Chapter 5

3rd point of view

Blue stood silently in the corner of the dimly lit room, the weight of her family's decision pressing heavily on her chest. The air was thick with unspoken words and the scent of impending change.

Her mother and sister hastily packed their belongings, abandoning her as soon as things went wrong. Their faces were etched with a mixture of determination and a pretense of despair. After they had received the notice just days ago.

This a stark reminder that their time in this small, cramped apartment was coming to an end the rent rising and the landlord's ultimatum echoing in their minds, the family faced a serious choice.

They had no money or savings to secure another place, and the thought of living on the streets was a terror they couldn't bear, so when the invitation from their Aunt Sarah came in, they jumped at the chance.

They decided to go live at their aunt's house, a sanctuary for some but a place of discomfort for Blue; her aunt had only enough room for two, and the harsh reality was that Blue wouldn't be joining them. As her mother zipped up her last suitcase, Blue felt the sense of anguish wash over her; she knew deep down they didn't value her, but she, on the other hand, did value them to a fault.

She had always been the odd one out; her mother and sister had each other, their bond palpable and warm, while Blue stood apart. A shadow in the background. Nobody had to say it out loud; she knew her presence was more of a burden than a blessing in this situation.

"I'm really sorry, Blue; due to the economy of things, Aunty could only squeeze Mom and me," Indigo called, her voice tinged with impatience. "We have to go; you'll find a way; you always do.""You're a smart girl; I'm sure you understand." her mom added, and she forced a smile, masking the hurt that threatened to spill out.

"I'll be fine, "she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She loved them. Too much to fight against their decision, even if it meant being left behind. Causing them unnecessary stress or making them feel guilty was unbearable; she owned them that much. As they embraced her one last time.

Blue felt their warmth seep into her skin, but it was fleeting. She watched as they walked away; the door clicked shut, and with it, she felt an emptiness that was all too familiar.

 Alone in the quiet of the apartment,t Blue gazed around;, she knew her mother and sister would be okay... but what of her? In that moment she decided that she wouldn't let despair consume her; instead, she'd find a way to rise from this situation.

She needed a job ASAP. She crossed her bag over her body and headed out to find a way to get a job.

*****

She wondered after several hours of being rejected in countless places what the bar manager or her other bosses had said about her that no one was willing to take her in.

She picked up the call from her landlord. "I heard you guys moved out. Thank goodness. If there's anything left, I can help call a moving van," he offered."Well, sir, actually...""Don't worry; the moving van is on me. I know how hard things are for you guys, but we really needed the money from your room to pay off some bills, so thank you so much," he explained.

"No problem; you've helped us out all this while; no need for the moving van," she added, ending the call. Taking a deep breath, she typed a message, her fingers trembling slightly, as she hit the send button.

"I'll be there, although a little late."She had no luxury to be picky about the kind of job she had been offered; she needed to think about her well-being for a change; her pride and shame can be damned. Whether she was a sex slave or a nanny, it didn't matter anymore; no one would take care of her but herself, and she was ready to face whatever came next.

With that, a sense of resolve washed over her. She walked down the long, marble-floored hallway, her sneakers coming in contact ominously against the polished stones.

The walls were adorned with exquisite art, the kind that whispered of wealth and privilege. The air was saturated with the scent of cologne and freshly cut flowers, an intoxicating blend that made her head spin; she couldn't help but feel like an animal being led to a hunter's lair.

Each step echoed the weight of desperation. As they reached the grand double door, they swung open to reveal a room that was nothing short of opulence, with polished furnishings and rich fabrics and a breathtaking view of the city night view.

In the center, leaning casually against a sleek leather couch, stood Damian, dark hair perfectly tousled, and his deep-set eyes sparkled with mischief; a smirk played on his lips as if he was amused by the entire situation."Look who decided to return," he drawled, his voice smooth and inviting.

Blue swallowed hard, feeling a mix of attraction and wariness wash over her. "I need a job," she said in a whisper. His smirk widened, and he took a step closer, closing the distance between them.

"It's quite amusing; you ran out on me the other night, but here you are crawling back to me, just like I predicted. She squared her shoulders, trying to regain some...any semblance of control she might have."I just want to ask.

What is it?"Are you hiring me as your daughter's nanny or a... sex slave? "The words tumbled out before she could filter them. Her heart racing at the audacity of the question."Why not both?" he replied effortlessly. "If I'm satisfied with you, of course.

"Blue's breath caught in her throat. "You think you can just play with my life like that?"

"Play?" He chuckled softly, "I don't think your life is worth me playing with it; that's if you've got a life. If you indeed had one, you wouldn't be here right now, would you?" His voice taunting.

It stung painfully and hurt more than she thought to hear someone say that out loud; she couldn't start to imagine what people had thought and laughed seeing her struggling to live a pathetic life like it was worth it.

"I have a condition", she managed to utter. His words couldn't kill her desperation; it only grew. She would pay off all her debts and live her life to the fullest. "I want $100,000 monthly"."Hmm, what was I expecting? You're just in this for the money, aren't you? Make that $160,000 then" he replied nonchalantly.

"But I have some conditions of my own as well."."You need to understand, Blue, "he said, his gaze piercing into hers, "you'll treat my daughter with the respect she deserves."He leaned in closer, their bodies mere inches apart.

He had undeniable charisma, a magnetic presence that both intrigued and unnerved her, "and," he continued, his lips curling into a sly smile."No matter the time or place, till spread your legs wide if I say so," his voice smooth, almost a whisper, yet it carried an edge of authority. Blue was caught in the web of his words, unsure of how to respond.

 "Clear enough?" He asked, and she could only nod. She was in, and there was no going back.