His Dangerous Embrace

Betrayal

Chapter 1

"Every sweet fruit comes with its seed of bitterness."

(Esme's pov)

Life often feels overwhelmingly chaotic, but my struggles seem to transcend the ordinary, as if the universe itself holds a personal vendetta against me. Laden with grocery bags that never seem to lighten, I trudged through the store, feeling as though my burdens were endless, much like the relentless hardships of my life. Finally, spotting the elusive berries brought a sigh of relief.

You might think we indulge in such luxuries regularly, but that's far from the truth. My notoriously frugal aunt's demand for an extravagant dinner tonight was baffling. Known for her miserly ways and an insatiable love for money, she could have orchestrated a heist for a dime. Why this sudden splurge on dinner? Guests, perhaps? But who could it be? With no friends, relatives, or family left after my uncle's passing, and neighbors steering clear of her peculiar and selfish demeanor, the idea seemed implausible.

Returning home, I was struck with disbelief. Every inch of our modest house gleamed with unfamiliar splendor. Dilapidated decor had been replaced with new, the floors sparkled, and I questioned my reality, glancing at the same nameplate outside the metallic gates to confirm I hadn't wandered into another home.

"Why are you standing there wasting time? Don't you have other work?" My aunt's sharp voice echoed from the staircase.

"Sorry, Aunt. I was just about to start dinner," I replied, heading toward the kitchen.

"Stop right there. Reema is preparing dinner tonight. You just put the groceries away and get ready," she ordered. Stunned, I thought, *Reema?* The lazy ass who couldn't fetch herself a glass of water? *What the f—* But I knew better than to question her, unless I wanted a beating. Heading to my room, I found a stunning blue mermaid dress laid out. Bewilderment washed over me. This was a far cry from the threadbare hand-me-downs I usually wore, cast-offs from my cousin Reema. Suspicion gnawed at me. This sudden kindness felt off.

Who were these mysterious visitors? Why the secrecy? Despite my misgivings, I donned the dress, marveling at my reflection. I looked beautiful, perhaps because I had never worn anything new. This night promised to be unlike any other, filled with foreboding and questions that demanded answers.

As if anyone would tell me anything. Determined to see if I looked presentable, I decided to show the dress to my aunt. Stepping into the corridor, I heard her on a phone call.

"When will you all arrive?" she asked. "Yes, all the preparations are done. I'm selling—"

Curiosity piqued, I edged closer, hiding behind the staircase. Despite my efforts, I only caught fragments. Selling something? She didn't own any property or land, so what could it be? I strained to hear more.

"No, she's naive and obedient. She won't resist. She doesn't even know I'm selling her tonight. So don't worry," she laughed.

My blood froze, my mind went blank, and fear gripped me. Had I heard that right?

"I don't care about that. I just want my payment of $30,000, that's all."

What? This couldn't be real. Mrs. Gerald, the woman I called my aunt, was cruel, but this? Selling me for money? My heart pounded, and my brain struggled to process the shock. In my panic, I bumped a flowerpot, catching it just before it hit the floor. But it was too late; she heard the noise.

"Who's there?" she yelled. I was doomed. Her heels clicked ominously closer, but then, "Mom, come fast!" Reema's voice from the kitchen diverted her.

Relief washed over me. I bolted to my room and locked the door, sinking to the floor in horror. What would I do now? This woman had abandoned all humanity. I never imagined anyone could stoop so low as to sell another human being. Terrified of being sold to some monstrous fate, I recalled stories of abuse, exploitation, and worse. I had to act. But how? I had no phone to call for help, not even to reach the police.

Peeking from the balcony, I saw black cars parking outside. My heart stopped. They were here for me. Urgent knocks pounded on my door.

"Open the door right now, girl! Are you not ready yet? How much more time will you take?" Mrs. Gerald's shout turned my blood cold.

"Just a few more minutes, Aunt," I answered, hoping to buy time.

"Fine. But get ready fast and come downstairs," she demanded before leaving.

The danger hadn't passed. I faced two choices: accept my fate or resist and escape. I couldn't let myself be sold. Looking out from the balcony, I made my decision. I would escape.

After losing my parents, my freedom was all I had left, and I wasn't about to let anyone take it from me.

As I looked from the balcony to the ground, an idea popped into my brain.

___________________________________________________

Hey everyone!

I know I'm a bit late with this book, but don't worry—daily updates are coming your way! How do you like the first chapter? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Thanks for reading ❤️