chapter 3

Brandon walked through the ornate doors of the club, taking in the lavish decor. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the walls were covered in paintings and tapestries. A live band was playing in the corner, and the place was packed with people dancing and laughing. He made his way to the bar, ordering a drink and taking a seat. He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. There was something about this place that felt off. He wasn't sure what it was, but he couldn't shake the feeling.

As Brandon was playing the slot machines, he heard raised voices nearby. He looked over and saw two men arguing with each other, their faces red with anger. They were shoving each other, and it looked like they were about to come to blows. The security guards were already on their way, but it was clear that the situation was escalating. Brandon felt his heart race as he watched, unsure of what to do.

Suddenly, he heard a loud crash behind him. He turned around and saw that someone had knocked over a table, scattering chips and cards everywhere.

As the situation in the casino grew more chaotic, Brandon couldn't help but laugh. The absurdity of it all was too much to take seriously. He knew that the security guards would eventually break up the fight, and he didn't want to get involved. He just wanted to enjoy his evening and try his luck at the slots. But the commotion was making that difficult.

He looked around, trying to find a quiet corner where he could play without being disturbed. But everywhere he looked, he saw people arguing or fighting. It was beginning to seem like there was no escape from the chaos.

"Hey" Brandon shouted as everyone noticed his presence and kept quiet.

As Brandon walked through the casino, he noticed that the room had grown eerily silent. People were still arguing and fighting, but it was like they were doing it in slow motion. He turned around and saw that all eyes were on him.

"Now play without noise" Brandon shouted.

As Brandon sat down at a table, a familiar face approached him. It was his friend, John, who he hadn't seen in a while. "Hey, long time no see!" John said, a grin on his face. "What are you doing here?"

"Just trying my luck," Brandon said, gesturing to the slot machines.

"Well, I've got something that might interest you," John said, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "There's a masked party happening tomorrow night.

"What's going on there?" Brandon asked.

"The big guy auctions will be made, you don't really want to miss it," John said.

Brandon was intrigued. A masked party sounded like an interesting way to meet a drug lord he has been looking for.

"Tell me more," he said.

John leaned in closer and whispered, "I can't say too much, but I can tell you it's going to be a night you'll never forget. The location is secret, and you'll need a mask to get in. Are you interested?"

Brandon thought for a moment. The whole thing sounded a little sketchy, but he was feeling adventurous. "Sure, why not?" he said.

*********

When Brandon got to the mall, he headed straight for the women's clothing section. He wasn't sure what to get Amanda, but he wanted to get her something nice. He eventually settled on a black evening gown and a matching mask. He hoped she would like them. As he paid for the items, he wondered what the party would be like. Would it be fun and exciting, or would it be something else entirely? Only time would tell.

With his purchases in hand, he headed home to get ready.

Third person POV.

As Brandon picked out a dress and mask for Amanda, he wondered what she would think of them. He hoped she would like them, but he also knew that she might not be used to wearing such fancy clothing. He knew she was a practical person who liked to keep things simple. Would she be comfortable wearing the dress and mask, or would she feel out of her element? He hoped she would be open to the experience.

He paid for the items and left the store, clutching the bag close to his bodyguards chest.

As Brandon walked into the house, he could hear music coming from the kitchen. He followed the sound and found Amanda dancing and singing while she cooked dinner. She looked up when she heard him come in and smiled.

"How did your day go?" Amanda asked.

"Got you that, wear it tomorrow night" Brandon said as he threw the box on the table for her and entered his room not minding her question.

"Cooked dinner for you" Amanda shouted as Brandon entered his room.

Amanda looked at the dress and mask, her eyes wide with surprise. "Oh my gosh, what's this for?It's beautiful," Amanda said to herself.

Lying on her bed, Amanda's mind kept replaying the conversation she had with her father. She was so angry with him, and she didn't know how to make sense of it all. Why would he do something like that? How could he sell her off like she was a piece of property? She felt betrayed and hurt. But she also knew that she couldn't blame Brandon for what her father had done. He had been nothing but kind to her.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her thoughts. Maybe she could use this night as a chance to start fresh.

Third person POV.

As Amanda lay there, staring at the ceiling, she knew that she couldn't change what had happened. Her father had made his decision, and she was the one who had to live with the consequences. She could be angry and upset, or she could try to make the best of a bad situation. And maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of something new. She sat up, her mind made up. She was going to enjoy life with or without Brandon, no matter what.

********

The next morning, Amanda woke up feeling different. She had enjoyed her sleep time, and she felt like she had turned a corner. She wasn't sure what the future held, but she knew that she couldn't keep living in the past. She got up and got ready for the day, determined to make the most of it.

As she walked down the stairs, she saw Brandon in the kitchen, making breakfast.

"Are you ready for tonight?" Brandon asked not even looking back.

"Yeah, I am and thanks for the dress" Amanda appreciated.

"Ok" Brandon said as he thought his food went to the room to eat.

*******

As Amanda got ready for the evening, she couldn't help but feel nervous. She wasn't sure what to expect, and she was a little worried that Brandon would be disappointed in her. But she pushed those thoughts aside and tried to focus on the moment.

Just as she was about to leave the house, her phone rang. It was Brandon.

"Hey," he said. "I just wanted to tell you am waiting by the car"Brandon sai

Amanda smiled nervously as she replied, "I'm on my way" Amanda said as she hurriedly did her make up.