Chapter 10

Aurelia’s POV

Marietta, my younger sister, has never been quiet.

She was dramatic, loud and always complaining about something; her hair, her friends, her teachers, her boyfriend.

So when she walked into the house that evening without a word, something immediately felt wrong.

I was at the dining table pretending to scroll through job listings when the door clicked shut softly.

I looked up to see her head was down and her backpack hung loosely off one shoulder. She didn’t even go to greet Mom like she usually did.

“Rietta?” I called lightly. “You’re home late today, what happened?.”

“Extra classes,” she muttered without meeting my eyes.

That was a lie. Her school doesn’t do extra classes on Wednesdays.

She started walking past me and that was when I saw a faint bruise near her wrist.

My stomach tightened. “Wait.” I stood up slowly and walked closer. “What’s that?”

She froze for a second and then pulled her hand behind her back instantly. “Nothing.”

“Let me see.”

“It’s nothing, Aurelia! Please just drop it” she snapped defensively.

My eyes narrowed in suspicion as I grabbed her wrist gently before she could move away.

There were more… little faint marks along her forearm.

My eyes widened in shock and my heart raced with worry, “What’s this? Did someone do this to you?”

She yanked her hand back. “I said it’s nothing! I played rough and got it from sports practice.”

“Is that so? That doesn’t look like ...”

She glared at me, eyes glossy for just a second before she masked it. “Why are you acting like a detective? You’re not my mom and I am not in the mood for this”

That stung but I stepped back a bit to give her some space.

She walked past me before I could gather my thoughts to respond and disappeared into her room, slamming the door shut.

I stood there contemplating whether to go after her or not. Something just didn't feel right and I didn't want to involve our parents because then she might really not forgive me.

I decided to wait for her to cool down before knocking softly on her door an hour later.

“Go away.”

“Marietta…”

“I said I’m fine! Please leave”

I leaned my forehead against the wood and exhaled helplessly.

She wasn’t fine, I could feel it in my gut. But knowing her, she wasn’t going to tell me if she didn't want to. I would have to let her be and take her word for it.

I was heading to my room when I heard hushed voices coming from my parents room with the door slightly open.

It was them again discussing with voices dripping with worry and frustration.

“… the interest is increasing and the one month they gave us would be elapsing soon,” Mom whispered.

“I’ll talk to them. I’ll ask for another extension.” Dad reasoned

“They won’t keep giving extensions! You know that”

There was silence and Dad sighed tiredly, “I thought the contract money would stabilize us. I didn’t know it would still be like this… we had to sacrifice our daughter but it still wasn't enough”

I stiffened. The word ‘contract’ felt like a curse, a reminder that I was still chained to that asshole.

I stepped back as I was in no mood to listen again and before they could notice me.

Our family was on the edge of collapsing, Marietta was hiding something and the bills were drowning us… and it was beginning to feel like I was unemployed because of pride to work under him.

I went back to my room with renewed determination and opened my laptop. Why was getting a jobs so hard? Did my luck run out after losing that one?

My email was already filled with rejections but I continued applying for more.

I even became less picky, I could do anything with a pay.

But just like before, the rejection emails started arriving few days after that

We regret to inform you…

After careful consideration…

We have decided to move forward with other candidates…

Each one felt like a slap. I refreshed my inbox obsessively and the negative feedback broke my heart piece by piece.

By one particular evening, my chest felt tight with pressure and I couldn’t breathe properly.

I grabbed my burner phone and stared at his contact for a long time.

This is unhealthy and reckless but I typed anyway.

‘Are you free tonight?’

The reply came quick as usual - Yes.

Normally I would feel a little irritated but I didn't even care, I didn’t even bother negotiating time.

Same place - Room 7.

I closed my eyes and exhaled deeply, I just needed to temporarily forget everything even if it was just for a few hours.

***

The music at Club Zero felt louder tonight or maybe my head was already too full.

I ordered a drink immediately. Then another and another. I loved the burning feeling down my throat and how all my troubles just seemed to float away.

So when I finally walked into Room 7, he was already there again, waiting in the darkness.

I couldn't see him properly but I could feel his eyes on me… I was too drunk to care.

I didn’t greet him or pause, I walked straight to him with staggering movement and the need to release all my pent up anger..

He seemed to have noticed how drunk I was because his hands steadied me when I stumbled slightly.

I brushed him off and reached for another drink I had brought in with me.

I could feel his gaze on me as I downed the drink, he was watching and assessing me with amusement I bet but too bad I gave no fucks.

I just needed the noise in my head to stop.

We got down to business almost immediately, the heat between us was almost palpable.

Our hands roughly roamed each other’s body, it was less patient… Like we were both chasing distraction instead of pleasure.

We were still in foreplay when my vision was beginning to get blurry.

The room looked like it was tilting and I could feel the abyss of sleep pulling at me forcefully. Shit, I think I had too much to drink and was currently about to pass out.

I laughed breathlessly at the thought of how embarrassing I must look to the masked man, though nothing was funny.

His grip tightened around my waist and I think he said something… or maybe that was just the music.

My head felt light and my eye lids were as heavy as bricks, I don't think I could keep them open any longer. My body was already shutting down for a nap and the last thing I remember was the room spinning as I leaned into him for support.

I wanted to apologize and give him a heads up but what followed was darkness.

***

I woke up to harsh morning light leaking through the edges of the heavy curtains by the window.

My head throbbed violently like my heart had moved there, even opening my eyes was a chore.

I groaned and pressed my palm to my forehead.

What happened?

As if on cue, the memories came back slowly. The desperation to forget, drinks and the mystery man…

Shit! My stomach twisted as I pushed myself up slowly and looked around.

I was still in the familiar room 7 but it was empty. He was gone… well of course he was.

Embarrassment flushed through me as everything replayed in my head. Did I really pass out while making out?

Oh my gosh!

A small note on the small table beside the bed caught my eye and I curiously grabbed it. It has just one sentence: ‘You should pace yourself’

There was no name on it but I already knew who it was. I stared at it, cheeks burning even more. It was a good thing he wasn't here, I would have melted away to a puddle.

I noticed there was also a receipt clipped beneath it. Hmmm… the room had been paid for another full day.

So he didn’t leave me to deal with it, quite a gentleman!

I sighed and swung my legs off the bed carefully, ignoring the pounding in my skull.

You’re a mess, Relia… a complete mess. I was never like this until him…

As I reached for my phone, it started ringing in my hand. I checked the ID to see it was Mom, she had called a few times before.

My heart dropped, she must have been worried sick because I left without telling anyone of my whereabouts.

It was best to answer so I picked up and brought the phone to my ear. “Hello mom… I’m sorry I…”

“Aurelia!” Her voice cut me off while panicking. “It’s Marietta… She collapsed at school this morning. They’re taking her to the hospital right now.”

The hangover disappeared into thin air and my eyes widened in shock.

“What?” I shot up, nearly losing my balance. “Collapsed? What do you mean collapsed?!”

“She fainted during class! They said she looked pale all morning!”

My chest tightened in worry. I should have insisted on speaking to her and not come to the club. How irresponsible was that, I was supposed to be her older sister she looked up to.

“I’m on my way,” I said quickly, already grabbing my things.

As I rushed out of the room, one thought echoed in my head louder than the music from last night.

I regretted meeting with the masked man… perhaps this whole thing was stupid. I shouldn't have quit his job…