Chapter 3 Elara's POV

"Sis, ever since you came back from the club last night, you've been so silent. Is something wrong?" Ivy asked, pulling me from the abyss of my thoughts.

I glanced at Ivy and blinked several times, trying to shake off the emotions swirling in my mind. I yawned softly, stretching my body lazily on the bed.

"I met him," I said, the words barely audible.

Ivy's brows furrowed in confusion. "Who?"

"The crime boss," I whispered. "The one whose money we have to pay back. He owns the club I work in."

Her jaw dropped, and her eyes widened in shock.

"He-he made me dance naked for him," I confessed, my voice breaking as tears welled up in my eyes.

"What the fuck!" Ivy exclaimed, her voice shaking with anger. "Just because you work in his goddamn club doesn't give him the right to do something so disgusting to you!"

I nodded, tears slipping down my cheeks. Ivy rushed to my side and gently wiped them away with her hand.

"Sis, I love you for everything you've been doing. I'll always respect you. I couldn't have asked for a better sister," she said, her voice full of love and admiration.

I pulled her into a warm embrace. She was all I had, and I would do anything to make sure we both had the life we deserved.

When we pulled back, I sniffled and stood up, walking over to my bag on the mini cupboard. I took out the check Matteo had given me and handed it to her.

"He gave this to me afterward," I said.

Ivy's eyes widened in disbelief. Her face was a mixture of astonishment and confusion.

"This is three hundred thousand!" she gasped. "We've raised two hundred already, making it five hundred, and the debt is seven hundred. So, we just have two hundred thousand to go!"

I nodded. "The frequent letters show he could come at any time to collect his money, and I just want to pay off this stupid debt and quit this job for good," I explained, frowning deeply.

Ivy stared at the check, still in shock. "He paid you this much? Wow. Some nerve he has. But you're right-we're so close now. I hope we pay it all soon. I don't even want to think about what would happen if we don't."

I shuddered at the thought. Matteo had an ominous aura that terrified me. I silently prayed we'd finish the payments soon so we could finally have peace.

"Aren't you going to ballet classes today?" Ivy asked, standing up and grabbing her brown handbag.

I shook my head. "No, I won't. There are no classes today, and I really need to rest. I think Tessa is coming over later."

Ivy stuffed some books into her bag and slung it over her shoulder. "Okay, sis. You deserve the rest. I'll be heading to work now. Take care."

"Take care, too," I said, waving as she walked out the door.

I sighed and let my head fall back onto the pillow. "Two hundred thousand to go. I can do this."

---

The chilly air slapped against my face, whipping my hair back and forth. I stuffed some fries into my mouth as I walked across the bustling street with Tessa. The evening sky was a beautiful canvas of orange and pink, and the streets were alive with people swarming in every direction.

Tessa chattered excitedly about the sleepover she'd had with her boyfriend. I glanced at her, admiring how carefree and happy she seemed. Life had been kind to her-she had no worries, no burdens.

I couldn't help but envy her. My life felt like a never-ending storm of debt and anxiety, draining the soul out of me piece by piece.

I nodded occasionally, giving her enough of a response to keep her talking. She didn't seem to mind my quietness.

Suddenly, Tessa grabbed my hand tightly, her nails digging into my skin.

I yanked my hand away, rubbing the sore spot as I frowned at her. "What was that for?"

She pointed across the street, her eyes wide with excitement. I turned to see what had caught her attention, and my breath hitched.

It was Ethan.

He noticed us and began crossing the street, his perfect smile lighting up his face.

"Hey, ladies," he greeted us warmly.

My face flushed, and I fought hard to keep from blushing. He looked as handsome as ever. His caramel-colored hair was tousled in that effortlessly charming way, and his hazel eyes sparkled with warmth.

"Hey, Ethan! How are you?" Tessa replied, grinning ear to ear.

"Classic Tessa," I thought, smiling softly. She was never shy around boys.

"I'm good. What about you two?" Ethan asked.

"We're fine, Ethan," I said softly. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Tessa smirking at me.

"I haven't seen you around much lately, Elara. You must be really busy," Ethan teased.

Tessa nudged me, urging me to speak. My heart raced as butterflies erupted in my stomach. "I've been so busy, Ethan. Sorry about that."

He chuckled, brushing it off. "It's okay. Actually, I lost your number-mind sharing it again? And yours too, Tessa."

He handed me his phone, and I nervously recited my number.

"I don't know mine by heart, so Elara will give it to you when you text," Tessa said cheekily, emphasizing my name.

I shook my head, chuckling at her boldness.

"Okay, then. I'll text you, Elara. Hopefully, I'll see you around more often. Take care, ladies," Ethan said, flashing his boyish grin before crossing back to the other side.

Tessa turned to me, her face lighting up with a mischievous smile. "Guess who's about to get a boyfriend?"

"Stop it, Tessa!" I said, my cheeks burning red.

Did I really have a chance with Ethan? I didn't know. But I couldn't help feeling giddy knowing he'd promised to text me.

---

Time seemed to fly these days. Sometimes I wished the night would never come so I wouldn't have to go back to that wretched club.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the person I'd become. This version of me-this Elara-was a fighter, a survivor.

"Just a little while longer, and you'll be free," I whispered to myself, a mantra I repeated every day.

"Oh, you're here. The boss wants you again," Violetta's sharp voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I turned to her, confusion written all over my face.

"What does he want?" I asked hesitantly.

"Find out for yourself," she sneered before storming out of the room.

I ignored her attitude and focused on my growing nervousness. Why did Matteo want to see me again? Would he make me perform naked again?

My heart pounded as I walked down the familiar hallway toward the lounge. With trembling hands, I knocked on the door.

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