"What does she get out of it?"

Alice couldn't shake the feeling of fear in her tummy "Ella, we don't have much time. Thank you for coming to see me. I have to tell you this; Maria is not who you think she is. Please be careful. Now leave." She said urgently.

Ella did not move. She said "Alice it's Xavier, I promise he won't do anything to you."

Alice shook her head and said "Ella it's not Xavier. I'm afraid my time is up." As she finished her sentence; 3 burly ashy looking, pale skin men one with orange hair and two with brown hair and beards emerged and laughed. Ella suddenly realised the gravity of the situation. Alice did not make any dramatic moves but slowly moved Ella behind her.

Alice stepped forward and said "She had nothing to do with this. Let's go." The men with the orange hair laughed. "Is that a way to treat your master? She's a pretty young thing, bring her with you Alice and I might just spare you. The boss might even take you up as his 7th wife since you're still so pure." He laughed glint of gold on his teeth evident.

Ella looked at Alice. Ella had already dialled Xavier's number and was sure he could hear all of this. Ella prayed he'd get to them on time so she decided to stall. Ella stepped forward and held Alice's hand and gave her small nod and smile.

Alice tilted her head and looked at Ella curiously. Ella nods again. Alice realised what was happening and decided to play along, after all, this was her last chance to leave the Jamiesons. Start a clean slate never to be at their mercy again. When she remembered how her paternal grandparents treated her, how her siblings, aunties & uncles all treated her, she was determined if she couldn't leave this place with Ella, she Alice, would rather die. Alice couldn't reconcile any of it. Her own father had sold her to provide for her younger sister and brother and he didn't even tell her. Stephanie, her younger sister was the one who told her about it. She was so happy, she & her mother didn't have to look at the product of her father's betrayal & they got money out of it to sweeten the deal. Alice had intended to take her own life. She had come to here one last time, to see the place she'd had the sweetest memories. Even after all these years without Ella, Alice had always been grateful that Ella showed her pure, genuine care, laughter & kindness.

Alice had known that Maria hated Ella having a good life. Maria had threatened her, that if she doesn't stop fighting for Ella, she would make sure that Ella ended the friendship. Alice knew how much Ella adored her elder sister, therefore, she never intended to tell Ella her sister wanted her harmed. At this moment, Alice was sad she'd risked Ella's life. Ella was the person who fed her, clothed her and made sure she could access medical help all these years. Ella had continued to pay her health insurance. She had never shut any of the accounts she had opened for Alice and did not take back any of the VIP memberships she'd made for her. Alice knew Ella did not forget; it was just she was not petty. Numerous times these had been her saving grace, especially after she left school. At that moment, Alice decided to follow whatever Ella said because Ella had never caused her harm and has always made sure she was ok. Alice decided that if Ella got her out of this, she would follow Ella to the ends of earth, as she would forever be in debt a whole life to her.

While Alice was in her thoughts, she heard her friend " So what is the original deal, if I like the terms I just might tag along." Asked Ella. The men's eyes darkened. They had never seen such a beautiful woman with this much innocence & trust. Alice did not wait for them to answer, "well my dear, my father has sold me to these charming fellas to benefit the family."

"What do you get out of it?" Asked Ella. "Aside being ruined by them, nothing." Answered Alice. They acted as if these men were not there & they were discussing the rise & setting direction of the sun. Ella could feel the bile rising up her chest. 'That disgusting swine. It's not enough that his ugly bastards beat & torture Alice, he sold her! I will make him pay for this.' Vowed silently Ella in her heart.

Ella laughed "that's no fun." She turned & looked at the men "sorry we'll have to take a hard pass to that. I mean don't you guys know how to do business?" She asked.

"Little girl don't push it. The deal is done love." Said one. Ella looked at them "so when did she agree to this?" She used her head to point at Alice. "She didn't have to, her father signed." "That's funny, I don't recall you having a father, let alone one who could sign you away." She said.

Ella continued "however, how about this? You let us leave & not only do you get to keep your body functioning, but your boss doesn't lose his business or go to jail & the Jamieson family does not go bankrupt!"

The men laughed so hard, they had tears falling from the eyes. "Did you just threaten us little girl?" Said the 2nd man. "If you come quietly, we won't hurt you much! The boss is a kind and generous man. A stand up guy, you just have to ask his wives." He said.

Ella took a step forward. The men blocked their way. The oranges haired man said "on more step and you'll wish you were never born."

"One hair out of place from her even if it fell naturally, and YOU will wish you were never born" a chilling voice came from the door… Ella turned to look for the source of those words & their eyes met.