It had been three days since he last showed up, leaving Mary alone in the bleak room. The silence and the mystery of his intent left her terrified. Was he concocting some heinous plan?
She opened the window to look down below. The towering walls sent a chill down her spine. This factory was isolated, surrounded by nothing but reeds, with no residential areas or enterprises nearby and no pedestrians or vehicles. She would have to traverse a considerable distance if she miraculously escaped before she could hail a car.
But she was penniless and without a phone, hence incapable of seeking help. After much contemplation, she decided that her first task was to get out and figure out the next steps.
She tore her bedsheet into long strips and knotted them together. With this makeshift rope, she intended to descend the intimidating wall. Once she had all the necessary tools prepared, she opened the window, ready for action.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching. Likely minions, she thought. She held her breath, fearing discovery. The door swung open. They ordered her to come along because their boss wanted to meet her.
Mary resisted, retorting why couldn’t he come himself? His lackeys didn’t heed her words, insistent on coercing her into compliance. She was dragged away mercilessly dragged away.
Andrew’s supposed private quarters were designed in stark contrast – black and white. At first glance, Mary couldn’t help but wonder why he chose these colors when he mentioned detesting anything dark. Her eyes wandered around the room before halting at the sight of a furious, hate-filled gaze fixated on her.
With a stone-cold expression, Andrew spoke.
“Tonight, I will tell you how to repay all your debts and the true worth of your existence.”
Meeting his icy stare, Mary was initially intimidated, but she was no longer the weak, submissive girl after all she had been through.
“What are you planning to do to me?”
A sneer tugged at his lips as he leaned into her face.
“Why are you in such a hurry? Didn’t I tell you that you would find out tonight?”
Mary abhorred his violent nature and his smug, self-assured demeanor.
He ordered his men to prepare, bathe, and dress her up. Then, she would be taken to an unknown location tonight.
She stared at him with loathing, unable to understand how the man who once cherished and cared for her had turned into a cold-blooded monster devoid of humanity.
In the evening, he escorted her to a nightclub in Saigon’s vibrant and bustling party street. She had never frequented places like this before but had heard tell of them a time or two. The blaring sounds, which the DJ pushed to their limits, were uncomfortable for those unfamiliar or first-time visitors.
He guided her and his best friend inside. Every employee there addressed him as ‘boss,’ leading Mary to surmise that he owned this establishment.
Beyond the bustling commotion, they were led by a staff member to a large, luxurious room isolated from the exterior. Inside, Mary saw an older man and a few scantily clad young women drinking, frolicking, and partaking in caressing and kissing.
Upon his entrance, everyone ceased their activities, the older adult gesturing them to sit opposite him. He looked at Mary with a curious gaze, the young girls sharing the same curiosity.
“It’s unusual to see you bringing woman here. Could you introduce me to this guest?”
He gave Mary a sidelong glance, smirking as he spoke.
“She’s not my woman, but a gift for my business associate tonight.”
The older man, caught off guard initially, slowly grasped the situation and delightedly answered, “You truly are clever. You always impress me.”
Without a word, Andrew gestured for Mary to attend to the older adult – his business associate. The girls there displayed envy but gradually made way for her.
Mary had never felt such humiliation before. She rose, hand poised to strike him, but it seemed he had predicted her intention and blocked her hand, coldly commanding her, “If you want your mother to live peacefully, go over there.”
He threatened her with her mother. Mary knew the depths of his wickedness; her mother could be in danger if she defied him. Swallowing her anger, Mary lowered her gaze and slowly crossed the room, cursing the horrid man in her mind. Suddenly, someone pushed her from behind, causing her to stumble into the older man’s arms. Their raucous laughter and mocking comments filled the room.
“Surprise! She just declined, and now she’s in his arms. The night is still young. No need to hurry.”
The man signaled a girl to pour her a drink, insisting that she finish it as a polite gesture of greeting. Upon seeing Mary’s refusal, he was visibly displeased. Andrew ordered her to drink, not wanting to upset his business partner. His gaze bore into her with scorn and loathing. His eyes were like knives, torturing both her body and spirit. He was crushing the last shred of love she had for him.
In response, Mary glared back with resentment before raising the glass. She poured herself a few more and drank them down. Everyone was watching her, wondering if this woman was still in her right mind or if she had consumed something she shouldn’t have.
Her face was flushed, her eyes half-drunk and half-sober, which began to enthrall the man. He ceased paying attention to the conversation, his focus entirely on her. His lecherous hand began to creep up under her skirt, his other arm pulling her closer. He gently stroked her, moving upwards until her body became numb.
Sitting across from them, Andrew observed the man’s every move, saying nothing was yet feeling a sense of unease. He clenched the glass so hard he wanted to crush it. As the man was about to plant a kiss on Mary’s lips, suddenly, a firm hand pulled her away. She staggered and nearly fell.
Bryan held her in his arms, stunned everyone. She could feel the power in his grip, as if he were using all his strength to keep her. His entire body radiated with rage, his fiery gaze seeming as if it could incinerate everything.
“What are you doing with my woman? Have you got a death wish?”
“You bastard, do you know who I am?”
Bryan sneered.
“Who are you? And why should I care?”
Before Andrew could react to Bryan’s attitude, he was already leading her away from the disgusting room. The older man shouted after them in anger.
“This isn’t over!”
His hawk-like eyes and thick eyebrows scowled as if he wished to strangle the one who had ruined his fun.