Charlotte arrived at work the following morning, diving into her daily tasks before heading to Lucas' office to take care of the trash. Upon entering, she found the office empty, leading her to believe that Lucas had an early morning meeting and would return later. She left with the trash bag in tow.As she disposed of the trash, Leah informed her and the other cleaners that their supervisor had called for a meeting. This was unusual, and they immediately hurried to her office, curious about the reason for the sudden gathering."I have gathered you all here to share some great news. There has been a new addition to our annual workshop retreat at the company," the supervisor announced with a smile on her face.Whispers broke out among the cleaners, all eager to know about the new development."This year, the cleaning department will have the opportunity to participate, promoting growth and teamwork within our company," she continued, beaming at her staff.Excitement spread across their
With Lilian gone, Charlotte's brisk pace became sluggish and lifeless as she trudged down the stark hallway, her mind frozen at what she had just heard from Lilian. How could he have collapsed two days ago when he had been the one to drop her off at home? Then it hit her - on that same day, he had looked pale and when she expressed concern, he brushed it off as a mere migraine. He was clearly unwell, but he chose to downplay it."Did he do that to spare me worry? How could he be so stubborn about his health?" Charlotte muttered to herself, growing frustrated at the thought of him being sick and worried about his well-being.Panic started to set in as she considered the worst-case scenarios of his collapse and she came to a halt. "I need to see him," she thought to herself, knowing she wouldn't be able to rest until she saw him and knew for sure that he was alright. As the day drew to a close, she hurriedly booked a taxi and made her way to his place. She didn't question her impulsive
Shockwaves coursed through her body, sending shivers down her spine. With quick reflexes, she turned around to see Lucas, holding her hands with his eyes barely open. A sense of relief washed over her as she met his gaze, her own eyes brightening with a smile."He...eyy, you're here," Lucas said softly, his voice barely audible. Charlotte moved closer to him, taking a seat beside him on the bed."Are you awake? How are you feeling? Are you in any pain? Are you okay?" she fired off the questions hesitantly, her concern evident.Lucas chuckled, "Relax, Charlotte. I'm not dying," he said, still holding onto her hands."This is no time to joke, Lucas," she scolded, removing her hand from his and placing it on his forehead to check his temperature. It seemed to have returned to normal."I was worried—" Charlotte began to say, before catching herself and stopping mid-sentence, avoiding his gaze.Lucas smiled, "Really? You were worried? I had to get sick for you to show me you care?" he tease
At the behest of Lucas, Charlotte's eyes widened in disbelief, "Stay the night?!" She exclaimed, her gaze fixed on him, while he held her hand."Yes, I don't want you to go back home," Lucas declared, resting his head on her body."I really can't, Lucas. I have work tomorrow--" Charlotte hesitated, but Lucas cut her off."I'm sick. My body hurts, my head hurts, everything hurts," he grumpily complained, hoping to convince her to stay with him."Lucas, that's why you need to take your medications seriously and rest," Charlotte stressed, gazing over his head at her chest."I am taking them, but I want you to spend the night with me. I'll feel much better by morning," Lucas' lips formed a smile.Charlotte was taken aback by Lucas' childish behavior. "Why are you acting like a child?" She scoffed, running her hand through his hair."Because I'm ill, and you should take care of me," he insisted."And you'll feel better by tomorrow?" She asked, her brows furrowed in concern."Yes, as good a
"Hurry up, Charlotte!" Leah hissed, urging Charlotte as they rushed into the airport. The day had arrived for their retreat, and they were expected to meet the others at the airport before boarding their flight together.As they approached the rest of their group, they quickly joined them and boarded the plane when it arrived. Leah sat next to Charlotte, both of them bubbling with excitement for the trip. Who would have thought they would be traveling to California?As they settled into their seats, Charlotte couldn't help but gaze at the clouds outside the window. Her mind wandered back to Lucas and how their friendship had blossomed over the past three weeks. She was going to be away from him for a whole week, and the thought made her heart ache. She remembered their conversation from last night, where she had almost asked him to come along on the trip. But she hesitated, unsure if it was right to make such a request. After all, they were just friends, and he hadn't officially aske
Draped in a mask, Charlotte cautiously stepped onto the stage of the crowded club. As soon as the bright lights illuminated the area, she couldn't help but feel a heavy weight settle in her chest.Anxiety coursed through her veins, intensifying with each passing moment, as the voices of the crowd echoed in her ears.Just like her very first day on the job as a stripper, anxiety had always been her constant companion whenever she found herself standing on this stage. To her, the stage which was for stripping has transformed into a battlefield.Charlotte struggled to catch her breath as she gazed out at the sea of faces in the audience. These faces belonged to men hungry for her body, stripping her down with their leering gazes and raucous laughter.Disgust seeped into her being as she thought of the loathing she held for these men, a feeling that far surpassed her distaste for her job. But she had no choice. She needed to pay for her father's life-saving surgery.Ever since her father w
A sly grin crept onto her boss' countenance as he coolly responded, "Indeed, Charlotte. He shelled out quite a sizable sum for it."Manager Tee chuckled softly at the mention of money as if it could magically erase her fears.Charlotte seethed with anger, "I explicitly stated that I do not engage in private sessions, and you know it. I was expecting my paycheck today. I'm finished for the night, so what is all this about?" She tightly clenched her fists, refusing to back down.Fuming, Manager Tee rose from his seat and slammed his hands down on the table in a fit of rage. "You will do as I say. You are just a damn stripper! Your job is to entertain people, so get out there and do it!" He spat, "I won't give you a single cent until you complete the job.""I will not do it," Charlotte retorted, her ire bubbling over. In a provocation, Manager Tee flung bundles of cash at her, leaving Charlotte stunned.Her eyes widened at the sight of so much money, tempting her in ways she had never ima
Charlotte attempted to unlatch the door, but it appeared to have been secured by the client's bodyguard. She fought fervently, grappling with the doorknob and urging it to yield, yet it remained steadfastly shut. Defeated, she leaned against the door, glaring at the seated man with a smirk adorning his lips.The client was well aware that the door was locked and remained silent, savoring the sight of Charlotte's futile struggle."That bastard!" She muttered under her breath."Open this door, I wish to leave at once," she demanded, almost pleading.The smirk on client's face vanished, replaced by a cold, composed expression."Sit down, bitch. You know why you're here, so let's dispense with the pretense. I'd hate to have to get you myself," Lucas's voice reverberated in the room.Charlotte's body trembled with fear, wondering what he might do to her if she refused to comply."Don't delude yourself into thinking you're any better than those girls in the club. I can have any girl I desire