Chapter 2 Dark Reality

My entire body tensed when I heard the news. Just yesterday, Sandra and I had listened to Meggie's complaints and her desire to escape this place, but why, this morning, was she suddenly dead? Was her illness that severe?

Neither Sandra nor I dared to see the actual state of Meggie's body. Sandra even wrapped herself in a blanket, looking utterly terrified.

"She seemed fine yesterday, even though she had a fever. But I was sure the fever wouldn't have killed her," I muttered to myself.

"Could she have ... committed suicide?" I whispered, causing Sandra to lift her blanket and look at me in horror.

"Impossible... I don't think Meggie was that kind of person," Sandra replied. The voices outside were getting louder, and Sandra and I exchanged looks. Though fear was evident in our expressions, we both decided to leave the room. Sandra stood behind me as we approached Meggie's room, which was crowded with other residents.

From a distance, Claire's people could be seen approaching, entering Meggie's room without a word.

"What happened?" I asked, whispering to Ann, a resident from the lower floor. Her face was pale and filled with fear.

"This morning, I went to Meggie's room to borrow some clothes. The door was unlocked, so I went in, thinking she was still asleep. I tried waking her a few times, but she wouldn't stir. When I got closer and touched her, her body was stiff ... she was dead," she explained, stumbling over her words.

Yesterday, I had only given her fever medicine from my room, and I was sure it wasn't the cause of her death. If she hadn't said so much to Sandra and me, I might have thought it was just an illness.

As I was lost in thought, Claire's people emerged from the room, carrying Meggie's body wrapped in a blanket. Only her feet, stiffened from rigor mortis, were exposed as they carried her out.

Everyone in the crowd quickly dispersed. Sandra, who was behind me, grabbed my arm tightly, clearly terrified-just as I was.

"Disperse! No more crowding!" one of Claire's men shouted, sending everyone running back to their rooms, and Sandra and I did the same. This morning was turning out to be the most nerve-wracking for all of us in the apartment building.

***

Meggie's death had occurred a few days ago, but every time I passed her room, my mind was consumed with questions about her unnatural death. Did it have anything to do with her plans to escape? I couldn't bring myself to think about it any longer; I was too scared.

"Madam wants to see you," a voice broke my thoughts. My hand froze on the doorknob as I slowly turned to find one of Claire's men standing right behind me.

"For what?" I asked, my fear evident in my voice.

"I don't know, you should ask her yourself when you meet her," the man replied with a long-haired look.

"I'll take you to Madam," he added.

"I need to prepare," I said, stalling.

"No need. Madam will get angry if you take too long," he said, and reluctantly, I followed him. As we descended the stairs, another of Claire's men approached. He was the driver, waiting for us.

"Sit in the back," he instructed, and I complied, feeling the unease rise in my chest. The car sped down the road as my mind was filled with questions. Why did Claire want to meet with me? Was this connected to the offer she made the other day? No! This couldn't be happening.

I sat nervously, staring out at the road, my head spinning with thoughts. If my suspicions were correct, would I still be able to escape, or would my life end like Meggie's?

The car stopped in front of a large, bright yellow house. I scanned the surroundings and realized this was the Sun House-the place all the naïve girls dreamed of working at, hoping for a better life. Except for me, of course. After hearing the stories from the apartment residents about what went on inside, I had hoped I would never set foot there. But now it seemed that hope would not become a reality.

The Sun House was located on the outskirts of town, far from the hustle and bustle, making it stand out starkly against the empty street. Oh no! Was this the moment I had been dreading?

"Come, follow me," the man ordered. I held my breath, trying to steady my nerves. There was no way to escape now; if I tried, my death would be inevitable. With shaky steps, I entered the Sun House.

The luxury was immediately overwhelming as I stepped inside. It felt like a small palace, with many little rooms catching my eye. But now wasn't the time to admire the opulence of the Sun House.

The man led me to a room on the third floor. He knocked on the door a few times until a voice called from within.

"Come in," Claire's voice echoed.

I opened the door hesitantly, the long-haired man standing watch outside. Claire was half reclining on a chaise lounge, a man sitting beside her, massaging her feet.

"You must be wondering why I called you here, right?" she asked, chuckling.

"Yes, Madam. What made you call for me?" I asked, my eyes scanning the room, which seemed to be Claire's personal bedroom. The dominant yellow hues of the room were blinding.

"Leave us," she instructed the man massaging her, and he stood up, leaving.

"Sit beside me," she then invited, patting the space next to her. I hesitated but moved closer and sat beside her.

"You look so much like your mother," she said, her gaze sharp.

"You're even more beautiful than Emily," she added, which made me hold my breath. Something about Claire's compliments felt ominous.

"Usually, I'm not interested in girls who aren't yet of age, but you're different," she continued. Did Claire know I was hiding my true age?

"You will be the star of this place. Trust me," she said, while her hands searched for something. Not finding what she was looking for, she stood up and opened a closet beside the bed.

"Here, try this on. It will suit you perfectly," she said, handing me an outfit. I took it reluctantly, my mind racing with anxiety about what would happen next.

"You know, we're short on workers here. Many of the older girls aren't as attractive anymore, and the clients are complaining. There are fewer young girls in this place, especially after Meggie died. So I've been thinking hard about who I can bring in. You may not be twenty yet, but your body looks mature, and I'm sure you'll be able to attract clients here," she explained at length.

No! What I feared most was finally happening.

"Try it on, and we'll see how well you can start enticing the men out there," she ordered, pointing to the outfit she had just handed me.

"Change now!" Her voice raised, showing her impatience as I remained silent, my eyes wide.

"O-okay, Madam," I answered, then hurriedly looked for a place to change.

"Where are you going? Change here," she said.

I froze, staring at her in disbelief, but her piercing eyes and impatient expression made me realize that's exactly what she wanted.

I nervously unbuttoned my clothes. Though Claire was a woman like me, I still felt awkward changing in front of her.

"Just as I thought, your body is stunning," she complimented. Instead of feeling pleased, I grew more terrified.

I quickly changed into the outfit she had given me. My eyes widened as I realized the outfit was far too revealing.

"It's a bit tight," I muttered. The black dress clung tightly to my body, the neckline low enough to expose my cleavage, and the skirt was so short that my underwear would be visible if I bent over. It wasn't a comfortable outfit, and I felt deeply embarrassed.

"That's the style. You look so alluring," she said, her eyes gleaming. Shortly after, she grabbed her phone and made a call.

Claire approached me after hanging up, placing her palm on my face and studying it carefully.

"With a little makeup, you'll be perfect," she said. She then pulled me toward her vanity, where various cosmetics and jewelry were scattered.

I swallowed hard as Claire's fingers gently brushed my face. My body was tense, and I closed my eyes, unsure how to react.

The longer I stayed here, the more terrified I became. I could feel cold sweat on my palms and feet. Everything was happening too quickly-I hadn't even had time to think of an escape plan. What now? Was my life about to end in this brothel?

"Oh my God! I barely recognize you! All I did was apply some lip and eye makeup, but you look so different," Claire said, her voice full of excitement.

I opened my eyes and saw my reflection in the mirror. With red lips and a refreshed look, I did look completely different. My eyes widened, unsure whether the person in the mirror was really me.

"Your new client is waiting eagerly. I just called him, and he'll be here soon. Just so you know, he's the kind of man who loves young girls like you. Serve him well and don't disappoint me," Claire warned, giving my shoulder a few sharp taps.

No ... I didn't want to meet anyone. I just wanted to escape, to run as far away from this terrifying place as I could.

"Would you rather serve dozens of my men and get nothing in return, or serve that wealthy man who will give you anything you desire?" she whispered, and my entire body trembled violently.(*)