Chapter 1

UNFAIR

'Uneducated!'

Vester gritted his teeth after the woman left his office.

"She won't take the money? Fine! I'll find other ways to torment those money-sucking beggars!"

He would do anything to keep those women away from their lives, especially Maya, who ruined her younger sister's engagement with his best friend, Lorenzo. He saw how hurt her sister was. He also doesn't understand why Lorenzo wanted to cover up Maya's lies. That wicked woman and her friend!

'If I can't torment Maya, I'll use Rosell then. That way, I could get revenge for my sister.' he thought then smirked, thinking of wicked ways to make Rosell's life miserable.

ROSELL face-palmed after hearing from Maya about what happened last evening. She felt very stressed because of her friend's reckless decisions. She's been getting high blood ever since they left the hospital.

"What?! Don't tell me you're considering that marriage proposal, Maya?!" she asked her friend, not quite agreeing with the latter.

"He said he'll take care of grandpa's hospital bills," her friend answered.

She massaged her temple. She knew how important her friend's grandfather was to her, and she knew that he is her strength and weakness. She doesn't have any wish but for the old man to get well.

"We shouldn't be reckless, Maya. Can't you see that those people are slowly controlling your life? I feel scared for you."

"I'm also scared. I don't know what to do anymore, Rosell."

She felt sorry for her friend. They both have problems right now. She just wishes that they could overcome it all.

"I'll call Kael." she suggested.

Maya looked at her, and she knew what that meant. She doesn't want to ask for help from Kael.

"No need, Rosell. I have lots of debt to him. And we shouldn't let him meddle in our problems." That made Rosell sigh.

"That's your problem, Maya. You always complain but you don't want someone helping you. You have a lot of pride. So what will you do now?"

That's true. Her friend has a lot of pride and she's very principled. She doesn't want any help, especially from her friends.

"I'll borrow money from Simon."

Her eyes widened.

"Are you crazy, Maya?!"

She knows what kind of person Simon is. He's a bad person. Someone who does illegal things like selling drugs, human trafficking and he's a rapist. It's just that he has a lot of influence on the area that's why he's still freely walking and many people are scared of him.

"Shh. Lower down your voice—"

"How can I? You know he's very shady. He triples the interest. You can't pay him back!"

"I'll just beg him. You know that—"

"Maya!" she shouted at her then hit her on the shoulder. "If I knew that this is your plan, I should've taken the check from that boastful doctor!"

She doesn't really like the idea of borrowing money from Simon. She knew that old man very well. He's not trustworthy.

"Nothing will happen to me. Don't worry."

"Why wouldn't I worry, Maya? You know that old man likes you. I don't like the way he looks and touches you. I get goosebumps."

"Come with me then."

That's what she's gonna do even before her friend said that. She's worried about her and she doesn't trust that old man.

"When do you plan to go?" she asked her.

"This evening."

"Alright. If you're not my friend, I would have left you."

ROSELL went home first. Her sister is sitting on the wooden furniture. She went to her and pinched her cheeks.

"Why did you come home late yesterday?" she asked her with slight suspicion.

"Ah... I did a few projects with my classmates," she answered with a slight smile. "We needed to pass it yesterday so we did it overtime."

She looked at her suspiciously but sighed in defeat.

"Alright, I will not scold you. I know you're a very diligent girl and you will not do things that I told you not to do. Let's prepare dinner then." she told her.

Her sister stood up and started to walk towards the kitchen. Upon observing, she noticed her slightly limping.

"What happened to you? You're limping," she asked her.

"Huh? It's nothing. I just tripped earlier. I already put medicine on it," her sister said with an awkward smile on her face.

It seems like there's more to it. She knew her sister very well. If she's smiling awkwardly, she's hiding a secret. But she will not force her to say it. Maybe just some problems at school.

She nodded at her and went inside the room. She listed down all their bills and expenses, and left some for her sister's allowance. Another exhausting day for Rosell, but she's used to it. Later, she and Maya will go to Simon's place and borrow some money.

RISA was very nervous at her sister's questions. The truth is, she didn't trip nor get injured. She didn't make a project last night either. Instead, her boyfriend– which her sister didn't know– brought her to his condo. They've been dating for a month now and he's her first boyfriend, first love, first kiss, and last night, is the first one she had sex with. She enjoyed it and didn't regret giving her virginity to him. He promised to marry her when the time comes, and she held onto that.

Thoughts of the night they had shared entered her mind. Her cheeks instantly turned red. She shook her head many times and concentrated on preparing their dinner.

AFTER dinner, Rosell and Maya went to the club, where Simon's lounge is. It's not that dark outside because the lights from the bar illuminate the area.

Rosell felt hesitant, but Maya held her hands tightly– a sign that she's not gonna step back. At the front of the bar were two bouncers that looked more like goons. The two stopped them from coming inside.

"You're not allowed here, ma'am."

"Why? We're not minors," her friend answered.

"We're following the protocols here. This bar is high-end. Both of you are not allowed. A little problem with the dress code."

They looked at each other. What's wrong with their clothes? Pants and shirts are not allowed here?

"I just want to talk to Simon. Tell him that Maya wants to see him. He knows me."

Upon realization, the bouncer's eyes widened.

"Ah! You're Maya. Alright, ma'am. Follow me," one of them said.

The women looked at each other before following the bouncer.

The moment they stepped inside, loud music could be heard. Lights with different colors were blinding their eyes. The smell of alcohol and cigarettes are hurting their nostrils. Drunk people were dancing on the dance floor. Pole dancers, servers and escorts are wearing too sexy and revealing clothes.

This is the first time they went inside a bar. Some couples were also making out in a dark corner. Is this the usual happenings here?

"Here, ma'am."

They walked up to the second floor and the bouncer brought them to the quiet part of the place. She saw the sign 'VIP' on that part. The bouncer opened the last door and they were awed at how big and luxurious the office was.

"Good evening, boss. Ma'am Maya is here," he said then left.

They saw Simon counting paper bills with another two guys on the side. Probably his subordinates. The old man smiled looking at Maya. Rosell then felt goosebumps because of disgust.

"My dear. What a surprise! Take a seat."

They both sat on the sofa. In front of them are the two guys that give them a not-so-good stare. She whispered a small complaint at Maya.

“What brings you here, my dear?” the old man asked Maya.

She immediately uttered another complaint, but Maya stopped her. The latter then discussed her matters to the old disgusting guy.

"I can let you borrow my money, my dear. How much do you want?" he even grinned which made Rosell hold tightly on Maya's arm.

“One hundred thousand.”

Simon laughed at Maya's reply.

"Are you sure with that, my dear? That's a really big value. You know that I take a triple interest," even gesturing three on his hand.

"I know," Maya replied.

"This is why I like you, my dear," he said then laughed again.

The old man stood up and went to sit beside Maya. She immediately pulled her friend away from the old man, but she's firm on her position. Maybe afraid of enraging the old man.

"If you want, I can just remove the interest."

The old man took Maya's hand and kissed it. Her friend shook her hand off his hold.

"Where should I sign?"

The old man laughed again. She wanted to punch him but she stopped herself from doing so. She needs to stay calm for the sake of her friend.

"Relax for a bit, my dear. The night is still young."

She saw him signalling his subordinate to prepare the document. Then, he poured a whiskey on the two glasses at the table.

"Wait! Maya doesn't drink. Let me drink that," she butted in.

"Don't meddle here," Simon angrily snarled at her.

She was about to argue back but Maya stopped her.

"It's fine," her friend assured her.

"Here's my deal. If you drink this whiskey, I will remove the interest."

"Maya!" She complained, knowing very well that there must be something on the drink. Her friend doesn't drink. She knows it, but she can't stop her from doing so.

She saw Maya take the glass and drank straight from it. One shot. Bottoms up.

She worriedly held her friend's arm.

After three shots, Maya seemed to be drunk. Rosell held her tightly. She then looked at Simon who was just grinning from ear to ear.

"I know what you're planning. I'm not gonna allow you to succeed in that," she fiercely said.

"Oh really? HAHAHA. You can't stop me," he then signalled his subordinates. The two men gripped both of her arms tightly.

"Let go of me! You freaking assh*les!" she shouted at them trying to free herself. "Maya!" she tried to call her friend but she's not in focus.

She bit one of the guy's hands and kicked the other one on his balls. She successfully freed herself.

"You idiots! Take her!" she heard Simon shouted.

Even though they're still in pain, the guys started to walk towards her. Her vision caught the bottle of whiskey. She grabbed and broke it, creating a loud noise. In her hands were now the sharp broken whiskey bottle. She aimed it at them, trying to protect her friend.

"Don't come near! Or else, I'll slit your throat with this!" she bravely shouted.

"Ah, we like this kind. Feisty!"

"It's getting more fun!"

They all laughed, ignoring her threats.

"Go teach that woman a lesson. She's yours, and Maya is mine," Simon evilly laughed.

"No! Don't come near!"

One of the guys tried to grab her but she managed to cut his arm causing him to back out. Blood gushed out of his wound.

Rosell wanted to cry because of anger and fear, but she needs to be strong. She knew very well what these evil men were planning. She's not gonna allow them to do that.

She turned to look at Maya and saw Simon touching her. She ran to him and pushed the dirty old man. She then turned to Maya. She shook to wake into her senses.

"Maya! Come to your senses!" she said, trying to sober up Maya. However, that made her guard down. One of the guys grabbed her hair.

"Ah!" she screamed in pain. She tried to free herself again but then the other guy punched her on the stomach.

She felt an excruciating pain.

That blow made her weak. She fell on the floor feeling so much pain. Her tears fell down because of pain and anger. She felt one of the guys gripped her hand.

"Now, you're tamed! You're now mine!" she heard him say. The two even fought who's gonna be first.

No!

She wanted to shout but her senses were pulling her. She wanted to fight the urge of her eyes to close, but failed to do it. She felt so helpless.

'Help! Someone help us!'

Tears fell off her eyes again.

'How come that this world is so unfair?' she thought.

Then everything went black.