Chapter one
The dim red lights of the club flickered like a broken heartbeat, casting a long restless shadows across the stage.The heavy bass thrummed through the floor vibrating up Ava heels, But she didn't hear it anymore.After two years under the stage name Roxy,the music had become a familiar hum in the chaos of her double life.
Tonight like every other night,she wore a mask that shimmered under the spotlight,but the real mask wasn't on her face.It was the one she wore around people she loves.
The cheers become more louder as Ava took her final spin around the pole with a smile.She didn't strip for attention, she stripped for food, tuition, for a better life she'd made peace with that.
In the dressing room
She pulled of her mask and stared at herself in the mirror, mascara clung to her lashes,with tired hand she wiped the makeup from her face.Her phone buzzed on the center beside her a message from Evan "can't wait to see you tonight,we need to talk.Love you babe
Ava chest tightening.Evan Jones,her boyfriend of four years,sweet, caring, trusting, and loyal.He thought she worked late shifts at a hotel front desk.He never asked her for more.He trusted her.She turned the phone _face_down and exhaled.
A soft knock came at the door,Carla, their boss, peeked in."Ava"she said softly "I need to talk to you".Ava stood "if it's about the tips, I didn't touch........... It's not that Carla cut her off.Someone's been asking about you.A man,he asked for something private.
Ava brows furrowed "private?
Carla nodded.He offered five million dollars, Carla said, for one night she said with a low voice.
Ava breath caught.Five million?
Carla nodded slowly.I told him I'd ask
I'm not a prostitute,Ava said,her voice barely above a whisper.
Carla held up her hands I know and I'm not pushing you but I also know about Evan's mom.
Ava eyes widened
I overheard the call, she needs a surgery right? and a lot of money.Carla said in a low voice.
Ava looked away with a tears of glistening in her eyes.I'm saying you should do it,Carla said but five million is life changing with that she left the room
Ava collapsed on her chair, staring at her reflection in the mirror.Her hands trembled.she'd never imagined trading herself for money.The money is enough to save Evans mother, enough to pay, her tuition, rent everything.
She picked up her phone, staring at the screen for long moment then with trembling fingers,she typed a message to Carla
To Carla
"Let's meet tomorrow" and she hit send
Carla
Carla smiled gracefully when she saw the message, she knew she will do it.she looked at the message once more and smiled
The dressing room
Ava could feel all her body trembled when she hit send.Is this how she's going to lose what she has been keeping for years..