Chap 4

Eudora sits beside Ryan, biting her lip as she hesitates. Finally, she reaches out and gently helps him untie his tie. Her movements are slow, her eyes lowered, avoiding his gaze.

Ryan looks down at her, noticing the trembling of her eyelashes. He can't tell if it's fear or shyness, but he can't help but reach out and touch the corner of her eye. The long, curved lashes brush against his finger, sending a tingling sensation through him, stirring something deep within him. Eudora flinches, her eyes widening as she looks up at him, startled.

A wave of familiarity, a memory from seven years ago, washes over Ryan. He can't resist the urge, pulling her into his arms, seeking the warmth of her presence. But the moment passes, and reason returns. He reminds himself that this woman, this woman who has betrayed him, is not worthy of his affection, not worthy of his love.

Shame turns to anger, and he shoves Eudora onto the bed, his fury driving him to rip the floral dress from her body. He wants to punish her, to make her suffer for her betrayal, to show her that this life, this path she has chosen, isn't as easy as she thinks.

Eudora is caught off guard by Ryan's sudden aggression, her body going numb with shock. She quickly relaxes, cooperating with him to avoid injury. But the moment he enters her, raw and forceful, without any tenderness or preparation, pain shoots through her, bringing tears to her eyes.

Ryan ignores her cries, his movements wild and uncaring. He is consumed by his anger, his need to punish her, to release the rage that has been building within him.

When it is over, Ryan sees the bloodstains on the sheets. A cold, mocking laugh escapes his lips.

She sees the scornful glint in his eyes and, with a wry smile, says, “Hymens are expensive, you know. A generous tip wouldn't hurt.”

Ryan raises an eyebrow, “Money's not a problem. Just make me happy tonight, and you'll have it.”

With that, he pulls her back to him, initiating another round of their twisted intimacy.

He's been torturing her all night, only letting her go as dawn approaches. Seeing him fully dressed, standing by the bed, his arrogant eyes looking down, Eudora feels humiliated. She pulls the blanket tight, hiding her naked, battered body.

Ryan scoffs, opens his wallet, and tosses a wad of high-denomination bills onto the bed.

“Here's your reward.”

Eudora forces a smile, a smile more like a grimace.

“Thank you. Don't forget about me next time you need someone.”

A thank you, perfectly in line with her profession.

Ryan scoffs, turning away with a cold, hard look. Alone in the sprawling hotel room, Eudora's beautiful face is streaked with silent tears of shame. She bends down, carefully gathering each scattered bill, folding them meticulously and tucking them into her wallet, even as her tears soak a patch of the white blanket.

She knows that from this day forward, her life of hardship has truly begun. Dirty, lowly, whatever it takes, she needs this money to survive. Twenty-seven years old, for many, is still a time of youth, but for Eudora, almost all doors of hope have slammed shut. Without enough money, she fears she will lose even the will to live, let alone any remaining shred of dignity. She can only pray that God will have mercy and never let her encounter Ryan again. How many people could bear the shame and humiliation of this night?

The clock shows two in the morning. Eudora quickly cleans herself up and falls asleep on the bed.

Unlike her, Ryan can't get any rest when he gets home. Every time he closes his eyes, images of Eudora flash in his mind, sometimes sweet and innocent, other times pathetic and contemptible. PHer heavy breathing, her whimpers, echo in his ears. Past and present intertwine, making it impossible for him to find peace.

Seven years have passed, and Ryan has thought his feelings for Eudora have completely faded. But he doesn't realize that time can only bury a part of his memories, while the memories themselves are always waiting for an opportunity to resurface and torment his mind.

He wants to let go, that much is clear. But Ryan also knows that after tonight, Eudora will be starting a life of serving and pleasing other men. He can't stand it! He'd never admit it - not even under duress - that she still held a place in his heart, because she didn't deserve it. But watching her give herself up for money was unbearable.

Through the swirling cigarette smoke in the bedroom, Ryan opens his bright eyes and stares into the void, his lips moving slightly as he hisses, “I forgave you the old debt, and you deliberately appear in front of me. Fine, then I'll collect the old and new debts together. Let's see how low you can go!”