CHAPTER 3: DESPERATION

CHAPTER 3

Roxanna's POV

Evelyn pulled me into the mansion, but I kept resisting, trying my best to get her hands off me. I didn't want to get married. Not this way.

I would rather sell my body somewhere and make money from a rich old man than get tied to a disabled stranger.

My pleas went on deaf ears as Evelyn kept pulling me to my bedroom upstairs.

“Let go of me!” I yelled for the umpteenth time, but she ignored me and pulled harder.

“You’d better keep your mouth shut and come with me!” She yelled back, but I refused to be pulled like some animal. With the last remaining energy left in me, I bit her arm; the very one that kept pulling me continuously.

“Ahhh!! You animal!” Evelyn shrieked and released her hold on me. I saw that as a good opportunity to make a run for the exit.

“Stop her! Catch her and don't let her escape!” I heard Evelyn's voice from behind and I ran even faster.

Once I got outside the mansion, I ran directly to the roadside to flag down a taxi. Thankfully, I found a taxi and hurriedly got in.

The guards sent after me stopped the moment the taxi drove away from the Renwick's estate.

The tears I held back for so long began to fall uncontrollably as I sniffed, trying hard to dry up the tears.

I caught the driver staring at me through the rearview and I hurriedly composed myself.

“Where to, miss?” He asked after he saw I had wiped my tears.

“To any bar around.” The words came out of my mouth even before I could realize it.

The driver glanced at me once more, “Are you sure about that miss?” He asked and I shot him a glare.

“And what do you mean by that?” I asked him in return, he kept quiet and faced the road immediately.

Soon, he pulled up before a bar and turned to me.

“We're here, ma'am.” I looked out the window to see that we indeed had arrived at a bar.

I got down from the taxi and paid him for the ride, then turned to face the bar which I had bravely asked the driver to take me to.

I didn't know why, but for some unknown reason, I had this feeling and urge to go get a drink and unwind. I just wanted to have peace for a day without having to think of any of my present problems.

And Finn was still hospitalized, I still had to think of how to gather the money for his surgery.

I dragged in a haggard breath before making my way into the bar. This was my first time being here, but I ignored the looks everyone threw at me and made my way to the counter. Once I made myself comfortable on the counter, the bartender came up to me.

“Hi Miss, what would you like?” He asked, flashing me a smile as I blinked.

What would I like? I never even visited any bar in my life, but I needed the relief and I wouldn't hesitate to let loose tonight. Who knows, I might never have the freedom ever again.

“Give me the strongest drink you have here.” I said, and I saw the amused look that flashed in the eyes of the bartender.

He walked off and returned with a drink.

“Here's the strongest drink for ladies,” he said as he handed me the glass. Without thinking, I chucked the content into the back of my throat.

Being alcohol, I never knew the effect would be that grave for a newbie to chuck it down.

I winced at the burning sensation that assaulted my throat the next minute.

“Don't down it that way, you look like a newbie.” The bartender chuckled.

I extended the glass to him, even though I was close to passing out from the momentary loss of air from my lungs.

The bartender gave me a once-over look before adhering to giving me another shot.

I did a count down in my head and went ahead to repeat my previous act, not minding the words of the bartender.

I downed the drink in one go and winced again, holding my neck dramatically as I gasped for air.

Just when I felt the effect of the drink kicking in with the dizziness and sudden lightness I felt, I realized that someone had been staring at me for quite a while.

I whipped my head to the side, only to be met with piercing silver eyes staring back at me.

His eyes were so clear and cold, pulling me in and at the same time warning me off. I found this particular stranger handsome, or maybe it was the drink's effect.

“Hey pretty boy,” I called out and leaned in his direction, a smile made its way to my lips as I watched the surprised look that flashed in his eyes.

“What?...why are you staring at me as if I grew an extra head, huh?” I asked again, hiccuping also. The pretty boy must be disgusted with me already.

“Seriously….. is something on my face or did you also fall in love at first sight with me?” I asked and pouted at the last part. The same lie Devian told me.

He still didn't say a word, but I still went ahead to ask again, “Or do you want to sleep with me?”

I heard a gasp from the side and I turned to see the bartender's eyes flashing with fear. I raised a brow at him, “What?.... Did…did I really grow an extra head?” I asked him as fear consumed me. I felt my head, trying to feel the second head, but there was nothing.

I released a sigh of relief and turned to the handsome stranger again.

“I'm a virgin!” I suddenly announced and I saw him raise a questioning brow.

“Miss…” the bartender began, but the stranger silenced him with just one look.

I ignored the bartender also and boldly whispered to the stranger, “I'm willing to sell my virginity to you…..only if you give me the amount of money I'll ask for.” I said and hiccuped again.

“And how much are you willing to sell it for?” He finally said something, his deep voice making my toes curl.

“$10,000” I blurted out, that was exactly Finn's hospital bill amount.

“Just that?” He asked as he took a sip of his drink. His movements were graceful and elegant.

“Yes, I don't want much,” I replied and he nodded.

“As long as there wouldn't be any strings attached, I'm willing to comply.”

“Yes, Yes…..no strings_” I hiccuped, “No strings attached.”

***

 I arrived at the hospital the next day, still feeling disgusted with myself and happy at the same time, I got the most shocking news of my life.

Finn had been taken away by my father and stepmother. He was transferred to another hospital that no one knew about. My entire world crumbled as tears stung my eyes.

Why was passing through all these? Why did my family have to treat me even more than a stranger?

They were heartless and merciless, not caring about anything except their selfish gains; The Renwick's Firm.

I already had the money, but it seemed useless at this point since I couldn't even use it to save my brother.

I felt used and embarrassed, remembering what I had to do for the money.

Just then, I got a call from Evelyn and when I connected the call, she said, “If you still want to see Finn, then come back home and get married to Ciel  Sébastien .”