Chapter 3 - Ashiya

I was scared to shatter my sister's bubble world. I don't want her to miss out. I became a working student when I found out about our debt to Mauro and his interest in me. While my classmates were enjoying vacation, I was making content for Astra Group's marketing campaign. I don't just simply make coffee or photocopy materials. I submitted proposals, and they were asking for my opinion. They wanted to make the most out of the generous allowance they gave me. I returned the money to Mauro as payment.

And while my job got more complicated, I learned a lot. And I should be thankful for that because I used my learnings to be deserving as his executive assistant. And to become the CEO of the company I dreamt of someday.

My sister had no idea how to play in the world of wealthy men. Ashlyn is a dreamer. She is an artist, after all. She thought if a guy was rich and handsome, he was instantly Prince Charming. She had no idea that there were monsters dressing up as humans. I still needed a little more time, and I had to tell Ashlyn the truth. But I could not do that as long as I don't have a concrete plan to be free from Marco and our debts.

Where could I find a man who would give me millions?

I planted a kiss on Ashlyn's forehead. "Go to bed now. Don't wait up for me."

She pouted. "I wanted to know what will happen to your date with Mauro. Please?"

I took a deep breath. "Whatever."

I went down to the living room. Mauro was there waiting and talking to Papa while drinking whiskey. "Finally, my daughter is here."

Mauro wore an easy smile as he buttoned his Italian tailored ash blue suit.

Mauro was mestizo. He was half-American, but he was separated from his father, a Marines, when he returned to the US, and the Americans were removed from the military base. He did not return. He had light brown skin and a hawkish nose.

He is a bit on the lanky side. He was always smiling and had a bright face, according to other people. He was charming to most. But I could never be fooled by him, unlike others. He was a manipulative man.

Mauro's eyes were like those of a hungry wolf when he gazed at me. "You look perfect." Then he licked his lips as his eyes roamed my body. "I am glad that you dress up well for me."

Of course. That is part of my job. I already made it clear to Mauro from the very start. The clothes, shoes, jewelry, bags, and other stuff he gave me were all part of it. Not as his woman. If he wanted to think that I am dressing up for him and to show that he owns me, he could dream on.

I instantly moved away from him as soon as I entered the car. "I wish I could take you home and fuck you all night."

The hair on my body stood up. I pushed myself to the end of the seat. We were alone in the backseat. And the driver would not give a damn what would happen to me. He was under Mauro's employ. "That is inappropriate, Sir. I am your employee."

He moved closer to me and brushed his finger to my bare arm. "You are not any ordinary employee, Ayisha. I asked you to be my wife."

Bile threatened to rise to my throat. I put an effort not to vomit. I tried to control my voice. I did not show that I was intimidated by him, nor was I disgusted. "And I also told you that I'd rather work to pay Papa's debts."

"He asked me to help with his two million loss again," he whispered in a teasing voice.

"And I remember asking you not to lend him money again."

He shrugged. "I am happy to help out a friend. It won't be so bad marrying me, my dear. You don't have to work. You won't worry about money at all. I will treat you like a queen."

Help out a friend? He was pushing Papa to his debts to get me. I hate manipulative people. It was like he's getting a prostitute with his ways. A very expensive one. Too bad I don't have any plans of selling myself.

"Space, please," I reminded in a low voice and gave him a cold stare.

"The more you become aloof, the more you arouse me. Fine. I'll let you play hard to get. You are a princess. You got pride. I will give you that." He moved away to the other end of the passenger seat. "I can't wait to have you on our wedding night. I bet you will be so tight when I take you."

Wedding. My chest pounded, and I felt dizzy because I could not see myself marrying this man. I don't have plans to be a payment. I will never give him my body. I won't even allow him to kiss me. I am ready to defend myself.

I am not like other women who are willing to sell themselves to survive. It's not like I'm judging them. But this is me. I did not study hard until I graduated magna cum laude, only to become a sex slave. I did not work hard trying to excel at my work and dreamt of putting up my own business someday, only to give in to Mauro in the end.

I wanted to be free. I wanted to give myself to the man I like. And if I would ever marry, I'm going to marry the man I love.

But my immediate concern now is how to be free.

My mask was ready when we arrived at the party. I put on my business-like smile, ready to mingle with guests and get into their good side. I have a presence of mind whenever I'm at parties. I don't go there to enjoy but for business network.