CHAPTER 1: HOW IT ALL BEGAN

I woke up to the warm rays of the sun peeking through my window. I reached for my phone and checked the time. After a quick bath, I got dressed and headed to the kitchen, where my mother was cooking breakfast.

"Good morning, Mom," I greeted, taking a seat at the table.

My mother smiled and handed me a plate of scrambled eggs. "I made your favorite, honey."

I took a bite, savoring the flavors. But my enjoyment was short-lived, as my mother suddenly started coughing uncontrollably. Her face turned pale, and she looked like she was about to pass out.

"Mom, are you okay?" I asked, concern etched on my face.

Before she could respond, she fainted. I rushed to her side, shaking her gently. "Mom, wake up! Please!"

I checked her pulse and was relieved to find that her heart was still beating. I quickly called the paramedics, my hands shaking as I dialed the numbers.

At the hospital, I paced anxiously in the waiting room. A doctor approached me, his expression somber.

"Doctor, is my mother okay?" I asked, my voice trembling.

The doctor hesitated before responding. "There's a chance she could survive if we perform surgery immediately. But I have to warn you, the cost is steep – $50,000."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "But I don't have that kind of money," I admitted, desperation creeping in.

The doctor's expression turned sympathetic. "I'm sorry, miss. Perhaps you could try crowdfunding or—"

I interrupted him, my mind racing. "I'll find a way. Thank you, Doctor."

I stepped outside, dialing my friend Jessica's number.

"Jess, I need your help! My mom is in the hospital, and I need $50,000 for her surgery."

Jessica's voice was laced with concern. "Eva, I'm so sorry. But I don't have that kind of money either."

I sighed, feeling defeated. "I'll find another way. Thanks, Jess."

As I hung up the phone, I realized I had only one option left – the Demon Clan, a notorious loan shark organization. I took a deep breath and steeled myself for what was to come.

The Demon Clan's headquarters was a foreboding building on the outskirts of town. I stepped inside, my heart racing. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and desperation.

I approached the reception desk, where a burly man eyed me menacingly. "What do you want?" he growled.

I swallowed hard. "I need to speak to the boss. I'm looking for a loan."

The man raised an eyebrow. "You think you can afford our interest rates?"

I hesitated before responding. "I'll do whatever it takes. I need $50,000."

The man snorted. "You're either very brave or very stupid. Follow me."

He led me to a dimly lit room, where a figure sat in the shadows. The air was thick with tension.

"What do you want, woman?" the figure asked, its voice low and menacing.

I took a deep breath. "I need a loan of $50,000."

The figure turned to face me, its eyes glinting in the dim light. "What makes you think you can pay us back?"

I swallowed hard. "I'll do whatever it takes. I promise."

The figure raised an eyebrow. "Are you a virgin?" it asked, its voice dripping with malice.

I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Y-yes," I stuttered.

The figure smirked. "Strip. Now."

I hesitated, unsure of what to do next. But the figure's cold, calculating gaze left me with little choice...