TBG - Chapter 1: The Prostitute

Nadia sat at the small kitchen table, staring at the pile of bills in front of her. She was 25, but the weight of her years felt much heavier, carrying the burden of her brother’s medical expenses and a life of constant struggle. Chris, her younger brother, was the only family she had left. Their mother had died eight years ago, and their father had left them long before that, chasing another woman, abandoning them when they needed him most. Nadia had no one else. It was just her and Chris now.

Her heart ached as she looked at the medical bills for Chris’s treatments—medication, hospital visits, and the long list of things that were necessary to keep him alive and healthy. Long hours at multiple jobs, cutting back on anything that wasn’t essential, but it was never enough. The bills kept piling up, and the world around her felt like it was closing in. Nadia had never imagined her life would come to this—barely making ends meet, with nothing but a hope that tomorrow would be better.

That was when Cynthia had shown up. Nadia had heard the rumors about her, about the business she ran, and at first, she wanted nothing to do with it. But the longer she sat in this small, run-down apartment, the more the idea began to look like the only way out. Cynthia had promised her the money she so desperately needed. It sounded too good to be true, but Nadia was willing to consider anything at this point. If it meant that Chris would be safe, that he could get the treatment he needed, she would do anything.

She stood up from the table, her eyes lingering on the family picture that hung on the wall. It was an old photo, one from before everything went wrong. Back when there was still hope, still a father who cared. But now, the picture was just a reminder of the family she no longer had. Her mother was gone, and her father had never cared enough to be there when they needed him most. It was just her and Chris.

She opened the door and stepped outside, the cold air biting at her skin. Cynthia was waiting for her, leaning against her sleek black car, dressed in the kind of clothes that reminded Nadia how different their worlds were. But it didn’t matter now. She didn’t have the luxury of thinking about her pride or what people might say. She was a fighter. For Chris. That’s all that mattered.

“Well?” Cynthia asked, her voice soft but sure.

Nadia hesitated for just a moment, feeling the weight of her decision pressing on her. But then she nodded. “I’m ready.”

As they drove through the dark streets, Nadia’s heart raced. The club Cynthia led her to was intimidating—bright lights, music pounding through the air, and men in suits everywhere. She felt out of place, but for Chris, she would endure anything.

“This is it,” Cynthia said, her voice calm, leading Nadia inside. The club smelled of perfume and alcohol, the atmosphere heavy with luxury and emptiness. Nadia’s heart pounded as she followed Cynthia through the crowd, feeling the stares and judgments. She was nothing in this world—just a pawn in a dangerous game.

In the small dressing room, Cynthia handed Nadia a revealing outfit. The fabric was barely more than lingerie, and for a moment, Nadia froze. But the thought of Chris kept her moving. She slipped into the outfit, her reflection in the mirror unfamiliar and alien. This wasn’t who she was, but it had to be. For him.

“Perfect,” Cynthia said, her approval sharp and cold. Nadia stepped into the club’s main area, the stares of men following her every move. She felt exposed, vulnerable, but pushed herself to keep going. This was her reality now.

Cynthia introduced her to the other women—Caye, a tall, confident woman, who assured her she would get used to it. But Nadia couldn’t shake the overwhelming sense of dread. She was surrounded by men’s eyes, their gazes lingering on her with unspoken intent. One man, Mr. Edwards, caught her attention. His advances were unsettling, his touch lingering on her skin.

“Just relax. He’s harmless,” Cynthia said as Nadia tried to back away. But she couldn’t escape. She had made her choice—Chris’s future mattered more than her own safety.

“Stay with me tonight,” Mr. Edwards offered. “I’m wealthy enough to give you anything you desire. There's nothing I can't provide."

His words were tempting, but his touch made her skin crawl. Mr. Edwards’ hand slid around her waist, his touch bold and almost possessive, pulling her in closer than she expected. His fingers brushed against her skin, sending a jolt of heat through her. He leaned down just enough for his voice to be a soft whisper, but it was loaded with playful intent. “You’re looking at me like you want more, Nadia,” he murmured, his lips teasing the edge of her ear. “Don’t worry, I’m happy to oblige if you let me.”

Nadia’s breath hitched in her throat, and a wave of dizziness washed over her. His closeness, his words—everything about the moment made her stomach churn in a way she couldn’t ignore. She stiffened, desperately trying to focus. "I’m sorry," she said, her voice almost trembling with the effort to stay composed. Her chest tightened, and her words felt forced, almost like an apology to herself. "I can't."

She bolted from the club, pushing past the crowd and ignoring the bouncer’s calls. The night air hit her face, but it did nothing to calm her panic. She kept running, not knowing where she was headed, just needing to escape.

As she rushed down the street, she collided with someone—a man, solid and imposing, who stopped her fall. She looked up, her breath catching in her throat. He was nothing like the men in the club. His presence was commanding, powerful.

Before she could react, Mr. Edwards appeared behind her, shouting threats. The stranger stepped forward, blocking Mr. Edwards’s path.

“She’s my wife.”

Nadia’s breath caught. The words hit her like a thunderclap. Who was this man?

But it wasn’t the statement that chilled her—it was Mr. Edwards’ reaction. His face drained of color, fear replacing his anger. He recognized the man.

Theodore Thatcher.

The richest man in the country. A billionaire whose name struck fear into the hearts of businessmen and criminals alike. And now, he was claiming Nadia as his wife.

Theodore took a step forward, his voice cold. “Leave. Now.”

Mr. Edwards stumbled back, terror gripping him. He turned and fled without another word, vanishing into the night.

Theodore didn’t move, his gaze fixed on the retreating figure. Cold and silent, his presence was enough to suffocate the air around him. Then, his eyes shifted to Nadia. He didn’t speak, but his gaze made her feel small, insignificant.

After a long silence, he finally spoke. “You’re lucky I was here.” His words were a command, not an offer.

Without another glance, Theodore walked away. As he reached his car, he grabbed a thick coat and tossed it toward Nadia without breaking stride. It wasn’t until she reached for it that she realized she was still wearing something revealing—her outfit was too little for the chill of the night. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she quickly wrapped the coat around her shoulders, feeling the weight of both the garment and the coldness it represented.

Theodore didn’t wait for her to speak. With one last glance, he turned and walked away, his steps confident and unhurried. Nadia stood frozen, her heart racing. She couldn’t shake the feeling that her life had just taken a dangerous turn—one now intertwined with the enigmatic Theodore Thatcher.

As the sound of his footsteps faded, Nadia whispered into the air, barely audible, “Thank you.” She couldn’t make it loud, too overwhelmed to fully process what had just happened.