Chapter 2 Julian's First Step into the Unknown

The woman they called Madam smiled broadly, extending her hand gracefully toward Doni and Julian. "Let me introduce myself, I'm Stella. But everyone just prefers to call me Madam," she says, her voice warm yet tinged with a theatrical flair, like a mask often worn in a place like this. "I own this establishment. You boys are lucky to come here because we're the best in town. The women here aren't just beautiful, they know how to keep a client satisfied."

Doni immediately grinned and nodded, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Julian could only swallow hard, nervousness coiling around him like a tightening rope. His gaze wandered, avoiding eye contact with Madam Stella. His palms grew sweatier, and his heart pounded faster. The luxury surrounding him only intensified his unease, as if he were a bird trapped in a gilded cage.

Rian suddenly leaned in slightly, bringing his face closer to Madam Stella, and whispered loud enough for Julian and Doni to hear. "Madam, can you pick a girl who'd be a good match for my friend here?" he asks, shooting a mischievous grin at Julian that made him want to vanish from the room. "Because he's never been with a woman before. This is his first time."

Julian froze. His chest tightened, as if the air in the room had suddenly disappeared. 'His first time.' The words echoed in his mind, unleashing an unbearable wave of shame. He felt like a caged animal, unable to escape the scrutiny of his friends' eyes. His face burned, and he looked down, wishing the marble floor would swallow him whole. The only thing keeping him rooted there was pride,he didn't want to look like a coward in front of them.

Madam Stella smiled gently, without the slightest hint of judgment. "Oh, don't worry," she says softly, her tone soothing like that of an experienced mother. "I'll find the perfect one for you. All our girls here know how to handle newcomers like you. You'll be just fine."

Julian merely nodded, though the anxiety in his chest refused to subside. Madam Stella's words sounded comforting, but they weren't enough to calm the storm in his mind. He could feel Rian and Doni's gazes fixed on him, brimming with unspoken mockery. The urge to turn and flee surged within him, but his feet felt glued to the cold floor, refusing to budge.

"So, what about me, Madam?" Doni broke the silence with an eager tone, his voice bouncing through the spacious room. He seemed impatient, his hands already rubbing together like a child awaiting a prize.

Rian turned, flashing a wide grin. "You can pick for yourself, Don. Look over there those women sitting by the sofa. Aren't they gorgeous?" He pointed toward a row of women lounging on a couch in the corner. They smiled faintly, their eyes gleaming with promise, waiting for their next client with a relaxed yet alluring air.

Doni nodded enthusiastically, his gaze locking onto the lineup of women. His eyes narrowed, as if seriously weighing his options. "Wow, they really are gorgeous," he muttered, a broad smile spreading across his face.