"MIZUKI, YOU KNOW THE DRILL. GO GET CHANGED AT MEET IN THE MAIN ROOM AT 12 PM. WE HAVE SOMEONE IMPORTANT COMING TODAY, LOOK YOUR BEST."
I forced myself from rolling my eyes at the man who shooed me with a gesture of his hand.
I thought back. It's been five years since my father had sold me to his friend. I thought about quitting, but the contract between my father and the man refrained me from doing so. I was in this shit for life. I then thought about escaping. I could save up some money just enough for me to have somewhere to sleep. I knew I had to look for a job but would be rejected no matter where I went. Anyways, who would want to hire a girl who didn't even graduate middle school?
I was pulled down the stairs, earning pitiful stares from the men and women in the hallway. He shoved me into the room, motioning to change into my new 'uniform'.
Said uniform was a skimpy maid uniform. It looked like the typical one you would see on television. The collar had a large white frill that ran down below the chest area. There was black bowtie that hung loosely around the hanger. In addition to that, it was matched with a white apron.
I had been shoved again into the man's office. I learned after his name was Yuto. He explained the job, "All you have to do is cook and clean, including whatever they wish for you to do. You will be sold to our customers, who will pay for your labour. There were some regulations, of course, you will have to maintain a good attitude and satisfy our customer's needs. A percentage of the money will be given to you, depending on your performance."
I scoffed to myself, I was being a maid again? Letting out a loud exhale, I gripped the fabric of my skirt in anger. There were other women, who were sold like objects. 'Satisfy their needs'? I felt myself shudder at the memory of my time at my father's house.
He often had work partners over, and he would turn a blind eye to how they treated me. He also threatened to hit me if I made his guests unhappy.
I kept a blank look on my face. At least I will get paid. I could save up to run away and have a decent amount to survive to try and get another job. I know that was what I said, but I knew internally that I wouldn't be able to leave. We were kept in a contract, which gets renewed every 3 years. I couldn't leave. I knew I wouldn't be able to survive out there.
That led to my next five years of being bought and sold again like a rag doll. I received some complaints, to which Yuto warned I would receive less pay if I kept it up. "She's too emotionless," they said.
"I want someone who will get me... excited."
"She doesn't do enough to satisfy my needs."
"Why doesn't she smile?"
That leaves to me current time, where I had recently been brought back from my previous owner. He was a nice person, actually, different from the ones I had to deal with in the past. Unlike others, he had no interest in forcing me to do any sexual acts. Mr Sato, and his wife were a lovely couple, who really only wanted someone to care for the house. They understood why I was the way I am and cared for me like I was human.
Sadly, they moved to Korea due to Mr Sato's job.
I flattened out my skirt, tugging it down due to how short it was. I put on the lace stockings that hung beside the dress and slipped on the simple pair of black pumps that sat beside the table. I walked over to the mirror. Wow, I look like shit. My eyes were tired, and the dark circles under them supported that. My cheeks were hollowed, due to my malnutrition since I was younger. I was grateful for Mrs Sato, who told me to eat as much as I wanted. No one cared as much as she did for me. I applied some concealer to cover up the dark areas. I had barely any eyelashes, applying mascara wouldn't even help so I left it and grabbed a lipstick to apply some colour on my pale face.
Looking up at the clock, I noticed I had 10 minutes until I was meant to meet in the main room. Sighing, I tugged down my dress again and opened the door.