CAGED IN HIS EMBRACE

REAH'S POV

"A Waiter? Are you sure of the payment?" My voice was laced with sadness, but I was helpless. 

"Yes, Reah," His business-like tone rang in my ears, and my expression broke. 

I should be happy, but my heart was filled with sadness instead. 

This wasn't the life I should be living...

As an educated young girl, the last thing I ever wanted to do was work in a club where different kinds of people would come and look down on any worker as if they were nobodies. I wanted to work in companies, buy a house and a car,, and... treat my mother, who had been lying in a hospital for the past 10 years. 

I let out a deep breath as I stood up, turning to look at my friend who had a pitiful look on her pretty face. "Are you sure?" The question came out of my mouth the second time, suppressing the tears that welled up in my throat. 

"Of course, Reah. You need to see how the workers are glowing. Apart from the money you would be paid after daily work, the tips from nice customers are mouth-watering too. I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised by the time you return home tonight, trust me," Mr. Martin's enthusiastic voice kept egging me on. Giving me no chance to rethink my choice. 

It wasn't like I had any choice to begin with anyway. 

"Okay. I will see you there tonight, Mr Martins. Also, thanks for your help." I replied before ending the call. 

"Are you really going to work in a club?" Immediately after the call, my best friend's worried voice resounded in my ears, and I sighed. 

I moved closer to her, sitting down with a low spirit.  "Joyce, you need to understand my situation. I know you and your brother have been trying your best for me, but I need to work too. Remember the call I received from the hospital yesterday?" A low sigh escaped my lips as I lowered my eyes, trying to prevent the huge emotions that were threatening to break me down. "My mother's yearly surgery is in two months, and due to the inflation in the country, the doctor in charge doubled the price, making the already huge bill even bigger." 

Her eyes widened for a few seconds before she moved her hand swiftly, holding my hands instead. "I understand, Reah. We will work this out somehow. Your mum will be treated, and she will be fine." She assured me. 

I knew it was a lie, though. It was obvious that she might never be fine again, and my mother might never open her mouth to talk to me ever again. She had long given up on life and the only reason I kept treating her was because I wanted to make it in life, I wanted to get married, have a family of my own, and buy a house and many cars before I would finally bide her farewell so she would be able to rest well in heaven. 

I checked my time only to realize it was just an hour before the time Mr Martins asked me to meet up with him. I quickly hugged Joyce and smiled at her. "Thanks, Joyce. See you tomorrow." With that, I stood up and left. 

The club wasn't very far away from my place so it only took me around half an hour to get there. The club was inside a very big hotel, probably the biggest hotel I had ever seen. 

Raising my head, I saw the name of the grand hotel, and my eyes widened. "REAL $ GOLD* 

It was the hotel of the most handsome man in the country, the youngest and the richest CEO in the whole of Devon... He was also the very first man I ever fantasized about. 

He attended the same university as me. However, we only met once as he was a senior and a very cold one at that, but that never stopped me from watching his videos and pictures online. 

I walked into the hotel with a big smile on my face, contrary to the turmoil I felt a few seconds ago. It was like the mere thought of entering a place that belonged to my crush was enough to ease my mind. 

Well... That was a little childish, but it was fun too~

I was just about to take a step inside when a lady walked up to me and bowed a little. "Are you Miss REAH GOLD?" 

I nodded my head with a raised brow. 

"Good, come with me. Mr. Martins has been waiting for you." 

The lady led me to the other end of the hotel, entering from a smaller entrance that led directly to a small office. There, I saw Mr. Martins waiting for me impatiently, and the moment I entered, his eyes lit up. 

He stood up and rushed to me, holding my hand. "Hazel! Why are you so late? I've been waiting forever!" His voice kept cracking as he talked to me... He was sweating too, which was strange as the room was very cold due to the AC. 

A small frown formed on my face, and I felt uncomfortable. 

I removed my hand from his and took a few steps back. "What is it, Mr. Martins? It's not 8 pm yet..." I mumbled, still looking at his slightly trembling hands. 

Mr. Martin's eyes twitched, his eyes wandered from my face to his hands, and he frowned when he realized the mess he was in. Not wasting time, he laughed awkwardly and returned to his seat. "There is a VIP guest today that needs the service of a... a... good waiter. Quickly change your dress and get to work. Ana will direct you accordingly." 

I opened my mouth to ask several questions, but the lady behind me, who was named Ana, already held my hand, ready to leave. She was as anxious as Mr. Martins and her eyes were restless. She led me to another room where she got me a uniform and without even waiting for me to check myself out, she gave me a wine and a cup...

"Go to room 808." She gave her first order, her eyes avoiding mine.