The Harper Family: Second Chances (Wattpad Version)

A double life

Disclaimer: The following chapter will contain disturbing and triggering content. I recommend the reader's discretion.

Keaton

After that night, I learned to shut down my emotions and take a damn pill. I worked with Daría for a while until Joshua had me work alone. Each night was the same. I waited until a guy pulled up, offered my services, and left with him.

We went to his place or a secluded area. I did whatever they wanted for a price. But it wasn't enough. Andre wanted more. If I didn't bring more money in, someone got punished.

Besides working for Andre, I started distancing myself from my family. If I wasn't at school, I was working for Andre. My parents questioned me, but I lied to them. It was better than telling them the truth.

Unfortunately, it didn't matter. I mistakenly met Andre's boss one night when I overheard voices while waiting for Joshua at Andre's office.

"Don't be shy. If you plan to eavesdrop, make yourself known," Andre said.

I stepped inside the room with my hands shoved in my front jeans pockets. An older woman with white hair set in a bun sat in a chair opposite Andre.

"Come closer," Andre ordered me.

I crept toward them and stopped when I reached the desk.

"Keaton, this is my boss, Angelique."

I glanced at the woman, who arched her brow at me but didn't smile. My eyes moved back to Andre.

"Joshua met Keaton at a party and enlisted him to join our organization. Isn't that right, Keaton?" Andre looked at me, daring me to refute him.

"Yes, sir."

"He's become a valuable asset. Even more so."

My eyes shifted around the room.

Andre rose from his seat, moved around the desk, and stood with his face mere inches from mine. "It would be a shame if you spoke of what you saw today. Wouldn't it?"

"Yes."

"Why don't I show you what happens when you disobey me?" Andre moved to his desk and pressed a button. "Bring me, Daría."

"Yes, boss," a voice answered.

"Well, I will leave you to it." Angelique looked at me. "I hope you have a prosperous employment with us for your sake." She strolled to a door and exited through it before closing it.

Andre opened a drawer, pulled a can of hairspray and a lighter, and set them on the desk. A guy walked in while dragging Daría with him.

"I didn't do anything!" Daría yelled while struggling.

"Shut up! And do as your told." The guy shoved Daría toward Andre.

Daría stumbled but regained her footing. The guy left and closed the door, leaving us alone with Andre.

Andre stood behind his desk and looked at us. "It seems Keaton hasn't learned his place yet. I wanted to show him what happens when he breaks a rule."

I glanced at Daría while she stared away from Andre with her lips pressed into a thin line, and her hands balled into fists.

"For Keaton's insubordination, Daría will receive a punishment."

Before we could react, Andre grabbed the hair spray and lighter. He sprayed Daría with it and flicked the lighter. Daría screamed as her clothes caught fire. My eyes widened, and my jaw dropped. Daría removed her shirt quickly, tossed it to the floor, and stepped on until she extinguished the fire. I stood like a statue with my mouth cracked.