CHAPTER 2

     THE loud banging on her apartment door jolted Charity awake the next morning. She quickly got up, her senses instantly alert. Could it be her landlady? But really, at six in the morning?

     Charity hurried to the door and carefully opened it. It wasn’t her landlady, but her aunt, whose face was a mixture of irritation and impatience. Beside her was her cousin, wearing the same sour expression.

     “Charity! Do you even know what day it is? Have you forgotten the support you’re supposed to send us?!” her aunt barked.

      Charity clenched her fists discreetly, holding back the surge of emotions. She forced herself to stay calm, reminding herself of the debt she owed the woman in front of her. After all, this was the person who took her in after her parents died in an accident. A kindness that now felt like a lifetime debt she’d never finish repaying.

      “I-I’m sorry, Auntie. I lost my job recently, so I couldn’t send the money. I’m heading out today to look for work,” she said softly.

       Her cousin raised an eyebrow, while her aunt crossed her arms and stood with her hands on her hips.

      “Are you lying to me?!” her aunt accused.

       Charity shook her head firmly. “No, Auntie. I’m telling the truth. You can even go to my former workplace if you want.”

     “Oh, so now you’re giving me orders?!” her aunt yelled, her voice sharp and piercing.

      “No, it’s not like that—”

      “Move!” Charity didn’t even get the chance to finish her sentence as her aunt shoved her aside and marched into her small apartment.

      Charity was sure they’d help themselves to whatever food she had left. She stood by the door, watching as they raided her kitchen, devouring the meals she had been saving for the next few days.

       “Charity…”

       A cold chill ran down her spine at the sound of that voice—a voice she knew all too well and had grown to loathe. It was her uncle, Anton.

       She turned to see him standing in the doorway, his presence suffocating. She hadn’t realized he had come with them. Charity swallowed hard, trying to steady herself as fear surged through her body at the sight of him.

      “You’re looking prettier,” he said, his eyes raking over her body from head to toe. The way he looked at her—filled with something vile—made her stomach churn.

      Disgusting.

     There were countless reasons she despised this man.

      “Won’t you invite me in?” he asked with a smirk.

       Charity said nothing, stepping aside reluctantly to let him enter. He joined his wife and daughter, stuffing themselves with her food. When they finally left, their stomachs full, her uncle glanced back at her, giving her a sly wink that made her blood run cold.

     “Charity, make sure you give me the money next week. I’ve got bills to pay,” her aunt demanded.

      “I-I’ll try, auntie, if I find a job,” Charity replied weakly.

      “You better find one! Or else you’ll be sorry!” her aunt snapped before storming out.

       Charity didn’t bother responding, only nodding to avoid further confrontation. When they were finally gone, she let out a deep breath. There was no going back to sleep now. She made herself a cup of coffee, took a quick shower, and prepared to head out in search of work.

__________________________________

     “ARE you still a virgin?”

      Charity was startled by the blunt question from Georgia, a flamboyant club manager. Georgia happened to be Milet’s boss at the club where her friend worked. Charity had dropped by to visit Milet after a fruitless day of job hunting, and Georgia had approached her in the dressing room.

      “Mamang, why are you asking my friend something like that?” Milet interjected.

     “Because this might be the solution to her problems,” Georgia replied, turning to scrutinize Charity. The manager was well aware of Charity’s struggles, as they often chatted whenever Charity visited the club.

     “Well? Are you a virgin, darling?” Georgia asked again.

      Charity squirmed uncomfortably before nodding hesitantly. She truly was—she had never even had a boyfriend, let alone her first kiss.

     “Perfect!” Georgia clapped her hands, her eyes gleaming. “You’re beautiful, sexy, smooth-skinned, and petite—definitely up to standard. I’ve got an offer for you, no pressure.” Her tone grew serious.

     “What offer?” Charity and Milet asked simultaneously.

     “Last night, one of Sir Cameron’s men approached me—”

    “You mean Mr. Silvestre?” Milet cut in.

     Charity felt a flicker of recognition. Mr. Silvestre… wasn’t he the man she had accidentally bumped into at the club? A strange surge of excitement coursed through her.

     “Yes, Cameron Silvestre,” Georgia confirmed, crossing her arms. “He asked me to gather virgins—not just any virgin. They need to be beautiful, fragrant, and sexy. From those, Sir Cameron will make a selection.”

      “For what purpose?” Milet asked.

     “I don’t know! But his man clarified that no one would get hurt—that’s the important thing. And the woman chosen? She’ll become an instant millionaire!” Georgia exclaimed.

       Charity’s heart skipped a beat at the word “millionaire.” If she joined and got chosen, she could finally escape her wretched life. She could pay off her debts, leave her aunt’s suffocating grasp, and never worry about food again.

      “Charity, don’t tell me you’re considering this. It’s dangerous! What if they turn you into a sex slave?” Milet warned, clearly alarmed.

      “What if they don’t? What if Sir Cameron’s just looking for a wife?” Georgia countered.

       Charity felt no fear. Maybe she was too desperate. She was losing hope of finding a decent job, and the weight of poverty was crushing her.

      “Well, Charity? What do you think?” Georgia pressed.

     “Charity, I’m warning you,” Milet interjected.

      “Let her decide,” Georgia snapped at Milet.

       Charity hesitated. Was this what she wanted? Could this really be her way out of poverty?

      “Y-yes,” she finally said, her voice firm.

      “Charity!” Milet protested, frowning at her friend’s reckless decision.

       But Charity was done hesitating. She had made up her mind.

      “Great! I’ll set you up with a makeover and everything to make sure Sir Cameron picks you!” Georgia said excitedly. “I’ll send someone to pick you up tomorrow from your apartment. Baboosh!”

     “That loudmouth queen. She’s only doing this because she’ll get a big commission,” Milet grumbled. Turning to Charity, her expression softened into concern. “Are you really sure about this, Charity?”

       Charity took a deep breath, forcing a bitter smile. “I have no choice, Milet.”

      “You always have a choice, Charity.”

       But Charity shook her head, slumping onto the sofa.

      “I spent the entire day looking for a job. No one hired me. And next week, I have to send money to my aunt. If I don’t, I’m screwed.”

       Milet stared at her with pity.

      “Just let me make this decision, Milet. If this ends badly, I’ll deal with it,” Charity said, her tone resolute.

       Milet sighed but relented, though her worry was evident. Charity thought this was the answer to her prayers. Little did she know, it was only the beginning of her true ordeal.