Deal?

A hand suddenly grabbed hers, making Norah flinch out of fear.

“Are you okay?” Sisi’s whispered, her voice was soft… almost caring, with a smile that didn’t even reach her eyes.

Norah turned to look at her and sighed. Her vision was already unstable, but she could still see that smile… so fake.

Norah slowly shook her head, her fingers curling into tight fists. She was set up!!

Her gaze shifted weakly toward the tray of cake. Her eyes narrowed as everything began to connect. Those who took slices earlier didn’t take from the front… only from the back.

A cold wave ran through her body. No matter how she tried to fight it, the drug was stronger than her.

Sisi’s grip on her hand tightened. “Come,” she whispered close to her ear. “There’s a room upstairs. You can rest.”

Her voice sounded gentle, but the way she pulled Norah was so harsh. “I’m very sure you will love it.”

Norah stumbled as she was dragged along, her legs already losing strength. The music downstairs faded into a dull echo as they moved through the elevator, then toward the hallway.

Each step felt heavier and her body became weaker. “Sisi…” Norah tried to speak, but the voice that came out was faint and almost broken.

Sisi didn't response… and tightened the grip on her arm.

After a while, they reached the upper floor. “Room 6…” Sisi mumbled, and the door was pushed open.

Before Norah could even process anything, she was shoved inside. Her body stumbled forward, barely catching herself. “Enjoy your welcome back night,” Sisi’s voice came from behind, laced with mockery.

Laughter followed, and Norah was surprised Sisi didn't came alone. Her friends were also there, it seemed like teamwork.

Then the door slammed shut, followed by silence. Norah stood there for some seconds, her breathing becoming heavy, her vision began spun wildly.

She tried to take a step, but her knees gave in. She fell onto the bed, her body sinking into the soft surface like it couldn’t hold itself anymore.

Tears filled her eyes, slipping down the sides of her face without her knowing.

She didn’t know why she deserved this kind of life. The humiliation was too much for her to bear. She suddenly wished Mr Matthew hadn’t adopted her.

Her fingers clenched weakly into the bedsheet. “Why…” she whispered, her voice breaking. Her body burned and her head throbbed.

She turned slightly, trying to steady herself, but it only made the dizziness worse. Her lips parted as she struggled to stay conscious.

What scared her more was the faint sound of running water coming from the bathroom.

The door opened, and a tall figure stepped out of the bathroom, a towel slung low around his hips, steam still curling off his shoulders. The bedroom was dark except for the faint amber glow from the bedside lamp, but even that small light revealed the figure on his bed.

He froze for few seconds, then let out a low snort. “What the hell did I drank this night?” he muttered. The strange feeling wouldn’t go away, no matter how long he stayed under the shower.

His pulse was already heavy in his throat. He had come back expecting an empty room, maybe a quick shower and sleep. Not this… “Daniel…” he groaned. “Must you do this? I’m going to deal with you tomorrow.”

He made sure the main door was locked, then walked toward the bed with a deep sigh. The moment his eyes settled on her, something in him stirred restlessly! The beast he had been trying to tamed suddenly went barsek.

He placed his hands on the bed, keeping a bit of distance. “Sorry, girlie. I don’t know what you’re doing on my bed, but…” He exhaled slowly. “Help me tonight. I’ll compensate you nicely. Deal?”

Norah wanted to shake her head, but even that felt impossible. His voice only made everything more confusing, and her body felt strange and uncomfortable, like she wasn’t fully in control of herself anymore.