Chapter 2 Sold

After a long and tiresome train journey that seemed to stretch on forever, Anya finally arrived at her father's apartment. She stood there in front of the stark white door, ringing the bell countless times with no response from within. Almost ready to give up, she was about to turn and leave when, finally, someone answered. And what a sight it was.

The door swung open to reveal a woman, blonde and curly-haired, wearing nothing but lingerie. It barely covered her modesty, leaving very little to the imagination. Anya's eyes widened, her mind swirling with confusion. Was this the right apartment? She quickly double-checked the unit number, confirming that it was indeed her father's place.

"W-who are you?" Anya managed to stammer out, trying to make sense of the situation.

"Me? I'm the owner of this apartment, and I live here!" the woman replied, a sarcastic smile playing on her surgically enhanced lips.

So, this must be her father's new companion. Anya's thoughts raced, trying to process the unexpected encounter.

"Who are you? And who are you looking for?" the woman asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Anya's mind was racing, her suspicion growing stronger. This woman was clearly her father's new partner.

"Beth, who's at the door?" a voice called from inside.

"Dad!" Anya exclaimed, pushing her way into the apartment, eager to escape the uncomfortable situation.

"Dad?" the woman muttered, her lips pursed in annoyance.

Anya's father, Robert, appeared from within, his face lighting up with surprise and joy as he saw his daughter.

"Anya! My daughter!" he exclaimed, pulling her into a tight embrace. Her father's unusual behavior took away Anya. Normally, he would show anger and rejection whenever she approached him. But this time, something was different.

"Dad, are you okay?" Anya asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Beth, meet Anya. She's my daughter," Robert introduced, his voice filled with pride as he brought the woman in lingerie closer to him.

Anya couldn't help but assess the woman from head to toe, her discomfort growing. Hunger gnawed at her stomach, but the sight of her father's new girlfriend killed her appetite instantly.

"Have you eaten?" Robert asked, his concern evident.

"Not yet," Anya replied, her tone lacking enthusiasm.

"Rob, your daughter must be exhausted. It would be better to let her rest," Beth interjected, her voice dripping with entitlement.

Anya's gaze shifted uncomfortably between the two of them. Her father's arm wrapped around her slender waist while Beth planted a kiss on Robert's muscular and slightly hairy arm.

"Can I stay here for a few days? I got fired from my job. But don't worry. I'll be out of here soon, I promise-" Anya's voice trailed off, unsure of her words as she observed the strange dynamics unfolding before her.

"Of course, sweetheart, you're welcome to stay here. This is your home, and you can stay for as long as you want," Robert said kindly, a warm smile gracing his face. Anya couldn't help but feel a twinge of suspicion, but she didn't want to dwell on her drunk father's peculiar behavior.

Anya nodded in response and turned to make her way out of the kitchen, but before she could leave, Beth called out to her.

"Hmm, Anya!"

Anya turned her head, meeting Beth's gaze with curiosity.

"You should consider using earphones when you sleep. We wouldn't want to disturb you with our late-night gaming sessions. You know, adult games. Your father can get really into it, showing his strength and masculinity. Sometimes, he used to make me scream and moan," Beth chuckled, unashamedly discussing it with Anya.

Anya's eyes widened in disbelief, her inner voice screaming, "How dare she!"

Beth offered a stiff smile, trying to maintain an air of pretense, and Anya reciprocated with an equally forced smile.

****

Anya had only been asleep for a few hours when she heard a noise from outside her room. She slowly opened her eyelids. When she regained consciousness, she was able to listen carefully and guess what was going on outside her room.

"How many times have I warned you? Not only did you deceive us, but you also took advantage of Mr. Andres' generosity. But, unfortunately, Mr. Andres' son did not inherit his generosity, so we only give you two options. Hand over the woman now, or we'll cut your head off and take it to our boss?" snapped a high-pitched voice.

"Robert!" shrieked Beth in a heart-wrenching voice. Understanding the commotion, Anya hesitated to step out. It would be better for her to hide now before the strangers out there realized that there was one more person in Robert's house.

"Please, give me some time," Robert pleaded.

"We've already given you too much time. Now, bring the woman out!"

"No! Don't bring Beth!"

"Robert, help me!" Beth shouted with a trembling voice that portrayed fear.

"Where are you taking her? She's my future wife!" Robert screeched.

"None of your business. There are many things I can utilize this bitch for. She looks healthy and young, and I bet I could sell her internal organs on the black market. You don't have to worry, Rob. I'll send you the rest of her body," said a man with a heavy voice. Hearing that horrible conversation made Anya feel out of breath. She burst into tears and covered her mouth tightly so that the sound of her crying could not be heard outside.

"Rob, help me, don't let them take me!" screamed Beth.

"Your daughter! You can replace me with your daughter, she's in the room, she's-"

"WHO IS SHE?!" shouted the man who was now pointing a gun at Robert's head.

"Robert's daughter, Anya, yes, her name is Anya!" Beth shouted, making the debt collectors look at each other.

"She's young, younger than me. She is also still very healthy, and yes, she is beautiful. You can sell her. I'm sure people will offer a lot of money for her!"

"Beth, cut the crap!" shouted Robert.

"What are you saying, so you prefer that girl to me?" Beth sounded unreceptive.

"Sand, check the room!" ordered a man with a heavy voice.

Anya broke out in a cold sweat and trembled when she heard it. She immediately slipped under the bed. She didn't know where else to hide.

The room was very small, and there was no closet other than a small nightstand. There was no wardrobe; she had checked the window, and it was impossible to jump from there. She was now on the twenty-sixth floor.

Jumping was certainly not a wise choice, as it could make her end up on the autopsy table.