since two years ago, Louis has been the only friend she has.

"Where have you been today? Why don't you come to college?"

Clara looked up, “I'm busy working. You know that Anthony's condition is getting worse."

Louis reached out to hold Clara's hand. “If you need money, you know that I wouldn't mind giving out my savings. Even if you don't want to accept it for nothing, consider it a debt you must pay off.”

Clara smiled and nodded her head. She didn't know if God still remembered her after all the sins she had committed. However, if God really exists, then Louis must be proof of His existence.

“I still have a little saving from my parents. However, I still have to work hard, right? I don't know how long the money will last. Besides, Anthony will soon have heart surgery.” She said with a short smile.

"Oh, God. Why didn't you tell me? I think he went to the hospital just because of a normal problem. I didn't know things were this bad." Louis looked at her apologetically.

Clara bit her lower lip. "I do not know what to do. I can't even remember the last time I touched my phone. Sorry for forgetting to call you."

"Clara," Louis looked at him seriously-a look that was rarely shown by him, "you know that you can always contact me whenever you need me." he said.

"Don't talk like that," Clara pursed her lips, "you make me want to cry."

Louis stood up and sat beside Clara. He hugged her tightly, stroking her hair gently, "you can cry now." he said.

***

Clara stepped quickly into Anthony's room. Her heart was pounding fast when she heard her brother's voice on the phone.

"Clara, where are you? Come here. I want you here."

All this time, she had always hoped for a miracle, and this time a miracle came to her life. Anthony regained consciousness, and his condition was getting better.

"Calm down, Cla! Don't run like that!” Louis took her hand—holding it as Clara bumped into a woman who was walking in front of her.

“Sorry,” Clara muttered, looking at the woman.

“Watch you way, girl!” The woman said angrily.

"Forgive us," Louis joined in. He pulled her away and left the woman.

Clara let go of Louis' hand as soon as she entered Anthony's room. Her tears flowed as soon as she saw Anthony smile at her. The boy's face was pale, but he tried hard to greet Clara with a smile. Beside him were Elena and doctor Benjamin who were doing a check-up.

Clara breathed a sigh of relief, then hugged Anthony.

"Are you okay, Cla?" asked Anthony.

Clara almost cried when she heard the question from the little boy.

Shouldn't she be the one asking Anthony?

"I'm okay. Are you okay?” she asked. She kissed Anthony's forehead and smiled.

Her world seemed to stop when she couldn't see Anthony. In fact, she thought that she would never be able to see Anthony again.

"I'm good. The doctor said that I had fainted for two days. But I'm fine. After this, I will have surgery, and I will be fine. Is that right, doctor?" Anthony asked while looking at Benjamin.

Doctor Benjamin took a deep breath and nodded slowly. "Yes, you will get well, Anthony," he said with a smile.