Chapter 1 Some quite terrible owners

After four years...

"I'm sorry Selina, but we are going to have to let you go." Calmly, Mr. Bain said while tying his tie tighter.

"But sir, I've been working here for a year now, I barely even remember what it's like to be put back up on the market." "I hated even saying it like that," I say anxiously. I felt like a used doll that was always being purchased and sold.

Nearly four years had passed since my escape. Specifically, three years and ten months. It seems like yesterday when I think back on that day; I thought things would be a little better, but nothing really changed.

I discovered the 'Autumn Shore Hotel', a local hotel when the cab driver dropped me off that day in Rochdale, which was around five hours distant from my home. It wasn't particularly fancy, but it didn't look too bad for a short stay. The structure was cream in color, but I assume it was once white. Some of the hotel's windows were either severely taped up or blacked out. The only things about the motel that seemed to be broken were the lights that were on and the occasional flicker.

I made the decision to hunt for a job while I was there, such as a waiter or store employee. I looked everywhere for work, but I couldn't find anything.

A man in his mid-thirties overheard the chat I had with the restaurant owner after I had just asked for a job there and they had turned me down, just as I was about to give up. He came over to me, introduced himself as Leonardo, and said he had heard that I was looking for work.

As we conversed, he informed me that he had a position that would be ideal for me, even though I am quite shy and anxious. Because I was gullible, I didn't question his generosity when he stated he would have his chauffeur arrive and take us to the purported workplace where he claimed I could assist.

I didn't understand Leonardo's generosity was fleeting until I was pushed violently into the back of a gleaming black van. I sat in the dark in the back of the van, crying for what seemed like hours, wondering what would happen to me. Would I perish? Would I receive harsher treatment than Paul would have given me? I kept asking myself these questions.

I felt the van come to a stop when we appeared to have arrived at our destination. After a minute or two of waiting, I heard footsteps approaching, and then the doors opened to let me out. I was unable to flee as Leonardo and two other ominous-looking men stood across from me.

As the two men took hold of my arms and dragged me away, I wailed silently. I continued asking Leonardo what they would do with me, to which he replied, "To give you a job, just like you wanted love."

When the men stopped pulling me and halted at an odd building I had never seen before, I instantly looked up and surveyed my surroundings. A seemingly abandoned warehouse that had been renovated to look much better-like a mansion-was in front of us.

I was led into a room at the end of a dim hallway where I was informed that my outfit would be located. The hallways were quite packed with men and a few ladies dressed professionally. Leonardo disregarded me despite my repeated pleas for him to explain what was happening. Rather, I was confined to this room to change.

I was somewhat aback to see a short black maid's uniform paired with the standard white apron that I had seen all maids wear in the old TV shows. A letter with the words, "Congratulations!" was placed next to the ensemble. You are one of our maids, and our clients who feel they need you in their lives will buy and sell you.

We will pay you a lot of money for your hard work and positive outlook, so you will cook, clean, and do anything else they ask of you. A roof over your head, a bedroom, delicious food, and daily cleaning are all guaranteed. You might resign and return to us ready to be bought again if clients don't provide you with these things.

30% of the money generated during this exchange will be paid to you, which you can use any way you like.

Please wear the wristband that has been allocated to you; it will be removed when you are purchased.

Have fun selling!

My initial reaction upon seeing the letter was one of rage. I was furious that women were being sold in this way, and I was also furious. Then I couldn't figure out how I got into this predicament.

I felt this way for a time before deciding that this wouldn't be so horrible after all. As long as I continued to work, all I was doing was cleaning for others and being paid for it. Before I left and prepared to be bought, I reasoned that it couldn't be all horrible.

And now here I was. For the eighth time in four years, I was assured I would be bought again. The concept didn't seem all that horrible at first, but after dealing with a number of owners, I discovered that some people weren't typical.

I had some quite terrible owners, some of whom were similar to Paul, and I wasn't ready to possibly live that way once more. The friendliest owner I'd had in a long time was Mr. Bain.

He was a man in his late thirties, with a clean shaved face and salt and pepper hair. He was well-built and attractive for his age. I knew he wasn't a sick pervert who would take advantage of me for more than just my housekeeping because he had a wife whom he loved. Additionally, he had two young children: a seven-year-old boy and a ten-year-old daughter.

"We can't keep you any longer, Selina, even though I realize it could be difficult for you. Since your company is here, we really can't take you with us when we move to England." Mr. Bain kept scowling at me.

"Selina, you have won our affection, and the children adore you. Although it is unfortunate, we must let you leave. Mrs. Bain added, smiling sadly at me.

I let out a sorrowful sigh before respectfully nodding my head. "I understand, it's all right. When can I expect to be returned? Quietly, I asked.

"First thing in the morning tomorrow. When we arrive, we will sign all the documents, bid you farewell, and then let you handle things on your own." Mr. Bain stated politely but directly. That's just the kind of man he was, even though the two words were in conflict. Despite his bluntness, he was courteous and friendly.

"Yes sir, I'll go and pack my things now then." As I left the spacious marble kitchen, I murmured, keeping my hands at my sides.

"Selina, would you like some help?" Before I had a chance to ascend the spiral staircase, Mrs. Bain called as she approached the bottom of the stairs and smiled warmly at me.

"No, Mrs. Bain, thank you. I am capable of doing it on my own. Giving her a tight-lipped smile, I informed her nicely before going upstairs to my designated room.

I opened the door by placing my hand on the glass handle. I let out a frustrated sigh as I entered the room where I had been residing for nearly a year.

I was reluctant to leave and return there! I enjoyed the shifts I was given here, my room, and the folks I was living with. Even though my uniform wasn't as short and low-necked as all the others my previous owners made me wear, I still liked it. I was able to avoid wearing heels and thigh-high stockings around the home because the black dress was barely above my knees. I could comfortably perform my duties if I wore my black pumps.

The decor of the quite spacious room they provided me was light pink, and the bedding and curtains were the same shade but made of satin. I had just enough room for everything I needed, and everything matched. I had my vanity, too. I never required it; I just did my hair and applied a little mascara and lip balm now and again.

I believe this was the best place I have ever lived. One family treated me similarly in the past, but that relationship ended quickly because they were unable to continue to support me.

I went into my closet and did what I had done countless times before: I put the clothes I did have in the big bag I had and took anything valuable with me. Since I no longer owned that much, it didn't take me long. Over the years, I have misplaced or damaged items and never had the opportunity to replace them.

The necklace I wore around my neck, a silver heart with a tiny sapphire stone in the center, was the only item I managed to retain in perfect condition. It was a gift from my father when he was living. That was all I really remembered about him.

I was thinking when someone knocked on my door.

"Come in," I said right away, removing my hands from the jewelry I had been tinkering with unconsciously.

"Hello, Selina." As she walked into my room, Mrs. Bain said.

"Good evening, Mrs Bain." When I had finished packing, I got up from the chair I had been sitting on and grinned while nodding at her.

She laughed and said, "I told you, you can call me Harriet." She had said this to me nearly every time she spoke. I suppose I simply forgot; I wasn't being annoying.

"Sorry Mrs- I mean Harriet." Sheepishly, I said. Look.

"No need to apologize." Mrs. Bain, or Harriet, as I prefer to call her, answered.

I couldn't think of anything else to say, so I gave her an odd smile. It was she, not me, who entered the room.

"Oh, yeah. Since you should have some time to yourselves to get ready for tomorrow, I simply come to inform you that you are off duty for the remainder of the evening." She flattened her scarlet, form-fitting dress and told.

She had sparkling blue eyes and was about Mr. Bain's age, if not younger. She was a really attractive woman. Her hair was always styled to perfection, and she was always wearing a dress or skirt. I was also treated very kindly by Harriet. She treated me nicely and was almost like a mother figure to me.

"Are you certain? If you like, I can clean up a bit more. It's not an issue. I made an offer.

"Don't be foolish, please. Since we got you, this property has never been dirty, and you already have plenty to think about. I would say it's always clean. She put a hand on my shoulder and laughed.

"Well, thank you, Harriet." She simply gave me a sorrowful grin and a pitying expression when I smiled at her.

With a worried tone, she inquired, "Are you going to be okay, Selina?"

"I'll be fine," I said a falsehood. The answer to that query was unknown to me.

"I'm so sorry, honey, to have to say goodbye. If you ever need assistance or just someone to talk to, you have both Mr. Bain's and my number. Suddenly sounding serious, Harriet continued, "I'm sure that if anything...goes wrong." "Mr Bain will sort it out for you and we will help the best we can," she said to me.

They couldn't do much if they lived in England, but I'm sure she was being serious.

In any case, I smiled and said, "Yes, thank you very much," appreciating her kind comment. You guys have shown me nothing but kindness, and I will always be appreciative of it." It was accurate. I would be extremely appreciative of their generosity.

"You are a wonderful girl, Selina, and one day you will get every lovely thing that you deserve," Harriet said, blinking back the tears that seemed to start to fill up in her eyes. She said, "I promise you that right now," and then she reached out to hug me.

Uncomfortably, I leaned forward and hugged her in response. I wasn't used to this level of human interaction, so at first, I felt a little uncomfortable, but after a while, I felt calm and at ease.

After a little while, Mrs. Bain released her embrace and gave me another smile.

Before turning to head for the door, she said, "I'll leave you to rest, and do whatever it is you need to do."

"All right. Once more, I want to thank Harriet for everything. I gave her a gentle grin.

She began, "No, thank you, Selina." Mrs. Bain closed the door and left the room after saying, "Good night, sweetie."

I said softly, "Night."

I let out a contented sigh. I felt a little better after that talk.

I noticed that it was only half past eight when I checked the clock in my room. I knew I would have a busy day tomorrow, so even though it was early, I thought it would be best to put on my pajamas and go to bed.

One I was afraid of.

After putting on my nightgown and brushing my teeth in my room's en suite, I climbed into the double bed, which had the loveliest sheets and pillows ever.

I put my head on the pillow and pondered deeply, wondering what the following day would bring and how my life would unfold.

I would not be shocked if it didn't, but I hope it does. I felt like life was always against me.