Just like that, it was done. I had sold myself–there was no prettier way to put it, no euphemism that could soften the cold reality of what I’d just done. My body, my time, my presence–all bartered away in exchange for my father’s life and a chance at dreams I’d long ago folded and tucked away in the darkest corners of my heart.


    A strange numbness spread from my chest outward, my fingertips tingling as if they belonged to someone else. My throat constricted around a knot of emotions too tangled to name: relief for my father, hope for my future, and beneath it all, a deep current of shame that made me unable to meet my own reflection in the polished surface of his desk.


    What would Dad say if he knew? The thought pierced through my numbness like a shard of ice. He’d raised me to be independent, strong–willed–not to be some powerful man’s acquisition.


    I pressed my palms harder against the door behind me, needing its solidity to ground me as the room seemed to sway slightly. My victory in negotiating terms suddenly felt hollow, like winning a battle while surrendering the war.


    The small suitcase sat packed on Sofia’s guest bed, containing the few bits and ends I had. Two pairs of jeans, a handful of tops, underwear, and toiletries. Not much to show for twenty–five years of life.


    I zipped the case closed and surveyed the room onest time. The health certificate from Dominic’s exclusive clinicy on the nightstand–a pristine document dering me free of diseases and, somewhat humiliatingly, confirming my fertility. The doctor had been professional but clearly aware of why I was there, making the experience all the more mortifying.


    A soft knock on the door frame drew my attention.


    “All packed?” Sofia asked, leaning against the doorway with a concerned expression.


    I nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah. Not that I have much to pack.”


    Sofia’s gaze dropped to the suitcase, then back to my face. “Are you sure about this job, Ba? It


    seems… sudden.”


    The lie I’d prepared caught in my throat as I looked at my friend–the only person who’d stood by me through everything. But I couldn’t tell her the truth. I couldn’t admit I was essentially bing


    a glorified mistress to pay for my father’s treatment.


    7:58 Sat, Sep <b>20 </b>


    :


    <b>89 </b>


    “Executive assistant positions don’te along every day,” I said, the falsehood bitter on my tongue. “Especially ones that pay this well and include amodation.”


    Sofia’s eyes narrowed slightly. “And it just happens to be with Dominic Sterling’spany?”


    I busied myself with straightening the already–made bed. “He’s nice…Besides, the sry is enough to cover Dad’s treatments.”


    Sofia approached, cing her hands on my shoulders. “Just be careful, okay? These werewolves-


    especially the high–ranking ones–they operate by different rules. There’s always an agenda.”


    “I know,” I said softly. “I’ll be careful.”


    Desperate to change the subject, I reached for the gift bag I’d prepared. “Here. I got you something. To say thank you.”


    Sofia’s expression softened as she epted the bag, pulling out the silk blouse I’d bought with thest of the advance Dominic had given me. Beneath it was a small arrangement of fresh flowers.


    “Ba, you shouldn’t have spent money on this,” she protested, though her fingers caressed the fabric appreciatively.


    “I wanted to. You’ve been amazing, letting me stay here, helping me through everything. I don’t


    know what I would have done without you.”


    Sofia’s eyes grew suspiciously bright. She pulled me into a tight hug. “Promise you’ll visit? And text


    me every day?”


    “Of course,” I assured her, fighting back my own tears. “We can meet for lunch tomorrow if you want.


    That café near your office?”


    She nodded against my shoulder. “One o’clock. And I expect all the details about this mysterious new


    job.”


    My phone chimed with a text message. The car had arrived.


    “That’s my ride,” I said, pulling away reluctantly.


    Sofia helped me carry my suitcase to the door. As we stepped outside, a sleek ck Bentley waited at the curb, a uniformed driver standing beside it.


    7:58 Sat, Sep 20


    Sofia whistled low. “Executive assistant, huh? Withpany cars like that?”