"Unbroken Threads: A Woman's Journey Through Hardship and Purpose"

Wolves in Sheep Clothing

A couple of days and interviews pass and I am at my final meeting with the event team, Melinda (the PR Rep), and all of the generous philanthropists, brand executives, etc. that will be funding the event. One of the most notable faces that I recognize is Hill Raggs. Hill is a 40-something, 6'5 Asian Caucasian American man, built with head-to-toe tattoos. He is an actor, athlete, writer, producer and singer. Hill walks into the room like nobody's business. He is H.O.T.T. and very popular with the ladies as you can imagine. Touch him if you dare but I'm pretty sure you will get burned. (But, I digress)

Before I have a chance to speak, Hill introduces himself, Hill. He says. Afra, I reply as I take my seat so as not to swoon. (I got problems y'all). Hill is seated to my direct right. A waiter enters the room with a bottle of Dom Perignon and bougie appetizers. (Nasty but, Classy)

I decline a drink but Hill insists. Bottles start poppin' and before we know it the clock strikes 12 and everyone is what we call, torn up. (highly intoxicated) The last thing that I remember from last night is Melinda being escorted to an Uber by staff and Hill offering me a ride home.

I awake the next morning to find myself dressed in men's pajamas in a bed 3 times the size of the one in the hotel, in a bedroom 5 times the size of my entire suite. My conclusion; I must be at Hill's place. The question of the moment; how did I get here and who changed my clothes?

I roll over to check if a naked Hill is lying next to me. To my relief; no Hill. (Look at God!) I am both scared and mortified. I just need to get back to my hotel. "Pull it together, girl," I tell myself. That's when I realized that there was a note stuck to the mirror next to the dresser that reads:

Welcome to Hill House"You are safe. You crashed before we made it to your hotel. Didn't think that it would be good press to be photographed carrying you into a hotel or for the paparazzi and your family to see you passed out and being carried back to your room. I had one of my housekeepers remove your soiled clothing and dress you in something clean and comfortable. (I hope you don't mind) you are my guest. Feel free to shower and use any of the toiletries provided for you. I had my assistant shop for something a little more fitting than my pajamas. It should be hanging up in the bathroom. When you are ready, please meet me on the back lawn for breakfast or lunch; depending on what time you are reading this." ~Hill

After reading the note; I followed Hill's instructions and got cleaned up. Hanging up in the bathroom was a black slip dress and a pair of Gucci slippers. On the counter next to the sink was a gold pouch with toiletries and black lace panties. (Does he keep an array of "morning after" goodies ready for sleepover guests? I mean, really!) Once I composed myself and gathered my things, I made my way downstairs. I asked the housekeeper for my clothing which she had washed and placed in a bag for me. I planned to get out of the "dog" house as quickly as possible.

Just then, Hill entered the hallway from the back lawn and asked me to join him and his other guests for brunch. I tried to decline as I was rushing out. Hill wasn't taking no for an answer and quickly shuttled me through the grand doorway and into the back lawn... I thanked Hill for being such a gracious host and insisted that I really must get back to the hotel.

Hill insisted that I meet his friends before leaving. "Ok, I said" (as not to seem ungrateful.) As we enter the back lawn, my breath is taken away by the absolute beauty of his back lawn. (Which, by the way; is the size of a football field and looks like it could be a portrait of the Royal Gardens.) I am quickly introduced to a tall blonde by the name of Thalia, whose seat just happens to be on the lap of Hill. (100% sure that she's a model and more than a friend. Especially, since she just shoved her tongue down Hill's throat.) O...K!

I am also introduced to two gentlemen (brothas) (by brothas, I mean black dudes) who are seated to either side of me; Duke and Dane. They look familiar but, who cares, I am far from in the mood to meet people. So, for that reason; "I'm out!" Again I am asked to stay and again, I insist that I must go.

Hill continues to introduce the brothas to me; informing me that they are all working on a film together and that they are interested in hiring me as an assistant to the Art Director for their upcoming project. Hill reminds me that this was not only what we discussed the night before but the reason for our meeting. At that moment; I realized that Hill wasn't asking me, he was telling me. He started talking about things that reminded me of a secret organization led by followers of evil known as the "_____________" that I had mentioned previously.

Things were moving so fast. I knew that I needed to get out of there as soon as possible. What I thought would be a great opportunity to share the gospel and glorify the Lord was turning into something else fast and it wasn't good. The doors were opening but not good ones. Hill attempted to persuade me to sign a contract. A contract that I hadn't even read yet and to be honest, I had no intention of reading or signing it.

Thankfully, Kin called wondering why I hadn't returned to the hotel. I told him to use the location app and send a car for me. 15 minutes never felt so long. I felt like Hill, Dash, and Dane were all talking at once. Before the car arrived Hill made one last ditch effort to convince me to sign this mysterious contract. He mentioned something about nude pictures. (Was I drugged? What else happened while I was out?) The fear of God was in me. I was not going to sign that contract. I was prepared to suffer whatever consequences were to come.

I ran outside to wait for my car. To my excitement, it was pulling up as I was walking out. In the car, I started to ponder on things. Since Melinda had set up this meeting, I was pretty sure that she was a part of this whole contract thing and I began to question everything and everyone. I should have listened to my heart when I felt uneasy about having that drink.

Coincidentally, the only person that I felt safe with at this moment was Kin. Once I was safely back in my hotel room, I rushed straight to Kin. He listened and held me as I explained what happened. Kin wanted to boom on everyone involved but, I just wanted to get the heck out of town. We were on the next flight home. I didn't bother to call anyone from my team. I was done!

Honestly, I wanted out of the entire event. There were red flags everywhere. In the week following the trip, I spent hours studying my bible and praying for God to release me from the bondage of the WSFAM contract.