chapter 7

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The day broke peacefully, but the tranquility felt deceptive, like a calm before a storm. Sweet bird songs drifted in from the garden, their cheerful melodies jarring against my restless thoughts.

"Stupid birds..."

The cold morning air crept through the walls of the empty mansion, amplifying the oppressive silence that wrapped around me. I shuddered involuntarily, the chill seeping into my bones.

"Gosh, I can’t even get a good night's sleep in this fucking house," I muttered, tossing and turning in my sheets, gripping the fabric tightly as if it could shield me from the unease settling in my stomach.

Perhaps it wasn’t just the cold that unsettled me. Maybe it was this place...the loneliness of it....or the weight of the job looming ahead.

Whatever it was, it didn’t matter, I needed to shake it off, and quickly at that.

With a sigh, I rolled over and reached for my phone, desperate for a distraction. As the screen lit up, I began scrolling through adult videos, trying to drown out the nagging anxiety of the night that awaited me .

They never took my actual phone, which always left me wondering ...was it a deliberate act of manipulation?, a way to keep me tethered while they held the reins.

But my mind kept drifting back to yesterday—the whirlwind of excitement and dread as I chose my dress for the gala. The vibrant fabric hung in my closet like a promise, an invitation to a world of glamour that felt just out of reach. The thought of facing that crowd tonight sent a thrill of anticipation mixed with fear coursing through me.

my fingers caressed my thigh hungrily , as I bit my lip in anticipation, the lust had engulfed me like a flame. the cold felt unpenetrable as my body felt hotter by the minute, my fingers strided slowly between my thighs , giving my bean a slight flicker , i trembled.

**crunch**

Just as I started to lose myself in the videos, a sudden rustling from outside shattered the fragile calmness.

I froze almost instantly, my heart pounding in my chest. It wasn’t the wind. The sound was deliberate, like something or someone was moving through the garden.

"what the fuck?"

Curiosity ignited within me, pushing aside my hesitation. Setting my phone aside, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, feeling the cold floor beneath my feet. I crept toward the window, the chill in the air intensifying with each step. As I peered through the glass, shadows flitted among the bushes, elusive and mysterious, and a thrill ran down my spine.

Who or what was lurking out there?

I squinted harder, trying to adjust to the interplay of light and shadow outside. The garden looked enchanting from where I stood , lush and inviting, as it always was.

It had become my favorite part of this lonely mansion.

“Maybe it’s just a squirrel or something?” I murmured to myself, trying to shake off the lingering unease.

Whatever it was, it certainly got me out of bed. I stretched, my feet dragging across the cold floor as I made my way to the bathroom.

The hot shower cascaded down my back, soothing away the remnants of fear and doubt that clung to me. Once refreshed, I slipped into a pair of jean shorts and a simple T-shirt, feeling more grounded with each passing moment.

My eyes darted to the vanity, where the envelopes I had been given lay neatly. A surge of determination filled me as I thought of returning to my apartment after all this was over .....finally able to pay off my loan and reclaim a semblance of the normal life I once had.

Taking a seat in front of the mirror, I pulled out the portfolio containing the details of my target.

“Tristan Agress,” I whispered, the name rolling off my tongue like a forbidden secret.

His striking gaze flashed in my mind, almost black just as I predicted , capable of commanding any room.

I could almost recall the scent that lingered around him .....a mix of something rich and something undeniably magnetic.

I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply as if his essence could fill the space around me. But no matter how compelling he was, he was just a man.

....a man I intended to break.

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The evening rolled in faster than I anticipated. I had kept myself occupied throughout the afternoon, tending to the garden in hopes that the work would keep my mind from spiraling. I even wandered over to the spot where I’d heard that strange sound earlier. After a thorough inspection, I found nothing out of place.

Just a squirrel, probably. A small smile tugged at my lips—how silly it was to think otherwise.

With the garden in order, I shifted my focus inside, finding comfort in the accomplishment of chores. I decided to “redecorate” .

though that was really just my fancy way of saying I moved the large vase from its usual corner to the entrance of the staircase.

I had been meaning to do it for a while now.

The vase was enormous, heavier than I had thought, and the task took longer than it should have.

But after several minutes of grunting and adjusting, it finally stood in its new spot, proud and stately.

I stepped back, hands on my hips, surveying my work with a sense of accomplishment. The place suddenly felt more put together, like I had restored some missing order to my surroundings.

" Not bad"I thought.

For a moment, I let myself feel satisfied, even going so far as to give myself a little pat on the back. Moving that vase wasn’t a small feat—it had been a battle, and I had won.

**buzz buzz**

I heard it , it sounded faint but I heard it , my phone from my room , who could that be , I made my way up the stairs , slightly sweaty from the work I did , my fingers seemed to slip from the railings , upon reaching my empty room , glancing at my phone on the bed.

it was a text from an unknown number

"you're running late" ......

hmm who could've sent me this?

"fuck!"

Panic surged through me as the realization hit—how could I have lost track of time? I snatched my phone from the bed, my fingers trembling slightly as I glanced at the clock.

**5:15 p.m.**

I had less than an hour to get ready. My chest tightened.

“Shit, shit, shit!” I muttered, running through my mental checklist.

"Dress, hair, makeup"—it all felt like too much to pull off in time. But there was no backing out now.

I tossed my phone onto the bed and bolted for the closet. The dress I had chosen for tonight—delicate and sophisticated with string-like straps and a neckline that hinted at just the right amount of skin hung there, almost mocking my lack of preparation.

I grabbed it quickly, laying it on the bed before racing to the bathroom.

The mirror reflected a disheveled version of me—slightly sweaty, cheeks flushed from the afternoon's activities. No time to overthink. Stripping out of my clothes, I hopped into the shower, letting the cool water wash over my skin, washing away the day's grime and settling my nerves. The pressure was intense, but I worked fast, my mind already jumping ahead to what was next.

I stepped out, dried off quickly, my 3C curls springing back to life. There was no time for perfection, but I knew how to manage them. A little curl cream, and I smoothed out the frizz, letting the natural coils frame my face in loose, controlled waves. The dampness gave them just enough shine, and even in my rush, they fell perfectly around my shoulders, soft and full of bounce.

Makeup was quick but precise

"foundation , a light touch of blush to give me that feminine touch , mascara to open up my eyes, and a bold lip that brought everything together. In a matter of minutes, I had transformed. I looked polished, elegant, and not at all like I had been sweating over a garden just hours earlier.

By **5:40 p.m.**, I was slipping into the dress. The fabric clung perfectly to my curves, hugging my waist and hips in all the right places while the neckline offered a tasteful hint of cleavage. My fingers worked with practiced ease, adjusting the delicate straps on my shoulders.

I picked up the perfume on my table , giving myself splash..... something floral....with a hint of lavender

Despite the rush, everything fit as if I’d spent hours preparing. I smiled at my reflection. I still had it—pulled off perfection in a pinch.

I grabbed my heels, stepping into them just as my phone buzzed again. The clock was ticking.

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” I muttered under my breath, purse in hand as I hurried down the stairs.

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