Chapter 2 Desperation's Darkest Corner

Jasmine's P.o.v

We entered the room and approached the podium. The man handed me a small, delicate key. "The box contains a token," he explained. "The token represents your virtue. The bidders will offer their highest price for the privilege of claiming it. You'll choose the winner, and the transaction will be finalized."

My hands trembled as I took the key and I could feel the weight of my decision settling heavy on my shoulders. I knew there would be no turning back once I opened the box. My eyes locked onto the box and with a pounding heart, I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, but I knew I had to push through. The soft disco lights casted a warm glow on my skin and with a steady hand, I inserted the key into the small lock and turned it. The box creaked open revealing a delicate, crystal token nestled in a velvet bed.

The room fell silent and the only sound was that of the soft hum of the spotlight and disco lights. A sense of detachment erupted from within me and it was as if I was observing the scene from outside of my body. The bidders then began to stir, their eyes fixed on the crystal token.

A figure emerged from the behind the seats, his presence commanding attention. He was so tall, at least 6'8" feet with piercing blue eyes that could see right through the soul. His hair was dark and lustrous and his chiseled facial features were nothing, but pure perfection. His dark suit seemed ascentuated his broad shoulders and powerful build and to say the word 'handsome' would be an understatement.

"Who is that?" I managed to whisper to the agent who had brought me here. He wouldn't disclose his name because that was part of the criteria- the agent's name will be anonymous.

"That, Jasmine is Mateo Morales," he replied, his voice low and respectful. "He is a businessman, with interests in various industries. He is also one of the most eligible bachelors in the city."

I tried to look away from Mateo, but each time I did, I could find him staring hard at me already.

After many attempts of trying to avoid his gaze, I find myself catching up with his gaze again. This time, my eyes locked onto his and my heart raced with a mix of fear and fascination. Despite all of that, he didn't make any attempt to break it, making him scary to look at. I swallowed the lump in my throat and readjusted my posture.

As the bidding began, the numbers escalated rapidly as the bidders vied for the token. I couldn't help, but feel disconnected. It felt so surreal!

Mateo waited until the last moment to make his move, his deep voice was low and confident as he bid an astronomical sum. The whole room fell silent, the other bidders withdrawing in defeat.

$500,000.

Mateo's icy blue eyes locked onto mine once again, and I could catch him letting out a wicked smile. It feels so weird and there's just something about that smile. Whatever it is, i couldn't care any less, him winning the bid means that my fate is sealed and I am about to embark on a journey that would change my life forever.

The man who had brought me in nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "It seems we have a winner," he said with a tone of satisfaction.

A trail of chill ran down my spine as Mateo's eyes scanned my body and I could see him raise his brow at the sight of my hips. He looked so filthy, but there was nothing I could do, not now that I was in his debt, bound to him by the terms of the auction.

I was about to leave for home when the agent stopped me and handed me a small, elegant box. "Please, accept this of our appreciation," he said. "It contains a gift from Mr. Mateo, a symbol of his appreciation for your company."

He vanished into thin air and I couldn't help but feel humiliated as the words of the agent reeled my mind, reminding me of the implications of what I had just done knowing that I had sold myself to a stranger, a man with power and influence beyond my wildest imagination.

Tears roll down my eyes as I open the box and a grasp escapes my lips. Inside the box lays a diamond necklace with its stones glinting like ice in the dim light. I wiped my tears and got a feel of the necklace.

"A token of our agreement," Mateo's voice whispered in my ear from behind me and his minty breath on my skin made me shiver. "A reminder of the debt you owe me, Jasmine."

"I can't take this. I don't want it." I covered the box and handed it to him knowing the deal I had made with him back in the auction room, but he refused to take it back.

"It is an insult to Mateo to give back what he already gave out." He said in his deep baritone voice.

I shrugged at his reply and still didn't say a word.

"Really, Jasmine?" he furrowed his brow in dissatisfaction.

I placed the box on the floor between us and headed out of the club, but was stopped by the bouncer at the club entrance as I tried to leave.

"I'm sorry ma'am. We can't let you out just yet." He said.

I felt quite taken aback by his words. "How do you mean?" I asked him, but was replied with a loud silence.

"Let her go, Stanley. She's with me." A familiar voice said from behind me. I rolled my eyes knowing it was him and I couldn't help but hiss mentally.

I turned to meet his gaze and was welcomed by a minty breath and piercing blue eyes, they were hypnotizing. He was so close that it felt uncomfortable and I found myself taking a few paces back.

He smirked at my action. "It's okay. I don't bite."

He moved closer to me and with fierce intensity he said, "Jasmine, I will only spare you because you are an acquaintance. I'm pretty sure this won't repeat itself when you fully get to know me." He grasped my hand firmly and forced the box into my palm, refusing to let go. His facial expression darkened with suppressed anger.

"Stop, Mateo. You're hurting me." I pleaded.

"Fine, I'll take that as an apology. See you soon, Jasmine." He released his hand and left the club.

***********

My eyes brimmed with tears as I walked my way to the hospital after leaving the club, my face swollen with unshed sobs.

My heart pounded at the deal I had made with Mateo knowing it could be the biggest nightmare that is yet to happen to me, especially after the last encounter with him at the club.How can anyone go from being super sweet to a maniac in just a matter of minutes? I quickly wipe my tears to avoid any suspicions from my mom. Her health and well-being is paramount to me at the moment and I would be laying her death bed if she ever found out what I had just done. I made payment to the hospital's account and headed to my mother's ward.

"Jasmine?" my mum's voice cracked as she managed to call out my name.

"Be still, mother," I said to my mum as I patted her forehead. "Your surgery will be due for tomorrow. You must rest now."

"Tomorrow? Where did you get the money from, Jasmine?" my mum asked, but her health took a toll before she could even say any more words