I wished I had died that day, screaming, lying on the streets, hoping for someone to help me. But after all the things I've been through, I don't want others to suffer like me, to end up like me—helpless and shameless on the streets because of a dirty, rotten marriage and a ruthless husband.
26 hours ago
"Quick, set her up on the chair," one of the men said as they pulled Elaine out of the car's trunk. They tied her arms around the chair and removed the black blindfold from her eyes.
Elaine didn't say anything. She knew speaking would only get her into more trouble.
"Call your husband and tell him to arrange our money. He has five hours," the boss said, handing Elaine a phone.
Elaine dialed the number.
"Hello? Yes, I'm just coming, dear," Ken said, then abruptly cut the call.
Ken's POV
Ken sighed. "I'm sorry, Sara. I have to go now. Got to spend some time with my pain-in-the-a#s."
"Why can't you just get rid of her?" Sara asked, pouting. "After all, I'm available for you all the time. Or did you just come here for sex? You think I'm not a decent girl, don't you? Someone who can cook and clean for you? Of course, I can. Just give me a chance, and I'll prove I'm the best wife!"
The prostitute hugged Ken, kissed his neck, and walked out of the room.
"See you later, handsome," she said.
Ken muttered, "I'm getting late."
His phone rang again.
"I told you I'm coming, Elaine!" Ken snapped.
"W-what happened? Why are you crying?" he asked, softening his tone.
Elaine's voice trembled. "Ken, you have some debt to pay."
"Yes, but why are you asking so suddenly?"
"Please, come and pay the debt to these men. Otherwise, I don't know what they'll do. Hurry, Ken! I can't take it anymore. I'm sending you the location," Elaine pleaded.
"Okay, okay, I'll arrange something. Don't worry," Ken replied.
Ken hung up and cursed under his breath. "Oh no. God, why? Why today? I have no money left; I spent it all on that prostitute."
He hesitated. "Why should I spend anything on my wife? I don't care if she gets hurt or even killed. She's useless. If I get into trouble because of her, I swear I'll hurt her so badly."
Ken dialed another number.
"Hello? Sorry, I haven't called you in a long time. Listen, if you're in contact with Jamy, Larry, and Peter, tell them I need help. In return, I'll do anything they want. But I need their help now. Okay? Thanks."
Back at the Hideout
"Boss, a bike is coming," one of the men said. "Check if he's unarmed and has our money. If yes, let him in."
The boss turned to Elaine. "Sorry, ma'am. We don't want to hurt you, but you know how these things go. It's just business—nothing personal."
Elaine felt lightheaded.
"Mam! Wake up! Mam!"
(System Activated)
(Rebooting)
(Searching)
Incident Detected: 3 Hours Remaining
Elaine gasped as she regained consciousness. "What... what was that? An incident? My head is spinning."
"Don't worry, ma'am. You just had a nightmare," the boss said.
Ken entered with a bag. "Here's your money. Now let us go."
One of the men opened the bag. "It's only half, boss. Where's the other half?"
"I'll pay it later. For now, please let us go," Ken begged.
The boss nodded. "Untie her. We'll be back in five months for the rest. You'd better be ready."
The men left.
Ken turned to Elaine. "I'm so sorry, Elaine. This is all my fault. I should have told you. Now, let's go home. There are some remaining things to do."
"What things?" Elaine asked.
"I'll tell you when we get home. Sit behind me on the bike, and try to get some sleep," Ken said.
At Home
"Elaine, wake up. We're home now," Ken said, opening the main door.
Elaine walked inside and froze. "Who are these men, Ken?" she asked, seeing three strangers in her bedroom.
Ken smiled awkwardly. "Oh, these are my friends—Jamy, Larry, and Peter. That's David, the dentist. They helped me pay the debt. I'm very grateful to them."
Elaine forced a smile. "Nice to meet you."
Ken's smile faded. "Okay, dear, I'm going out for a while. In the meantime, please keep them company."
"What?" Elaine exclaimed.
Ken left the room and locked the main door.
"Ken? Why did you lock the door? Please, open it!"
Larry stepped closer to Elaine. "Your husband said he'd do anything to repay his debt. Sharing things is no problem for us—we've been doing it since childhood. Ken just shared you with us. What's the problem?"
Elaine backed away, but Jamy grabbed her. "Stop shouting. You'll only make it worse."
One by one, the men forced themselves on Elaine.
Her cries and shouts went unheard as her helplessness filled the dusty bedroom—the same bedroom she once shared with her husband.