CHAPTER 2

The first thing I noticed was the unfamiliar ceiling that is smooth and cream-colored, with a chandelier softly swinging above me. The sheets beneath me smelled of lavender, far too luxurious for what I was used to. I blinked, trying to recall what happened, piecing together fragments of last night like a broken mirror.

Then I saw two suitcases beside me. I sat up slowly, the soft rustle of silk against my skin reminding me that I wasn't wearing the same clothes I arrived in. My body ached but not in pain, but in memory. Every detail came rushing back. Him. His touch. His voice. The way he looked at me like I was something he owned and like I was his. And now… he was gone.

The room was eerily quiet, save for the hum of the air conditioner. No sign of him. No note. Not even a goodbye. Just those two suitcases. I hadn't opened them yet, but my gut already told me what was inside. Money...payment. His price for claiming me.

I wrapped the blanket tighter around myself, trying to suppress the cold that had nothing to do with temperature. A part of me told me not to care.....that this was exactly what I signed up for. That this was business, transactional, nothing more. But another part that is quieter but crueler.kept whispering.....He didn't even say goodbye.

Was that it? Was I nothing but a deal sealed between sheets? Is this how men really are?

I exhaled slowly and swung my legs over the edge of the bed. I stood up and searched for my clothes and found them folded neatly on the armchair like an afterthought. I got dressed in silence while my eyes catching my reflection in the ornate mirror on the wall.

I looked… different. Not in appearance, but in essence. Like something in me had shifted.....uncertain if it was shame, regret, or simply confusion. Was this the right thing to do? Was I wrong to trade myself for the promise of security, of money? Or was I just disappointed that he didn't stay, didn't explain, didn't… care?

I sighed, brushing a hand through my hair, trying to shake the thoughts away. Then, finally, I walked toward the suitcases. My hands hesitated over the latches. And then I opened them.

The first suitcase confirmed my suspicion. Neatly stacked bills, all crisp and bound. More money than I'd ever seen in one place. It should've made me feel victorious. Instead, I felt hollow. But it was the second suitcase that made my breath catch. Inside wasn't more money, but a single black dress. Simple yet elegant, made of fine fabric that shimmered subtly under the morning light. I picked it up gently, studying the silhouette, the craftsmanship. It was beautiful, perfect. Too perfect.

And then I saw a sticky note, tucked inside. My fingers trembled slightly as I unfolded it and read the message, written in bold, precise handwriting.

> "8 AM, Las Espanya."

My pulse quickened, and I stared at the note, uncertain what to feel if it suppose to be anger? Curiosity? Fear? Or maybe... anticipation.

Why tomorrow morning? Why not tonight? He's too picky as if I'm really going. There's no way I'm going with him and continue this stupid idea of mine.

Then suddenly, a voice in the reception area called,

"Is anyone there??" a woman's voice called, startling me.

Crap. Maybe she's the one assigned to clean the room today. Where can I hide? But she's probably not allowed to come inside, right? Unless, of course, she was permitted by our head, Ms. Fernando. Shit. How will I get out? What if they accuse me of stealing? That will surely get me fired.

"Anyone—" she called but cut her tongue.

"Wait!" another woman approach her. It seems like it's Ms. Fernando.

"Why, Ms. Fernando?"

"You're not supposed to clean this room yet because Mr. Windham strictly told me his wife is sleeping here and we shouldn't disturb her."

"Wife??!!!" the girl startlingly asked.

"Don't ask me, okay? I'm just as confused as you. I didn't even know he had a wife. But what matters now is we leave before he gets furious because we disobeyed him."

Wife? Has that man gone insane? I am not his fucking wife—not even a girlfriend. Why does everyone even care about his personal life? Well, he's a VVIP. Not questionable why they cared about him. Wait—Mr. Windham? Is he related to the owner of this hotel? Never mind. Everyone can have a similar surname.

I heard their footsteps slowly fading away, but then it stopped a few steps later.

"Why, Ms. Fernando?"

"Aren't these Valerie's shoes?"

Shit. I forgot about my shoes. Damn it. Seriously, Valerie? I'm so careless.l tried to hide in the cabinet, but it was pointless—I didn't fit. Damn it. What now?

"What the hell are you doing in my place?" a man's voice boomed."

"S-Sir…"

"I clearly said no one should enter my room. Didn't I?"

"S-Sir, someone might've gotten in—"

"There's no one else in that room but my wife. Do I need to explain further?"

"B-but—"

"LEAVE!" he shouted. I couldn't see what was happening outside, nor their expressions, but I was sure they were terrified.

Just the tone of his voice would make anyone freeze. But who is he to scare me? We're even now—he already paid.

I quickly fixed the two suitcases and hid behind the door. The moment he opened it, I slipped out unnoticed. I never want to see him again. This is enough. I don't even care if he doesn't follow through on his promise to pay me daily. This is enough to reclaim the house my mother pawned. Yes, the reason he got his way with me was because the house was pawned for ₱300,000. And just a rough count of what's in these suitcases. This is clearly more than ₱300,000.

I slowly stepped out of the room.

"Stop playing a game, woman," he said with a commanding voice. I heard it just as I was about to exit the condo. Whatever.

Even if I don't know what to do next, I forced myself to stay composed and think of a way to get out of the hotel. And just in time, I saw Camille. My best friend. I softly called out to her, and thankfully, she wasn't spaced out and immediately noticed me.

"Valerie??"

"Shhh. Don't be loud. Please help me get out of the hotel."

"Where did you come from? And what's that you're carrying?"

"I'll explain everything later. Just help me first."

"Okay, I'll find a way. By the way, I told them the reason you weren't seen yesterday was because I sent you home because you were feeling sick. That's what you should say to Ms. Fernando."

"Okay. Thank you, bestie."

"Alright. Just wait for my signal." she said and then walked off and kept our co-workers distracted.

When I finally got out, I let out a deep breath as if it were a quiet rebellion against the world. Oh, dear God… What am I doing with my life?