Eighteen-year-old Ivy Silver's life took a dark turn when the glittering facade of a famous strip club concealed a future she never envisioned. Trapped, she desperately sought freedom, only to fall into the clutches of Hermann Rodriguez, an arrogan...
I thought I'd only been gone a few minutes, but when I emerged, darkness had fallen. I heard chatter from the kitchen but ignored it; it was probably Carlos making dinner while Miguel regaled him with endless stories.
"Where have you been?" Hermann's voice was sharp, laced with concern that felt unsettlingly genuine.
"I wasn't feeling well," I lied, the words a bitter taste in my mouth. Norman's plan had to stay hidden from Hermann; otherwise, I'd be trapped as his plaything for the rest of my life. The very thought made me physically ill.
"Why didn't you come to me?" His worry was palpable, his expression etched with concern.
"Didn't want to bother you. I'm fine," I replied quickly, trying to slip past him before he could get any closer.
"I'll call a doctor," he offered. "No!" I cut him off sharply. "I'm fine. I just need some rest," I insisted, not waiting for a response, using the opportunity to escape his watchful gaze as swiftly as possible.
I couldn't believe I'd almost grown comfortable around him. He was far from good, his affections dangerous and possessive. For a while, I'd foolishly believed I needed his shoulder to lean on, that I was safe. I'd chosen the wrong shoulder to hang myself on.
My mind raced, preoccupied with Hermann and the rapidly shifting circumstances. The chance to see Wilmert again, to win him back, to share those incredible moments-it felt almost too good to be true.
I went to the bedroom. A dress lay on the bed, a pair of heels and matching jewelry beside it. I took a deep breath, approaching the dress slowly. My fingers traced the intricate design; it was exquisite. I smiled, a genuine smile that felt foreign yet exhilarating.
I heard the door open and close softly behind me, but I didn't bother to look. The quiet footsteps, the prickling sensation on my skin, were enough to tell me it was Hermann.
"We're going to a friend's wedding. You'll look stunning," he whispered in my ear, his arms encircling my waist, pulling me against him with a possessive urgency. He pressed tiny kisses along my neck.
I closed my eyes, inhaling his scent, but without a word, I broke free from his embrace and headed straight for the bathroom. I didn't turn to meet his gaze, but I sensed his surprise. "I should get ready, then," I said before closing the bathroom door.
I had to get away from him.
I had to find a way out.
I had to try.
I frowned as the warm water cascaded over my skin, washing away the tension, the fear.
I was nervous, I admitted to myself. It had been ages since I'd last seen Wilmert. I wasn't comfortable with this new, hardened version of myself, and I feared he wouldn't be either. I was terrified he wouldn't look at me with the same passion, that he wouldn't hold me the way he used to.
Or was I overthinking again?
I stepped out of the shower, wrapping a black towel around myself, and returned to the bedroom. Empty. Hermann was gone.
I sighed and went to the dress.
Done.
The dress fit perfectly, as if tailored for me. I looked... happy, rich, powerful. I spent a few minutes studying my reflection in the dressing table mirror. I was going to do this, I told myself, summoning my courage. I began to style my dark hair. "Let's see what I can do with you," I murmured, working on my hair.
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"I love the way my style stuns you," Miguel announced, his voice dripping with flamboyant admiration. It had only been a few minutes since Miguel and Carlos had barged into my room, arguing over who had the better-defined abs.
"Thank you, Miguel. I love you too," I replied brightly, playing along.
"So that means I have the sexier abs?" Miguel asked, his tone instantly sharp.
"Noooo," I said, laughing.
"Then who won?" Carlos demanded, impatient.
"Take your positions. I want a word with Ivy," Norman interrupted before I could respond. He met my gaze, unwavering. "Yes," Miguel and Carlos agreed, glancing at me one last time before leaving.
"What conclusion have you reached?" Norman asked immediately, his tone serious.
"What if Hermann finds out what you're doing behind his back?" I asked, my voice steady, my concern genuine.
"I can handle my cousin, Ivy," he said confidently. "It's you who should be worried. Once he tires of you... he'll let his dogs have their way with you," he added, his voice low and menacing.
"I'll give you my answer before the wedding," I said, a knot of unease tightening in my stomach. The thought of Hermann's cruelty, his capacity for violence, was a chilling reality.
"I'll be waiting. I urge you to make the right decision," he said before closing the door, leaving me alone with my turmoil.
Thanks for reading this new chapter my darling readers. Your support is my strength, I love you all so stay tuned for more. NB: ignore any grammatical mistakes.
