After the door closes, I jerk myself from the bed, forgetting my headache. I need to know what this damn place is and why it is hitting me with a sense of fear and worry.
I open the door slowly, like a slave trying to escape from her cage, but a voice stops me from popping my head out. "Hello, boss!" Someone greets him along the corridor with a tone a bit softer than his, and I get eager to listen to their conversation, so I hide behind the door.
"Ajay, hello! I was about to send it to you. How have things been running in my absence?" That was Ejay. And, did I hear him say, Ajay? What a good rhyme of names! Is he his son or brother?
"Everything is fine, boss. Except for, well, you know who. She hasn't been of any help." Ajay's response aroused my suspicions. I feel there is something fishy here. My head is about to burst with pain again, but I force myself to listen a little more.
"Talk to her one more time, and let her know that I am giving her the last chance. If she does not want to take this last chance, you know what to do."
"Okay, boss. I saw you come in with a new one. She looks really pretty, even with a bandaged head. She's quite a charm. Great asset."
What are they possibly talking about? What kind of an asset will I be to them? Just what the hell is this place?
"Her case is different. A bit complicated. But we will see." Ejay responds in his despotic, fearsome tone.
"I trust you, boss." Ajay says.
"I'll be in my office until the time." With that, they end their conversation, and I close the door.
I shuffle to the bed, holding on to the wall for support because my head is pounding and my vision is a bit blurry. I take my meds, and I hope I saw the right prescriptions with my so-fading vision, then I climb to bed. As much as I am worried about everything, as much as I would like to know where I am and what this place is, the pain is uncontrollable. I need to have the strength to even think things through first, which I don't have right now. My eyes close on their own, and I can feel sleep taking over as my head continues to pound and burn with unbearable pain.
Hours later!
I am woken up by my grumbling stomach, and my head is not hurting anymore. Peeling my eyes, I scan the small black room once again. The black theme makes this place more dark and gives you a very scary feeling. It doesn't feel familiar. I walk to the bathroom to ease myself and come back. I sit on the bed, trying to recover any single memory of the days before today, but still, none comes to mind.
I want to cry because I have a lot of questions that need answers, and I doubt there is anybody to answer them. Remembering the conversation between Ejay and Ajay, I spring to my feet, opting to look for Ejay. There is nothing much I want from him, actually. I don't want to know anything about this place or who he rescued me from. I just want to go home, if I have any, which I believe I do. With the kind of clothes I am wearing, how well my hair looks despite it not being combed today, and my type of shoes, I know I am not from the street. With that in mind, I leave the room after taking one type of medicine as per the prescription and head out.
But where do I start looking for him?
I start walking past the other rooms along the corridor. Just as I was about to start descending the stairs, something caught my attention. In the room just next to the stairs, I hear voices, and I take a step back. Coming near the door, I lean on it and decide to eavesdrop. It's a man and a lady, and it doesn't sound like a normal conversation. They somehow sound like they are fighting.
"Please have mercy on me, even just for today. I have not healed, and I can't bear the pain today. Please!" That was the lady's voice.
"Shut up!" A male voice shouts, and the sound of a resounding slap echoes. The lady cries due to pain. "I did not pay money to come and listen to your stupid stories or watch you cry. I paid for your duties. And your duty is to please me. So get up and undress, and stop wasting my time."
What? What's going on here? Is making love by force? And what's that about paying for her duties? What the... "I said, Get up! If you behave like a nice girl who knows what she is here for, I might go easy on you. But if you insist on crying, I will make sure to leave you with double the bruises you already have. So choose!" The man's cold voice speaks, sending shivers down my spine.
I pity the woman in front of him. What kind of animal is he?
"Okay, Mr! Please have mercy on me." Mr. So it's not her husband or boyfriend? Why is he forcing her, even after pleading? Does he not have a sense of humanity? Isn't that abuse?
"Good! Now kneel down like the slave that you are, and please your master." The man says this as the lady continues to hiccup with sobs. What sort of inhumanity is this? He can't control his desires, even at the expense of hurting her.
Without thinking, I knock on the door at once, loud enough for them to hear. I can't allow someone to be abused while I am in a position to help. When nobody opens, I knock again and again, and I keep knocking and knocking until finally, the door flows open, revealing a man fuming with anger in front of me. He has only a towel wrapped around his waist and very disgustingly protruding nonsense between his legs. I take advantage of his confusion to peek inside, and I see a naked lady sitting on a bed, wiping away the tears from her face. She looks so sympathetic!
"Are you okay, miss?" I ask, trying to get in, but Mr. Inhumanity doesn't let me through. Upon hearing me, the lady jumps from bed and stands up, forgetting she is even naked. She shakes her head, tears flowing again. Her cheeks are terribly red!
"Are you sure you know where you are? How dare you interrupt us like this?"
This shameless monkey of a man has the guts to say I interrupted them? Oh, well, if that's it, I am glad I did. I prevented you from hurting a woman for your stupid desires.
"Aren't you ashamed of forcing someone to quench your stupid desires against her wishes? What kind of human being are you? Let her go!" I say to him, trying to push him aside so that I can get to the lady who is now gathering her clothes on the floor and getting dressed. But what kind of clothes are these anyway?
"What in the devil's name is freaking happening here?" A voice comes from behind me, making me turn around, and I collide with a gun pointed at my head and a very angry man behind the trigger.
I stand trembling like a leaf in a hurricane. I do not want to die, and this man like him can blow my sick brains out any minute. "I am... I just saw this man.""Drop the gun, Rjay!" Now that voice is familiar. I heard it the very first time today on my hospital bed, though. And, Rjay? Is everybody here a Jay or what? They might as well rename me L-Gia! Tsk! "Yes, boss." The so-called Rjay drops the gun, and Ejay stands behind me, wrapping his hand around my waist, which doesn't feel good at all."What happened?" Ejay asks, and sensing the atmosphere, I know there is a connection between what was happening in this damn room before I decided to play heroin and this bunch of Jays. But what sort of business is this?"She disturbed them, boss," Rjay spoke, and Ejay cast a glance at me with his scary eyes."I am sorry, Mr. Delgado. Forgive her; she is new and has no clue. Carry on. Thirty extra minutes with her as part of my apology." I gave Ejay the most confused and dangerous look I cou
It's a chilly Friday evening, marking my two-week stay in this goddamned brothel, known as The Well's Club. The only thing I am grateful for these past two weeks is my recovery. I had my bandage removed a few days ago, and the headaches do not come often. They only come when I tend to think a lot.Unfortunately, my memory is not yet back, and that sucks! Second, at least this monster called Ejay has not introduced me to this thing of random men paying for a lady's nonsense duties or asking me to go swing my almost naked body on stage in the name of entertaining his illegal business partners like ladies here do. I don't blame them, though. They just follow the orders of the high and mighty drug lord, Ejay. Yes, this is not just an ordinary club. It is the dwelling place of all evil. From the sale of drugs to prostitution, the brothel, and keeping girls against their will, God knows what else makes me pity the girls. I pity us. I do not know how long I will be privileged, given that I a
Ejay, with his long legs, managed to catch up with me before I could even get inside the entertainment room. I wish he didn't, though, because we wouldn't be walking hand in hand with my hand tucked in his arm right now. The only good thing about this suffocating act is that none of these hungry dogs will get near me. So, in a way, I am glad, but I dare not show it.We get to the entrance, and his so-called bodyguards open the door for us, like they usually do, after greeting their boss. The music is playing, and the room is filled to capacity as usual, with men sipping their drinks and disgustingly running their filthy hands on the girls on their laps. I hate this sight, but more, I hate the part where they walk up to the rooms upstairs to do only God knows what to these helplessly innocent girls. Some of them have accepted their fate and willingly follow the rules without being pushed around, but the majority are yet to come to terms with this life.If only I could help them! But I
Days have gone by, but things in my head are still the same. I am still trying to come to terms with my new life after losing my memory, which is taking a toll on me. It's so difficult. I know nothing about my previous life except that I was a musician. Well, I still am.I have been listening to my songs through the laptop Ejay gave me, and I wish I could go back to my usual self. The purse that Ejay gave me had nothing inside it aside from my ATM and a chain. He said the ID was there too, but just like he does with the girls here, he confiscated it for the usual security reasons. There is no phone that I can track down people with, and nothing else useful.The question lingering in my head is: What did the people who supposedly wanted to kill me want? Money? It's been weeks of beating myself up, trying to figure out what really happened to me. What happened to my family if I had one? But nothing comes to mine, and there is no sign that I will be lucky to know anything any time soon b
Weekends are known to be the busiest days at the Wells Club, mainly Saturdays and Sundays. Men come in huge numbers, almost double what we have on weekdays. This is usually the peak for Ejay. He collects millions of dollars in a normal day, meaning these two days he collects more than double. He is a rich bastard. Filthy rich with dirty money. He is cursed even by the heavens!Today, being a Friday evening, I should be in the entertainment room with Ejay and everyone else as usual, but I excused myself. I faked a headache and remained in my room. I needed to prepare for what I was about to do. It's crazy, I know. I don't know if Ejay will agree to my deal, but I must try. I will give it my best. I look at the time on the wall clock. It's twenty minutes to ten past midday. Perfect. I get to the shower and take a quick one, then come back. I scan my closet for something unique. A dress I haven't won The idiot bought me a lot of them. I finally settle for a sleeveless royal blue floral-f
Today marks exactly two months and one week since I came to this place. And today is the beginning of another chapter in my life. I have no idea what awaits me ahead of this journey that I am just starting, but I am starting anyway, and I am not looking back. I have replaced all the bitterness I had for this place, and Ejay in particular, with the hope and determination to reinvent myself, but that does not mean I am accepting to spend my life here with these murderers. One thing I have vowed to myself is that no one will distract me from this course. I am fighting for my freedom. I am chasing my happiness, and I am willing to pay the price. Whatever the price,Isn't it said that it's not because things are difficult that we don't dare; rather, it's because we don't dare that things are difficult? Well, I have no one as far as I know, and if I don't dare to help myself, then no one will come to my rescue. I am not going to wait to helplessly die here, like a useless dog. I have refuse
It's almost ten, but here I am, still on stage. My two hours of performance have doubled because these monkeys are asking for more, and more, and more. I feel tired. I feel exhausted. I am so drained that I feel like I am fainting the next second. I scan for this senior monkey, Ejay, in the room, but he is nowhere to be found. Where on earth did he go? I need him to come and talk to his men. I need a rest before crying out loud!"I greet you all!" I decided to help myself since Ejay left me hanging. Instead of answering my greetings, they all stood, clapping their hands. I look at the girls, who have been busy serving drinks and performing their duties, without missing a chance to show how amazed they have been by my performance. I wish I could sing until past midnight. That way, I will steal the time for these hungry men to have their demonic desires quenched. But can I? "I am happy that you are all enjoying the night, and I understand that you want me to continue, but I am so draine
It's so dark in this room. It is so dark that I cannot recognize the faces of the people around me. All I can hear are croaked voices that are so confusing. I don't know if they are the voices of men or women, because they are inaudible too. I try to take a close look at their faces, but all I see is darkness. I stand up and walk towards something that looks like a door, with a little light coming in through it. I still don't see anything but darkness. What is this place? I turn to walk back inside, but I hear two voices calling my name. One is coming from inside the house, and the other from outside. The one from outside is for a girl, clear and audible enough, and the one from inside is for a man, struggling to breathe. I stand on the spot, listening to the voices again, and they call me a second time all together. "Who is it?" I ask, taking a few steps into the darkness outside, but the male voice calls for me, making me stop. They both need my help. Who should I go to first? Who i
As the plane descended over Nairobi, the city's familiar skyline welcomed Deep and Gia back home after their three-month absence. The sun bathed the landscape in a golden glow, casting a warm embrace over the land they had missed dearly. Exiting the airport, they were greeted by the bustling energy and vibrant colors that characterized the city. Deep couldn't help but notice the changes in the skyline—the new buildings that had sprung up during their time away. "It feels good to be back," he remarked, a sense of belonging settling in as they made their way through the familiar streets. Driving through the city, memories flooded back—places they had visited, experiences they had shared. "It's like we never left," Gia exclaimed, her eyes taking in the sights of Nairobi's lively streets. "Kenya always feels like home," Deep replied, a smile tugging at his lips. Arriving at their house, they were greeted by familiar faces—neighbors excitedly waving and welcoming them back. The warmth of
After exchanging vows and being pronounced husband and wife, Deep and Gia set off on a remarkable journey—a honeymoon pulsating with the allure of Boston City. The city's rich history and vibrant culture drew them in, promising a blend of enchanting escapades and romantic exploration. As they stepped into their hotel room, overlooking the bustling streets, Gia's eyes twinkled with excitement. "Deep, can you believe we're finally here? It's going to be incredible," she said, beaming with enthusiasm. Deep chuckled, his arm wrapping around her waist. "Absolutely, love. Ready to uncover the charm of this city together?"Their first day in Boston was filled with wanderlust as they traversed the cobblestone streets, absorbing the city's historic vibes. They visited the renowned Freedom Trail hand in hand, immersing themselves in the tales of the American Revolution. "This place holds so much history," Gia remarked, captivated by the stories echoing through time. Deep nodded, feeling the wei
"Gia, from the moment I met you, my life took on a new meaning. Today, as I stand here in front of our loved ones, I promise to love, cherish, and support you through every joy and challenge that life may bring.I promise to be your partner, your confidant, and your best friend. I vow to always listen with an open heart and to comfort you in times of need. Your dreams will be my dreams, and I will do everything in my power to see them come true.I promise to laugh with you in moments of happiness and hold you close in times of sorrow. I vow to respect and honor you and to stand by your side as we navigate the twists and turns of life together.I pledge to build a life filled with adventure, understanding, and unwavering love. I promise to create a home filled with warmth, where our love will continue to grow deeper with each passing day.Gia, you are my rock, my guiding light, and my greatest love. With all that I am and all that I have, I give you my heart and my soul for all eternit
As Gia stood at the threshold, ready to walk down the aisle toward her beloved Deep, a whirlwind of emotions surged within her. Her heart fluttered with anticipation, and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears of joy.With every step she took, the soft melody of the music echoed through the venue, setting the tone for the momentous occasion. As she moved forward, the aisle seemed both endless and fleeting, each step carrying a weight of significance and a sense of elation.Surrounded by the love and support of family and friends, Gia felt overwhelmed by the outpouring of emotions. The sight of familiar faces, the soft murmurs of admiration, and the loving gazes directed her way intensified the feelings swirling within her.Her eyes met Deep's as she approached the altar, and the sheer depth of love reflected in his eyes washed over her, calming the storm of emotions within. In that fleeting glance, a silent promise passed between them, a promise of a lifetime filled with love, support,
Gia stood in awe of her reflection, feeling a surge of emotions coursing through her as she beheld herself in the exquisite gown. The gown's intricate lace detailing hugged her figure delicately, enhancing her natural elegance. Layers of soft silk cascaded gently around her, creating an ethereal aura that seemed to float around her with every movement.Her dark hair, adorned with fresh flowers intertwined delicately within the curls, exuded an air of natural sophistication. The delicate veil, adorned with handcrafted lace that matched the gown's details, fell gracefully, framing her silhouette with an air of timeless beauty.Grace entered the room, her eyes wide with admiration as she witnessed her sister's transformation into a radiant bride. "Gia, you look absolutely breathtaking!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.Gia turned to her sister with a smile, her eyes shimmering with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Thank you, Grace," she replied, feeling a sur
Gia, adorned in her wedding planner hat, gracefully approached the cake matrons and caterers in the bustling wedding venue. With a calm yet assertive demeanor, she aimed to ensure that everything was in place for the grand event."Hello everyone," Gia greeted them warmly, her tone carrying a sense of urgency. "We've got just a few hours left before the ceremony, and we need to ensure everything's set."The cake matrons and caterers looked up, acknowledging her with attentive nods. Gia's earnestness was evident, and they knew the importance of meeting her expectations."We need the cakes to be arranged and the desserts set up in their designated stations by the agreed-upon time," Gia continued, emphasizing the criticality of their roles in the wedding's success. "The guests will soon arrive, and I want everything to be picture-perfect."Gia observed the cake matrons meticulously arranging the tiers of the wedding cake, ensuring each detail aligned perfectly with her vision. Approaching
Deep and Gia sat comfortably on the plush couch, a sense of anticipation lingering between them. The soft glow of the living room lamps illuminated the cozy space, creating an ambiance conducive to their wedding preparations. Wedding magazines and planners adorned the coffee table, their pages marked with colorful tabs and notes—a testament to their joint effort in planning the perfect wedding."Where should we begin?" Gia asked, flipping through a magazine filled with venue options. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, reflecting the dreams she had for their special day.Deep leaned in closer, studying the magazine. "How about a location that resonates with both of us? Somewhere that holds meaning for our journey together," he suggested, his tone reflective of a desire to create a meaningful experience.They deliberated over venues, themes, and guest lists, each detail adding to the tapestry of their shared vision. "I'd love to incorporate elements from both our cultures," Gia said, tr
Gia had always carried music within her soul, a harmonious symphony entwined with her essence. Yet, for too long, the melodies had remained dormant, overshadowed by the trials of life. But now, a spark had reignited her passion.With each lyric she penned and every note she strummed, Gia felt the familiar rush of emotions flooding back—a cathartic release through music. Her return to the music scene wasn't just a comeback; it was a resurrection of her deepest passion.In the intimate setting of a studio, surrounded by a cocoon of creativity, Gia poured her heart and soul into crafting songs that mirrored her journey—songs that resonated with raw emotion and authenticity. Her fingers danced across the strings, weaving melodies that echoed the ebbs and flows of her life.The studio walls absorbed her voice, carrying the weight of her experiences, as she sang with unbridled intensity. Each word she sang seemed to carve its place in the hearts of those who listened, evoking emotions that
In the quaint setting of their family estate, Paul and Sheryl's wedding preparations were in full swing. The air was tinged with excitement and joy as family and friends came together to create a magical celebration."Sheryl, darling, you look breathtaking!" exclaimed Mrs. Marlow, Sheryl's mother, as she adjusted the veil with delicate care. Sheryl beamed at her reflection in the mirror, the excitement radiating from her eyes."Thank you, Mom. I can't believe the day is finally here," Sheryl replied, her voice filled with joyful anticipation.Meanwhile, Paul stood with his groomsmen, ensuring every detail was perfect. "I hope the flowers are set," he remarked, glancing at Martin, who nodded in assurance."Everything's in place, Paul. Don't worry," Martin assured him, patting his shoulder with a reassuring smile.As the ceremony drew closer, the atmosphere buzzed with lively chatter. Grace and Gia, assisting with the last-minute arrangements, shared a moment of reflection."This is bea