Chapter 2 I Agree

"The medical bills this time are quite high, aren't they, Annie? It's all because of my incompetence. I'm not only poor but also in poor health. It's hard on you, my child."

"Actually, you don't need to take care of me and bear this burden, Annie. You can leave me and go to your father's home. You'd have a better life without worrying about me. Please don't worry. I've grown accustomed to living with this illness."

Annie choked back her emotions, hastily taking hold of Isolde's hand and speaking soothingly.

"Mom, please don't say that. I've never regarded you as a burden. You have always been my source of motivation, and you're the most cherished person in my life."

"Don't worry about money," Annie reassured, gently soothing Isolde's emotions to ensure she finished her dinner. She fabricated a story, explaining that she had recently secured a job at a renowned restaurant, earning a substantial income with generous tips from my customers. Afterward, Annie sat with Isolde for a while before preparing for her evening shift. Before leaving, she reminded Isolde not to dwell on things too much and to relax and unwind at the hospital.

"You're truly fortunate to have such a beautiful and well-behaved daughter. Every day, I see her coming to take care of you and bring you meals," Joyce, the woman sharing the hospital room with Isolde, praised, her eyes filled with admiration. Isolde smiled warmly, her gentle demeanor radiating contentment.

"Yes, having her as my daughter is my greatest blessing."

As Annie left the hospital room, she crossed paths with the doctor primarily responsible for her mother's treatment. Annie engaged in a brief conversation, taking the opportunity to inquire about the status of the medical bills.

"Doctor, can I delay my mother's medical bill payment for a few more days? I really don't have enough money right now," Annie said sadly. She had been working multiple jobs lately, but the enormous medical expenses remained a pressing issue. No matter how hard she saved, it never seemed to be enough. The doctor empathized with Annie's family's situation and shook his head helplessly.

"Unfortunately, that's not possible. What a pity, we can only proceed with treatment after receiving the payment."

"And your mother's condition is specific, requiring timely and regular treatment; otherwise, it could lead to health complications."

Annie looked down at the ground in despair, thanked the doctor, and promised to do her best to gather the money. She then left and headed to the bar where she had recently started working, thanks to a friend's referral. Despite the chaotic atmosphere and environment, the pay was substantial. Annie gritted her teeth and went to work on her first day, feeling exhausted but determined.

Annie wears a slightly short uniform dress, snug enough to reveal her long, porcelain-white legs. Her face was heavily adorned with makeup, exuding a captivating allure. As she moved through the bar, there was no shortage of men whistling and playfully teasing her.

Feeling uneasy, Annie discreetly adjusted her dress and carried a tray of drinks into the private room 103 of the bar, commencing her evening shift in a perpetual atmosphere.

About ten men were sitting inside the room, each dressed in upscale suits, emanating an air of affluence and sophistication. Beside each sat a beautiful young woman, serving them fruits from the table. Annie composedly placed the drinks on the table, intending to leave. However, her spine suddenly stiffened as she felt a man seated nearby reaching out to caress her back, smirking and teasing.

"Sweetie, you look this beautiful, and you're just here to serve drinks? How about sitting on my lap and having a drink with me? I'll pay you whatever you want; how does that sound?"

The man likely had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol, and his breath reeked of the strong liquor. His arm gradually moved down to her hip, making her tremble as she quickly brushed his hand away, her voice tinged with fear.

"Please, don't, don't do that. I'm a waitress, and I can't sit and drink with you. Please understand," Annie implored.

Frustrated by Annie's rejection, the man angrily grabbed her hand and pulled her to sit beside him, drawing dangerously close. He held her chin to make her look directly into his eyes, a menacing grin spreading across his face.

"Don't act all innocent and pure. I know what kind of girls work here. Tonight, be a good girl, serve me some drinks, let me touch a bit, and I will buy you an expensive purse tomorrow, okay?"

Annie continued to evade his advances, attempting to stand up, but the man's grip on her arm remained tight, like a vise, preventing her from moving. The woman sitting next to the man now chuckled, offering a soft word of advice to Annie.

"Yes, that's right. Duane is a wealthy and generous billionaire. If you sit down and drink with him for one evening, he won't let you leave empty-handed."

"Last time, I sat with him for one night, and he immediately bought me three designer handbags."

Annie bit her lip once more, stood up, and made a determined effort to escape from Duane's embrace again, stammering as she spoke.

"I'm sorry; I already said I'm not."

Perhaps Annie's repeated rejections had genuinely infuriated Duane. He slammed the wine bottle she had just brought onto the ground, creating a loud noise that startled everyone in the room. Duane's face darkened, and his forehead veins bulged as he yelled at the woman beside him.

"Quickly, call the manager over here. I'm losing my temper. Suddenly hiring such a foolish employee, who dares to act so high and mighty even when favored by me, disgusts me."

The woman was genuinely frightened and hurriedly went to find the manager. When the manager arrived, Duane raised his voice, recounting the incident from earlier and pointedly declaring it was Annie's fault.

"Today, I have to resolve this peacefully. I'm a regular customer at this bar, and she doesn't respect me, acting all high and mighty, which has killed my interest in drinking."