Serena.
Very early in the morning, I had managed to sneak back into the house, in a bid to grab a few hours of sleep. But my dream was short lived, as I soon woke up to the sound of my dad coughing in the next room. I jumped out of bed and rushed over to check on him. His face was dull, his skin pale, and he was burning up with a fever. He looked up at me weakly, trying to manage a small smile, but it only made my stomach twist with worry.
"Dad, you're not okay," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, but my heart was racing frantically. "We need to get you to the hospital."
He shook his head, the stubbornness I was used to flashing briefly in his eyes. "I'm fine, Serena. It's just a cold," he mumbled, but his voice was raspy, barely a whisper.
"No, Dad. This is more than a cold. You can barely sit up." I reached out, pressing the back of my hand to his forehead again. It felt like touching a hot pan, and I pulled my hand back, my worry doubling.
Just then, Vicky wandered into the room, looking more annoyed than worried. "What's going on in here?" she asked, arms crossed.
"Dad's sick, Vicky. He needs to go to the hospital,"
Vicky raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "So take him, then. But who's going to pay for it? We don't have that kind of money lying around."
Frustration built up in my chest, but I kept it in check. I couldn't waste time arguing with her now. "I'll figure it out," I said, grabbing my dad's arm gently and helping him stand up. He leaned on me, too weak to protest, and I guided him to the car.
At the hospital, the doctors rushed him into a room and started running tests. I paced back and forth in the waiting area, my mind spinning. How was I going to pay for this?
A while later, the doctor came out to speak with me. "Your father's condition is serious," he said, looking at me gravely. "He's going to need surgery, and soon. Without it, he may not make it."
My heart dropped. "How much will it cost?" I asked, afraid of the answer.
The doctor hesitated, then gave me the figure. It was more money than I'd ever seen in my life. There was no way I could come up with it, not with the jobs I worked.
Just as I was trying to wrap my mind around it, I saw Vicky walking into the hospital, her face twisted into a frown as she glanced around. She spotted me and stormed over, her heels clicking against the tiles.
"Serena, what is this? Why did you bring him here?" she demanded.
"Vicky, he's really sick," I replied, my voice low, feeling exhausted already.
She huffed, crossing her arms. "And what are we supposed to do about it? We can't afford this kind of treatment. You should've thought of that before dragging him here."
"The doctor said he needs surgery," I said, ignoring her anger. "If he doesn't get it, he could…"
Vicky's face softened, but only a little. "Well, surgery costs a lot of money, Serena. Where are you going to get it?"
I clenched my fists, trying to keep calm. "I'll figure something out. There has to be a way."
She gave me a look, her lips curling into a smirk. "There is a way. But it means you'll have to go back to the club. And not just as a waitress this time."
I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. I knew what she was implying, and my skin crawled at the thought. "You mean… as a stripper?"
She nodded, clearly pleased with herself. "It's the only way we're going to get that kind of money. And you know it."
I took a shaky breath, the weight of her words settling on me. This wasn't something I wanted to do. But what choice did I have? My dad needed me, and this was the only way to help him.
After a moment, I nodded. "Fine. I'll do it. For Dad."
Vicky's smirk grew wider. "Good. I've already spoken to the club manager. They're expecting you tonight."
That night, I found myself standing outside the club, feeling sick to my stomach. My hands were shaking as I stepped inside, the loud music and flashing lights overwhelming my senses. I could feel the stares of the men around me, and I swallowed hard, trying to block out the feeling of their eyes on me.
The manager handed me some props and gave me instructions. "Just go out there and do your best," he said, smirking. "The men will love you."
I nodded, feeling numb as I prepared to go on stage. Just as I was about to start, the manager stopped me, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"Wait," he said. "There's a man in the private room who's paid specifically for you."
I frowned, confused. "Who is he?"
He shrugged. "A new client. Go on, don't keep him waiting."
I took a deep breath and made my way to the private room, my heart pounding in my chest. When I opened the door, my breath caught in my throat. Sitting there, looking calm and collected, was Luca. His eyes met mine, dark and unreadable.
I took a step back, my instincts screaming at me to run. But Luca's voice was calm, almost gentle as he spoke. "Don't even think about running, Serena. I've already paid for your time."
A lump formed in my throat, and tears pricked at my eyes. "Luca… please… this isn't what I want."
He raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Then why are you here, Serena?"
I choked back a sob, feeling the weight of everything crashing down on me. "I… my dad needs surgery. I didn't have a choice. I need the money."
Luca's gaze softened for just a moment before he poured a drink and handed it to me. "Drink this. Get yourself together, and then we'll talk."
I took the glass, my hands shaking as I sipped the drink. The warmth spread through me, calming me a bit, and I found myself opening up, telling Luca about my life, my dad, Vicky, and the desperation that had led me here. He listened quietly, his eyes never leaving mine.
Before I knew it, I was tipsy, the alcohol loosening my tongue and dulling my pain. Without thinking, I leaned closer, feeling a strange pull toward him. My heart pounded as I reached out, brushing my fingers against his cheek.
Luca's eyes darkened, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine. We kissed, and I felt something stir inside me, a warmth that pushed away the pain and fear.
The rest of the night was a blur, all I knew was I just had my first time with my nemesis in a strip club.
I woke up the next morning, and the sudden realization that I had just had sex with a total stranger hit me. And the worst part was I barely felt shame or guilt.
I got out of bed quietly, dressing quickly before the weight of reality settled back on my shoulders. I needed to get to the hospital, but first, I had to get home and clean up. I made it back to the house, planning to slip in and shower quickly, but as soon as I stepped inside, I found Vicky waiting for me.
"Well, look who's back," she said, eyeing the envelope of cash in my hand.
I clutched it tightly. "I need this money for Dad's surgery."
Vicky snatched it from me, counting the bills with a greedy smile. "This will help run the household while your father's at the hospital. Don't be selfish, Serena."
I felt tears burning in my eyes. "Please, Vicky. I did everything you asked. I need that money for him."
She ignored my pleas, tucking the money into her bag. "Who was the rich man who gave you all this?" she asked, more curious than concerned.
My heart sank, but I forced myself to stay calm. "It doesn't matter. Just… let me go see Dad."
Vicky waved me off, and I rushed to my room, showering quickly before heading back out. But as I reached the living room, I froze. There, standing with Vicky, was Luca, a stack of papers spread out on the table.
"Luca?" I whispered, my voice quivering.
He looked up, acknowledging my presence, while Vicky's smirk grew wider. "Mr. Salvatore has agreed to pay off your father's debt, Serena," she said, her tone dripping with satisfaction. "In return, you're going to go with him."
My heart pounded, and I looked at Luca, confusion and fear swirling in my mind. "What… what's going on?"
It was Luca's turn to speak now. "It's simple, Serena. Your father's debt will be cleared, but you belong to me now."
I took a shaky breath, the weight of his words settling on me. I didn't know whether to be relieved or terrified, but one thing was clear: my life was about to change in ways I couldn't even begin to imagine.