Chapter 01

KEI

I stared at myself in the mirror as I applied my makeup. With my smooth, glass-like skin, pointed nose, pinkish lips, and brown eyes, I knew I could attract a lot of people with my looks. I guess this is one of the best things my heritage has given me, because without it, I might struggle to do what I’m about to do.

“Are you done, Kei?” Sam asked from the doorway. I glanced at her, a smile on my lips.

“What do you think? Does this look okay?” I asked, examining myself in the mirror.

She studied me for a moment before smiling. “Wow, your looks really run in the family, huh? But you know what would be even better? If you just went back to your parents and got your life back on track.”

My smile faded instantly. “Seriously, Sam? That’s what you’re going to say? You know what they did to me, right? Just because I didn’t fulfill my responsibilities as their child, they disowned me. They cut me off for an entire year—couldn’t use my credit cards, couldn’t access my money in the bank, all because of them.”

“And now, you’re drowning in debt because you’re trying to maintain the life of their spoiled princess, even though you don’t have the money for it. Have you ever paid off your previous debt?” she asked. I took a deep breath and leaned back in my chair.

“That’s why I’m doing this—to pay off that debt. Besides, that guy hasn’t come asking for his money yet. As long as I do this right and find a rich guy at the bar tonight, then that’s good enough for me.” She rolled her eyes at my words.

“Why do you even need to do that? You could just go talk to your dad. I’m not pushing you back to them, but look, you need help. I know this life isn’t easy for you.”

I stood up, frustration bubbling up inside me. “No! Not this time, Sam. I know Dad will just brag about how right he was, how I’m a failure, and then push me to do things I never wanted to do in the first place. I need to build a good life to throw it in their faces.”

She sighed deeply, looking at me with concern. “Are you serious about doing this? There are other ways, you know.”

I honestly don’t know what else to do—this is the only way I can think of. Because of my debt, it’s been hard to find a job. I had no idea I borrowed money from someone so influential, and now I don’t know how to get out of this mess. This is the only option I can see—using myself to get ahead. My family already thinks so little of me, so why not make it true? If I can find a wealthy man who can help me, I’ll use my body, and in return, they’ll help me with my problems.

They will use my body, and I will use their money. That’s the deal.

“I don’t know any other way, Sam. You’re the only friend I have left.” Her expression softened, her worry evident.

“I know, that’s why I’m worried about you. Are you really sure you want to go through with this? Look, even if you don’t do this, I can still help you.”

It’s embarrassing to keep asking Sam for help. Since I was kicked out of my house, I’ve been staying with her family. I only recently got the courage to move out, but she’s still been there for me every step of the way. I’m so lucky to have her.

“Sam, I can’t keep imposing on your uncle’s family. You’ve always been there to catch me when I fall. I’m the one who created this mess, so it’s time I fix it myself. But thank you, even though you’ve already given me so much money without me even asking, you still help me. I don’t want to keep adding to my debt with you.”

She smiled and came closer. “Come on, you’re like a sister to me. We’ve known each other since middle school, so why would I ever turn my back on my friend?” She handed me the dress I was supposed to wear.

“Hurry up and get dressed so we can leave soon. I’m sure there’ll be a lot of people there tonight,” she said. I smiled and nodded. I took the black mini silk dress, something I wouldn’t usually wear, but I knew it would look good on me.

I slipped into the dress and looked at myself in the mirror. The curves of my body were accentuated, and I knew this would help me attract a man tonight at the bar.

I need to be smart about this so I don’t get played. I have to find a wealthy man who can help me with my problems.

I took a deep breath and placed a hand on my chest. “I’ll only do this once. This won’t happen again. After this, I’ll change. I’ll start doing what I know will change my life.”

I grabbed some perfume and sprayed it on my neck and wrists.

When I stepped out of the room, I saw Sam waiting for me. We left immediately after that to head to the bar. I was a little nervous, but this was the only chance I had, the only way I knew.

Sam’s family is really rich, like ours, and she told me there’s a new club where a lot of wealthy people will be tonight. The owner is apparently a well-known CEO. She mentioned that the owner is a billionaire, so I’m also a bit nervous about what I’m about to do. I know how these rich people operate.

I’m also anxious because I might see the guy I owe money to there. But who knows? He’s not that well-known, so I’m sure I won’t see him tonight. Only the elite were invited, after all. They handed out invitations only to the most prominent names because the owner wanted all the attendees to be rich on opening night before he opened the bar to the public.

Thanks to Sam, she arranged for me to get an invitation. I’m part of the Garcia Family, and I know for sure no one from my family will be there, not even my brother, who’s always busy abroad. So I’ll be representing the family tonight.

When we arrived, I looked around outside. The place was stunning, and there were a lot of people here, judging by the number of cars outside. It seemed like they really knew the owner well, considering they accepted the invitation. That alone proved they recognized who owned the place.

“Do you know the owner? Look, I didn’t expect to see so many wealthy people here,” I said to Sam.

“Well kind off, since his family is well-known in business matters. Yet he didn't have that aura right now and I know he’s new in the business since his business is just starting to get recognized. I don’t know him very well, actually. I only accepted the invitation because I knew it would benefit the company. Most of the business owners here tonight are probably here for the same reason—to have a good talk and secure some shares,” she explained.

She has a point. I remember when my dad used to attend events like this, always trying to get shares in well-known companies, and his plans always worked. That’s why he’s so strict with me—he doesn’t want me to go astray. In other words, he wants me to follow his path, even though I don’t want to.

“What if I just approached him? Maybe he could help me,” I joked.

She looked at me and laughed. “Sometimes your confidence is way too high, as if we’re even going to see him tonight, let alone talk to him.”

I shrugged. “You never know. It doesn’t hurt to dream. Besides, who knows, maybe he’ll help me turn my life around,” I said, laughing. She just shook her head, smiling.

We got out of the car.

“By the way, here’s your invitation,” she said, handing it to me. I took it and looked at it. This was the first time I saw the invitation since Sam and I hadn’t met up until now because of our hectic schedules.

I opened it and froze when I saw the name at the bottom—Evangelista.

A wave of anxiety washed over me as I stared at the name. There are a lot of people with the surname Evangelista, but seeing this… no, it can’t be him.

“Hey, are you okay?” Sam asked, startling me. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Uh, Sam, do you know this Evangelista?” I asked, trying to stay calm.

“The owner of Havens Bar? Actually, no, but I know his family since, Evangelista is one of the rich families with a good background in business, yet because there are lots of Evangelista, I don't know who's this Evangelista guy but I know his name. Something with a G, then Javier. Yeah, that’s all I know—G. Javier Evangelista.” I took a deep breath. It couldn’t be him… but it’s so close. “Is something wrong?” she asked.

I forced a smile and shook my head.

I know there are many Evangelistas in the world, yet I can’t shake this feeling of unease. How I wish this Evangelista isn’t Gio—the man I owe money to.