CHAPTER 3

Carolina's POV:

Arriving at the Blues Club, I tensed as I made my way into the magnificent club's gate.

It had a luxury five-star club. Some of the passersby peeped at me like I had missed my way into the club.

When I approached the front entrance, a tough-looking security man stopped me. "Hey! Where are you going to?"

"I am here to see a friend of mine, Lucy Campbell," I replied, nervously as well-dressed men and women made their entry.

The security man's eyes narrowed at me suspiciously.

"There's no one with that name here. Call her on the phone or wait outside until you see her!" he yelled, making me jump back in fright.

However, I collided with someone behind me, and a deep voice gasped, "Easy, miss! Watch your step!"

I stilled as a pair of firm arms caught my waist, and a masculine fragrance of coffee invaded my nostrils.

The man had caught me, after I lost my balance and stepped on his feet.

Time stopped as we gazed into each other's eyes. His enchanting brown eyes locked with my piercing blue eyes.

"Are you all right, miss?" the handsome man asked, steadying me back on my feet.

I was lost for breath for a moment as I hadn't seen a handsome man like him before. He appeared like a billionaire printed on a magazine front page.

"Yeah… I'm… fine," I stammered, my heart throbbing faster, my cheeks flushed as I met his sharp gaze.

He towered above me, and I lowered my head in embarrassment.

I wasn't expecting a handsome man like him to catch me after the security man had given me a scare.

"That's fine," the man replied with a friendly smile, before he took in my features. His brows furrowed as his eyes trailed down to my body, and up to my face.

A look of disappointment marred his features, seeing my faded clothes. It felt like the ground should open for me to hide my level of shame.

When our gaze met, his brows furrowed at me, before he said, "Come with me."

"Me?" I asked him in surprise, thinking he was disappointed.

"Yes, you. I just want to have a short conversation with you. What did you come here to do? As you seem out of place?" He pointed at my poor clothing, compared to the elegantly dressed patrons frequenting the luxury club.

I lowered my head in shame, knowing that the man was only asking me with concern as a good person. Before I could open my mouth to explain, my phone rang aloud, breaking the awkwardness between us.

"Excuse me, sir. My friend is calling me," I said, not having a chance to explain. I swiftly moved away to answer my call. "Hello, Lucy," I said, before looking back.

The man was gone, as I did not get to discuss with him. My heart ached painfully, but I bit my lower lip and focused on my call.

"Maybe he has seen who he came here to spend his time with at the club," I thought, before focusing on my call.

"Hey, Carolina. Where are you? I just came out now and I cannot seem to find you anywhere. Do you know what time it is?" Lucy shouted, her loud voice booming over the call.

"Yeah, I know," I laughed sadly, trying to ease my broken heart.

"It's 8:30 p.m. I am outside the Blues Club and the security men refuse to let me in," I said.

"Come over now. My boss is waiting to see you," Lucy said.

"Alright." I replied, ended the call, and moved to the front of the club.

Lucy stood there elegantly like a queen, dressed in a short red dress and black shoes. She was my age-mate, her thighs and cleavage exposed, her feet tapping on the ground, watching me hurrying over to meet her.

"Where did you go to? I almost thought you weren't coming?" Lucy voiced her complaint, her face frowning.

"I'm sorry, Lucy. This security man refused to let me in and he said that no one is answering Lucy in their club," I explained to her.

Lucy laughed and replied, "Yeah. You do not expect me to use my real identity in this club. We use fake names and that's what you are going to do. From now onward, your new name is Joy."

Lucy dragged me into the club, and I wasn't stopped by the tough-looking security man. His eyes narrowed at me, but his lips remained shut.

Sighing, I looked around the club, as I followed Lucy.

The soft music filled the air and soothed my troubled heart. There were several patrons, VIP tables, and pretty ladies dancing around the pole to entertain the men.

This club was lively as nightfall, and dimly lit lights shone around us.

It was my first time entering a five-star club, my legs quivered as I felt the richness of those present.

"Walk fast, Joy," Lucy called my new name and I stilled.

She swiftly led me to the VIP section on the first floor.

A tall man stood there dressed in black and exuding an air of authority.

Seated beside the man was another man in a black suit, and a beautiful blonde lady in a revealing dress next to him.

She wore a stunning green dress, black stilettos, and her big bust was threatening to pop out of her dress as it barely covered her top.

Taking a deep breath as their gazes landed on me, they scowled while Lucy spoke up, "Excuse me, Mr. Karen."

The manager looked at me, then to Lucy, before stepping forward to meet us.

"Yeah. Agnes, how can I help you?" he asked, his voice barely containing his anger.

Lucy cleared her throat and said, "Sir, this is my best friend that I spoke to you about. Her name is Joy, and she is in need of a job as a server."

The man peered at me from my head to toe. "Have you worked in a club before?" he asked coldly.

"No, sir," I replied nervously.

"Well, do you know what your job entails? You will have to entertain my clients and not just serve them drinks. If you like, you can sleep with them, but remember to use protection," he said, his voice firm, and my cheeks flushed.

"Um, sir, I can interact with the clients. But I cannot sleep with anyone," I replied nervously and he scowled.

Lucy quickly nudged my arm and chimed in. "Mr. Karen. You do not have to worry. I will lecture Joy well, and she will do just fine."

"Mm…" Mr. Karen peered at my face and said, "It's fine. I am counting on you, Agnes. Take your friend to change these rags that she is wearing, before she scares off our prestigious patrons."

"Okay, sir," Lucy breathed out with relief, before dragging me along with her to the elevator.

"Where are you taking me to?" I asked her, not happy about the job.

"To the boutique on the second floor. Don't you know that the Blues Club has a private boutique for their clients to change into clothes with? In case anyone gets their old clothes torn or dirty, or you spend a night here in this club's hotel and need a change of clothes," Lucy explained, as we stepped into the elevator with a few others.

"Seriously?" I asked her in surprise.

"Yeah," she replied.