chapter 5

Bethy Hillstorm*

My eyes fluttered wide open and I found myself in an unfamiliar room again, the softness and warmth the bed gave, made me want to close my eyes and fall asleep again.

I sighed as it dawn on me that I just slept with him for the second time.

Last night images flash across my mind, the fact that I let him use me for his lustful desires, irritation wash over me and I quivered.

When will this end? will this really be my role untill am stable enough, untill when will I continue to do this?

Agreeing to this had reduce my self respect, I felt really low.

I had regret but I couldn't change anything, I don't think I had other choice.

What choice do I have? Leave my father to the cruel hands of the ailment? Or the company that came crumbling down, or the loan shark organization who wouldn't hesitate to end my life if I don't meet up before the deadline.

That moment he brought the deal up, I fell for it because I was desperate.

All I saw that time was my leverage to get rid of the debt and live my life with freedom.

Last time when we first met, he woke up earlier than me so I dreaded turning to mys side to check if he's already awake, I started to think of a way to get out of here quietly, I do not have the guts to show my face to anyone after selling my body.

I slowly turned my head and luckily his bed side was empty, he must have waken up hours ago.

I gaze around the room to check if he's still around, I waited for more minutes before moving to confirm if he had already left.

Seeing nothing that shows his presence I slowly got up and picked my clothes which had already been neatly folded on the armrest.

I rushed to dress up, picked my phone and found out I got an email, it's read that twenty million dollars had been accredited into my account.

Wow! That was fast, at least I can relax a bit that he's doing his own part of the deal.

I looked around me feeling disoriented, my head was at the verge of splitting in two, I really need to form the habit of waking up early, but fatigue is slowly winning me over.

I got up and tried to find my way to the bathroom, my hand was holding my head which felt too big and heavy for my slender neck.

Thankfully I found the bathroom and rushed into it, I hastily did my morning routine, I quickly washed my face and turned to go out when a small note draw my attention.

It reads: Lucas would take you home. Take care of yourself.

Oh, that was something, at least he isn't treating me worst.

I picked up a pen besides the note and without giving it a second thought I quickly scribble "Thank You" at the back of the note.

I hope he gets it though.

I stepped out of the bedroom after noticing that I remember to pick all my belongings.

On my way out I stopped, confused at where to go, Emilio's villa doesn't really seems to be as simple as it's look yesterday.

I found myself walking around in the long hallway with several turns.

Fantastic! I just lost my way out of here.

I can't even remember my way back to the bedroom, the rooms all looked the same.

Sh*t I should have paid attention to my surroundings yesterday but what could I have done when Emilio was kissing me senselessly....he lifted me in his arms and....

I smacked myself on my face in embarrassment.

Bethy what are you really thinking about now?

I try to open the only door that looks different amongst them all and it's wasn't even locked.

It's seems Emilio isn't that careful with locking doors for his privacy.

I peeked inside and to my bewilderment it's was just another bedroom, but this one was exquisite, it's looks like it's was made for new couples on honey moon.

My lips hung loosely as I bathed my eyes with the beautiful sight, the dust on the red heart shaped balloons looks like the owner didn't get to use the bedroom.

God! Who would miss such a beautiful room that can take any bride breath away?

Even with the milky transparent curtains which had turned brown due to dust and the cobwebs on the bed stands and around every corner of the room, it's still took my breath away.

The dust and cobweb gave it a gothic feeling.

I couldn't help my curiosity and my legs took me inside, I took a closer look on a frame which lie face down on the bedside table not minding the dust stuck to my palm and clothes.

I gaze with trembling hand at the picture of Emilio and a gold haired lady....the lady...was beautifully dressed in a wedding gown!

What is this?

It's seems to me that Emilio was the groom, they looked so happy together, I've never seen Emilio smile like this before, his deep blue eyes were shimmering with delight.

She had her hand intertwined with Emilio's and her head was gently placed on his shoulder.

With shaky hands I put down the frame and notice a drawer below.

Should I pull it out? I'm just curious.

Without much hesitation, I pulled open the drawer, only to find more photos, I took one only to find that lady smiling brightly.

This time I noticed Emilio standing beside her with two cons of ice cream, chocolate and vanilla.

I found few more shots which confirmed that she and Emilio were a couple.

But if they were a couple, and they really look like the ones in love what happened to them?

Come to think of it, I didn't do any background check on Emilio but I saw him on TV show during an interview and he clearly stated he was a bachelor.

What is he hiding? Why is he hiding her?

I suddenly felt guilty over the fact that I was poking my nose over things that doesn't concern me, I mean this is his privacy.

I arranged the photos back and quietly closed the drawers.

After a few more try I found my way back and true enough Lucas was waiting for me by the door, he was in his formal suit and I must compliment that he looks dashing too.

"Miss Hillstorm" he nods at me leading the way to a blue jeep.

I willingly gets in after he opens the door for me and Lucas drove me off.

It's a short travel to my apartment but I kept my silence all the way since I felt like I do not have the guts to talk and converse with him after having an affair with someone else's husband.

This set-up is still driving me insane, why did I get swayed all for the money? The fact that I might get caught in bed with him by his wife send shivers down my spine.

And what will be the news flash?

Ex-million dollar heiress caught in bed...God! God! God!

I smacked myself on the head.

It should have been better off not knowing because right now all I could think of is the fact that I'm commiting a grave sin.

And the smiling face of that woman in the picture won't leave my mind.

Is Emilio not who everyone knows him to be?

*********

It's had been weeks since that damn deal and within that span I slept with him five times.

He would send me a text and his driver would fetch me. Of course the thought of him that he had a wife did freak me out but I couldn't find the courage to ask him about it.

What if he got upset and decided to discard me, I mean it's a secret he had been keeping from the outside world.

And to my joy he would leave early in the morning before I wake up and I would receive alert from my bank.

The deaths threat lessoned but I'm still half way through the debt since the money he pays me sometimes was well, not up to millions.

Right now I think I can not just rely on his pay, what if he change his mind or his wife shows up one day, I need to be prepared.

"Oh, I'm so sorry sir" I mumbled an apology to an old man I ran into as I move my pushcart aside and try to clear my mind from thinking.

It so wrong to be so lost in thought in a mall where people are swarming around to get their grocery and needs.

I was presently shopping for my personal need, I couldn't help but thought about Emilio deal, thank God he's didn't bother me this weekend so I'm guessing I have the rest day to myself.

The deal took almost all my time now even my part time jobs, I've been missing there for weeks.

Some e-mailed to tell me they had found a replacement that I shouldn't bother coming back.

Frustrating though.

After a few more stressful turn around and getting everything I need. I head to the counter to pay.

"Thank you, have a nice day too" I said to the cashier as he hands me a large paper bag filled with my groceries and essentials.

I slowly walked to the exit cautiously looking out for the can of beans that was about to fall off.

Fuck! I sighed frustratedly as the can of beans fell off with a sound. I was about to pick it when a hand already collected my can of bean.

"Thank y.." I stopped, swallowing hard when I looked up to see who it was.

He's the last person I was expecting to see here.

"M..M..MM..Mr Mendez?"