6. The Club

Lucy’s POV

He was utterly dissatisfied when the door swung open unexpectedly. His secretary tried to get his attention, but all he did was stare blankly at me. 

"Your meeting with Mr. Harrison is ready, sir—" 

“Fine.” 

He then told his secretary to shut the door. I let out a sigh of relief because I thought I was going to be able to get away from him, but he grabbed the back of my arm and turned me around to face him. Then he leaned in for the roughest, worst kiss I've ever had. 

His insistent kisses caused me to moan, and when he cupped my breast, I gasped for air. Then he kissed me passionately and then muttered, "You're such a bad kisser, Lucy. Just kiss me back..." 

“N–No!”

"Okay, fine... You want more than just a kiss, right?" He pushed me against the wall, kissed and sucked my neck sexually, which made my eyes and mouth hang open. 

"Ughh…" I pushed him away with sharp eyes. Then I slapped his face, “I hate you.” 

"Don't forget that you inherited an overwhelming debt. Therefore, pay it with your useless body or else you’ll end up just like your dad." 

“So, it seems like your plan all along was to have an annual f*ck session? That's why you want to marry me: so you can have sex with me legally!?" I shot him a piercing stare. 

He leaned close and said, "Miss Hansley, you are so smart. Unfortunately, you only know one percent. Dig a little deeper."

Then he left me, speechless.

As I slumped helplessly on the floor, my breath became ragged, and tears streamed down my cheeks. Damn. Is this really my fate? Do I have to marry that man to pay off the huge debt? 

I drew a deep breath and went outside as if nothing had happened. I need to calm down right now, or I'm going to lose this game. I paused for a moment and then called an Uber. After five minutes, my ride just showed up. 

When I arrived at the empty mansion, I pulled out my phone and called my friend, Annie for help. 

“Hi, Annie.” 

“Hey? Lucy!” she said happily. 

“Uhm, is the job you told me about last week still open for me?"

“Hmm, yes. Do you want to go for it?” she asked excitedly. 

“Uh, yeah. I have to pay rent–” 

She cut me off, “W–What?” 

"It turns out I have to wait a year to sell the mansion. So, I need a job so I can pay my bills."

"All right, I'll send you the address tonight. Please be on time," she said with a yawn.

"Thanks, Annie!" The call ended with a sigh of relief, and I smiled happily.

*****************************

8 p.m. at the Paradisus Club, the newest club in New York City. Yes! I have a degree in interior design, but I work in a club because no one wants to hire the daughter of a bankrupt fraud. That's right, my dad ran a big hospital. He was accused of fraud and made a mistake that he could never fix, which is why he had a heart attack and left me in a terrible state. 

Annie happily waved her hand and said, "Here, you don't have to worry about money. If you know how to trick the rich people, you can make a thousand dollars in tips in just three hours of work. And tadaaa! Easy money!" 

She smiled and led me into the locker, saying, "And if you do well tonight, my boss will call you tomorrow!" 

I nervously chewed on my bottom lip as I gazed at the cute outfit, fearing that I would appear like a stripper. I still don't have a choice, though. Because it costs too much to live in New York, I have to stand alone, or I'll have to crawl on the ground! 

"Thank you, Annie. Thanks a lot for your help... How are your parents doing? They know what you do for a living?" I asked as I put on my outfit. 

"Well, I failed three years ago," she said with a roll of her eyes and a shrug. 

"I'm sorry about that. But look at us now; we're back together." I sighed in sadness.

She laughed and said, "Uhm, three years ago, someone got me pregnant, I have to stop my studies even though it's painful for me. I have to find a way to support myself since my parents are no longer going to help me. Now I'm here, and I didn't blame them for what took place. This is my choice, and I'm glad I worked hard to raise my daughter on my own." 

“I’m proud of you.” I patted her shoulder and she hugged me. 

“I’m proud of you too. You tried to live despite what happened to your family. But don’t worry, you have to start over again to build yourself. I’m sure your father didn’t mean to give you problems before he left.” she said. 

I wiped my tears away and said, "Yeah, I would be doing what I love to do now if I hadn't depended on him my whole life. It's too bad that I only act when it's too late. 

"At least now you have a chance to do better." She took me to the counter and handed me a serving tray of drinks.

“Lucy… you have to give this to table number five.” 

I looked around, “Where?” 

“There…” Annie pointed to the last table in the corner and it looked like the man was alone.

“The VIP table is right there. Don't worry—men will only touch you if you let them. So far, no woman has been abused in this club." 

I slowly walked over to the customer and put the drinks on his table. Although it was dark when I finally got a good look at him, my eyes grew wide with shock, and he stared at me from head to toe. 

He tensely raised an eyebrow and asked, "Lucy, what the f*Ck are you wearing?" 

As I timidly stepped back, my fearful lips quivered, and I stammered out, "A-And you... W-what are you doing here?" 

He stood up, towering over me, “Follow me.” 

I followed him inside the private room and he locked the door behind him. He let out a deep sigh as he looked at my outfit.

"Oh, so my bride works in a club?" 

"Arman, I'm not yours. I'm free to live my life however I choose—" 

He grabbed my arm and said, "Lucy, I own you! Did you forget about the deal you signed today, huh? Even if you work in a club all your life, you cannot pay me billions!" 

“Don’t touch me!” I wiggled my body trying to get away from him. 

"No, the way you dressed right now—I'd rather see us through to the end of what we started!" Pushing me down on the table on all fours, he slowly took off my underwear.

As his warm palm pressed against my legs, a scream of terror escaped me.

He stopped when he saw me weeping and begging him to stop. This is the first time I've met a man who is so ruthless and heartless. He liked seeing me hurt, but eventually, he stopped touching me and stood up with his lips pursed. 

“Let’s go home.” he said.

“W–What?” 

“From now on, I don’t want you to work in this filthy place. You don’t belong here! You are mine now, Lucy! So let’s go home…”