CHAPTER 2

Elissa's POV

The safest place anyone in my state would go to was home.

But for me—

It was a greater nightmare.

Standing outside the door, pain moved through my lips as I bit down on it.

I used this method to keep my emotions stoic, unlike my bubbly self in school.

The staunch scent of alcohol greeted me instantly, and I walked in, quietly and slowly.

But like every other day, he was slumped on the chair, a bottle in his arm.

“You are finally back! I keep telling you that school is a waste of time. Grendel offered to give you work in the brothel. Use that body for something worth it.”

The voice belonged to a man who called himself my uncle.

Ignoring him, I went up the stairs and into my room.

Fifty thousand dollars. There was no way I could gather such an amount.

My best option was to find out who the culprit was.

Everything pointed at Vanessa but I had no proof.

Tears stained my eyes but I refused to cry.

I just needed to head to work, maybe I could clear my head.

“Elissa. A couple of beers and wine for the VIP room.” My manager called, and handed me a tray.

My breath hitched.

Why did she have to call me of all people?

After working here for three weeks, I knew the VIP room was off limits.

Any staff who came out of there always looked traumatised.

But I didn't want to get fired.

“Okay Miss.” I said, pushing back all my troubles and sorrows and donning a fake smile.

The room was filled with the smell of alcohol and smoke.

Men gathered around a table littered with alcohol, laughing crazily amongst themselves.

My goal was to drop the tray and leave.

But how cruel was my fate.

“You can't be leaving so fast,” A middle aged man with a protruded belly grabbed my wrist, pulling me straight into his laps.

Disgust filled my entire body, and I felt the urge to retch.

“Please Sir. This isn't my job.” I tried to speak, but I couldn't raise my voice.

The man's name was Reneldo. He was a top customer in the club. I couldn't afford to offend him.

If the boss knew, she would fire me.

And there was no other chance of getting the money for my mother's treatment back.

I struggled but it seemed to fuel his inflated ego.

The man brought his lips close to my ears.

“Struggle all you want, I already paid good money for you.” The thick stench from his mouth made my stomach churn.

Unable to bear it anymore, I stomped his feet and stood up, wanting to run out of the room.

But the guards blocked the exit.

“Please let me go.” I didn't even care about the job anymore.

I'd find another one, and start working harder.

“You stupid girl!” It was like a voice from hell.

He tugged my hair back, and a cry escaped my lips.

What made it worse was that no one around the table made a move to stop him.

It was like they were used to such an occurrence.

“Let me go.” I said, trying to pry his grip off my hair but he was too strong.

“Don't tell me you are ignorant to the rules in this club.” The man snickered, and fear gripped me.

I didn't know about any rules.

I was just a student, and I wanted to earn some money for my mother.

The tears fell down my eyes, stinging my skin.

“Let her go.” A voice came out, causing a hush of silence in the room.

Out of the shadows, stepped the least person I expected.

He looked way different from how I knew him.

And this was the second time I was seeing him today.

Jason Myers.

What was the captain of the hockey team doing here?

In a place surrounded by such men?

The fat man's face had instantly turned white.

“Mr. Myers. I didn't know she had an affiliation with you.” He stammered, instantly letting go of my hair.

Jason's eyes narrowed, “Now you do, and that hand…” his gaze zeroing on the man's hand.

Before I knew what was going on, blood splashed on the floor.

Gripping his severed wrist, Mr. Reneldo held back his scream and spoke, “I have gotten rid of it. I wouldn't make such a mistake.” He said.

The sight of blood sent danger signals to my brain.

And I turned around.

Bolting out of the room, I held my hand to my mouth.

I just saw a man's hand on the floor.

There was no way I could sleep through this.

I headed to the bar instantly.

“I'd like one shot. Maybe the strongest thing you've got.”

The barman eyed me for a while.

Probably because I was still in my work dress.

“I'm quitting. Just give it to me.”

After everything I had seen? I'd be mad to spend another day in this hell hole.

I downed the first cup.

The memories of my mother, wires attached to her body appeared in my mind.

“Please another one. I'd pay.” I swallowed the incoming sob.

“Strong still?”

This was the first time I was taking alcohol, I didn't know if I'd be able to hold it in.

I just wanted to forget the whole of today.

“Yes.”

The reason why I had chosen to work in this place.

It was because it was so far from the college.

I didn't expect to meet any familiar faces.

Especially not the face of the most popular person on campus.

“You don't have to drink so much.”

And suddenly, I hear his voice right behind me.

The voice of the person I wanted to avoid.