'His Obsession

"I can't believe you survived."

I don't know how long we've been facing each other. I've already finished a glass of lemon juice we ordered, but I still haven't spoken to her. I'm actually wasting my time here.

Why am I here?

A nun came to the house I rented. I recognized her, but I can't remember her name. She's one of the nuns from the orphanage where I grew up.

"I'll cut to the chase. Take this money and leave. Don't ever let me see you again," she handed me an envelope. Even without opening it, I have an idea of what's inside.

"Why? Are you afraid to see the baby you abandoned?" I locked eyes with her. I don't see any hint of guilt on her face. It's as if she's the one angry for seeing me alive.

"I was young. I had many dreams. I wasn't ready to be a parent. I was offered a marriage to a rich man."

My hands clenched on my thighs. I felt a fire ignite inside my heart. Somehow, I knew she was going to say that, but hearing it directly from her is awful.

"I think that is enough for you to start up," she glanced at the envelope in front of me.

I hate her.

I took the envelope from the table. As expected, it contained cash.

"I don't need money," I said. I grinned as I took the cash from the envelope.

I threw the thick bundle of money in front of her. She looked stunned in her seat. We caught the attention of everyone in the restaurant.

"I never had your help to survive since I was a baby. Why would I accept your money now?" I raised an eyebrow.

I felt she was embarrassed and furious about what I did. Maybe she couldn't react because people were watching us.

"You're not my child, and I'm not a mother."

***

The cheers in the club are deafening. But it's better than silence for me. It's my day off, but I'm still at my workplace. It's better than being at home without Tin. She's probably with her foreign customers. And that woman really ruined my day. How dare she show up to me.

"Give me your best seller shots."

I looked at the man who just arrived. He sat deliberately far from me. Maybe he's a new customer; we have regulars, and I remember their faces.

"Right away, Sir," the bartender responded.

He seems new here as he glances around. My eyes are drawn to him; he looks decent, almost like a businessman. The sleeves of his shirt reveal a well-built physique.

I've read a lot of erotic books, and as I stare at him, I see the man described in those works.

This isn't the first time I've seen someone like him, but there's something different.

"Your eyes," he surprised me by speaking. I realized I've been staring at him since he ordered, and I'm still looking at him even after his shots arrived.

What the hell, Reys?

"Why? They are mine. You need them?" I replied, trying to act normal despite feeling a bit startled. I didn't expect to hear such a cold voice.

"They are staring too much at me, wonder why?" He asked while he busied himself with the second shot he ordered.

"I'm a woman. Besides alcohol, what else can I aim for here? Of course, a man," I retorted.

"I understand," he said.

"So, do you like me?"

I didn't expect him to be this upfront. Is this really the immediate question? Can't he steer the conversation a bit? This guy seems to have an overwhelming level of confidence.

"I wouldn't be staring at you for so long if I didn't," I frankly admitted. There's no use denying it anyway.

"I see, bottom line it for me," I furrowed my brows as he said that. I'm not sure why I feel confused by what he's saying, or maybe I just can't believe how fast our conversation is progressing.

"What?" I asked.

He didn't answer right away. He enjoyed the last shot before coming closer to me. This time, his face was much closer. I failed to predict that this would happen. The conversation is becoming more exciting.

"What do you want?" That's exactly what I've been waiting for him to ask.

"Girls in this bar used to like two things..." he continued.

I shouldn't be thrilled because I'm used to it, but I was surprised when he brushed my hair aside. His hand is very manly, and the watch he's wearing fits perfectly. I don't know why I noticed that too. But I feel something different with this guy. I don't easily get excited, but I'm just so curious about him.

"Money or pleasure. Which one is it?"

He's really my type.

He's frank. He's honest. He's hot.

But he's lonely.

"Both. I can't live without pleasure. I want money. I want to find a rich man."

He laughed at what I said.

His laugh is sexy. But why is he laughing?

"You are so delusional," he said after he stopped laughing and looked at me again.

"I have everything you want."

"Really? Then can you make me rich?" I challenged him with my gaze.

"If I can give you what you want, what would I get?"

Without hesitation, I touched his thigh against mine.

"I'll offer myself. I'll sell myself to you," I said to him, squeezing his thigh that felt firm. I wonder if the one beneath his zipper is harder, though.

"Your offer is quite tempting," he said, holding my hand on his thigh.

"But I only buy properties." His smile gradually faded as he removed my hand from his thigh.

I just grinned as he left his seat.

"But if you change your mind, you can always come here," I said to him as I glanced at him before he walked away.

***

"You're really stubborn. Why didn't you take the money? You know Moira needs it," I watched Moira peacefully sleeping in her hospital room, only to be confronted by Tin. Here I am, getting another sermon.

I narrated to her our encounter with that woman. I told her about the money I refused to take. I desperately need the money for Moira's hospital bills and her dialysis, but I won't accept it from her. I'll find another way.

I earn little from the bar. It's just enough for Moira's medication. Her monthly bills haven't arrived yet. I only manage to catch up when customers order takeout.

As long as I survive and can afford Moira's treatment, that's all that matters to me.

Moira is not my blood relative. I met her at the bar when she was still a child, just 10 years old. I felt bad that she was about to take a job similar to what I did when I was younger. I took her in, and she became like a sister to me. She and Tin are my family.

But when she turned 14, she was diagnosed with kidney failure. I've been working hard for her.

***

I had a date set up by Tin. I went along because Tin said my date was wealthy and quite generous.

I wore a knee-length tube dress and fixed myself up.

Light makeup to look innocent despite the hidden turmoil.

When I entered the restaurant, I immediately looked for the man in the picture Tin showed me. I walked to the table near the window because he seemed to resemble the person in the photo on my phone.

I found him talking on the phone. When he noticed me, he quickly excused himself from the call.

"Miss Reys Cortez?" He stood up and shook hands with me.

"Mr. Alejandro," I shook hands with him.

He pulled out a chair for me.

"You're even more beautiful in person," he complimented me. I smiled a bit, maintaining my image tonight as an innocent and simple girl.

"I am Blake Alejandro, by the way, and please just call me Blake," he said. I was pleased that he spoke like a young person.

And honestly, he's really hot. He's in his 40s, but he looks younger.

"I have three kids..." his voice softened. I openly admired him for that.

Impressive!

"Nice to meet you, Blake. You look younger than your age," I said.

"I have to admit I've heard that a lot," he laughed softly.

"So, you are into dating?" he asked.

"Yes. But I'm not into relationships yet," I replied.

Blake was the one who ordered our dinner. It wasn't the first time for me to eat in an expensive restaurant like this. Several men I met at the bar took me to places like this, but I still wasn't accustomed to their ordering style.

The waiter arrived and laid out dishes that I wasn't familiar with. Blake seemed to be the wealthiest man I've dated so far. I hope this date works out; if it does, I won't let Blake go.

I glanced at the waiter pouring wine into our glasses and scanned the entire place. I noticed the excitement from the people on the side where the band was playing.

My eyes caught a guy at the counter, even though he was facing away, I felt he was handsome. I guess I can confidently say that I am good at spotting handsome guys.

He was talking to a woman in her 40s, and they seemed to be having a joyful conversation. So, does this guy have a sugar mommy?

And then suddenly, he turned around. He was sitting on high chairs at the counter.

I even dropped the knife next to my hand out of surprise. It's as if I recognized that guy. I noticed that I caught the attention of people at the neighboring table due to the loud clatter of the knife.

"It's okay. I got it," Blake said, taking my knife. As the waiter passed in front of me, our eyes met with that guy. I even caught him smiling at me and staring.

That was when I finally remembered that man. He was the one I talked to one night!

I couldn't bear to make eye contact with him. So, I shifted my focus to my food. But I could still see from the corner of my eye that he was looking at me.

Could he still remember me? That's impossible. We didn't talk for that long.

When I looked again to see where he was, he was gone.

"Reys?" I was surprised when someone suddenly called me. I looked up, and there was a man standing in front of me, pointing at me.

"It's you. Oh my god. I didn't expect to see you here," he said, covering his mouth. He and Blake exchanged glances, and Blake's gaze shifted back to me.

"This is how you are, huh? You're going after the rich ones," he said sarcastically. I tightened my grip on my spoon and knife.

Of all the people I could see, it had to be Flynn?

"You should be careful with this girl; she's a gold digger," he declared to Blake. Out of frustration, I stood up. I saw Blake's gaze on me and the other people in the restaurant.

Flynn had sex with me once, but I never contacted him again when I found out he's a married man.

"What? You're going to deny it? You're a Slut!" He laughed in front of me.

I wanted to slap and punch him, but my hands and knees were trembling. I don't know why I can't defend myself.

I feel embarrassed, though I've already accepted that this is who I am now.

I felt Blake was embarrassed too, so I didn't expect him to speak. He just lowered his head and stayed quiet.

"What? Can't speak because it's true. You shouldn't live like that. Come on."

"You're a gold digger. You're a crazy manipulative bitch!" He approached me. I couldn't move from where I stood because I was scared. I just closed my eyes because I felt he was going to hurt me. I don't know why my mind is closed off to fight back now.

"I think that's enough." I wanted to thank that voice. I didn't expect that voice to be the one to save me.

"I think that's enough."

I wanted to thank that voice. I didn't expect that his voice would be the one to save me.

When I opened my eyes, it was indeed him-the man I talked to at the bar one night. We only talked briefly, but his voice left a lasting impression.

"Who the hell are you?" Flynn angrily asked. Flynn has a bad temper, and even when he's in the wrong, he's the one getting angry. I wasn't sure if this man could handle him, but Blake wasn't doing anything.

"I own this place," he said. His gaze felt scorching, and unexpectedly, it was enough for Flynn to walk away.

"Okay, Miss Reyselle. Thank you for the dinner. I guess I have to go," I didn't look at Blake. He seemed disappointed, and I understand why. I felt embarrassed too.

I was surprised when he suddenly grabbed my hand as we left the restaurant. I couldn't break free because he held me so tightly.

First of all, we're not close enough for him to grab me like that.

"Ouch! Why?" He let go of my hand when we reached the parking lot. I felt uneasy as he stared at me from head to toe.

"Your date left, so you should go too."

My mouth dropped open at what he said. Well, maybe I misjudged him. I was going to leave anyway, but he didn't have to drag me out.

"I'm leaving." I rolled my eyes at him. As I turned away and was about to walk away, he spoke again.

"Do you know why you're being disrespected?" I couldn't help but laugh softly at what he said. It's not the first time I've heard it.

"Because this is the impression you're giving them. If you don't want to be disrespected, fix yourself."

"First of all, Mr. Whatever," I slowly turned my back to see him. "You know nothing about me, and I don't care what you think about me."

***

The bar was filled with people cheering, and deafening music echoed. It seemed like a popular metal band had come here, making the audience go wild on the dancefloor.

But I grew up listening to the noise from bars. It's noisy, but I prefer being here.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the singer in front took off his pants. He had a formidable physique. I like his butt, and that hard thing on his crotch was very visible in his boxers.

"He is such a Hunk!" I shouted.

"That's exactly the body of the guy I had sex with last night." I glanced at Tin, who stood beside me with two beers.

"So, what happened? Tell me quickly," I got excited with what she said, so I grabbed one of the beer bottles from her hand.

"We were in a standing position, then he lifted me upside down. He is eating mine while I am eating him too."

We both chuckled. Tin is still fantasizing about it. I bet it was good. It's been months since my last time. I missed it too. Damn you, Tin, your charisma is so strong.

"Reys!" I turned to the source of that voice. It was Marga. I walked towards her.

Marga is our boss here. She's around 40 but doesn't look like it at all. She has a sexy body and a beautiful tan complexion.

"Glad you're here!" she said and gave me a peck on the cheek.

"I have an important customer here," she said as she took a seat beside me.

"He's new here, he's a billionaire, and he's very important. Actually, he's in the VIP Room right now," we exchanged glances, and it seemed like I knew what she wanted to say.

"You want me to entertain him?" I smiled.

"Yes," she hesitated a bit.

Well, that's not a big deal for me. But Marga rarely chooses me nowadays because we have many new girls. I usually entertain our regular customers. If it's for new and VIP customers, I don't accept much, as I've been through enough with Flynn.

"What about your new girls? I heard one of them is really good."

I took a sip of the beer I was holding. It's a shame I haven't started drinking it yet.

"I sent three girls to him. He wasn't interested," she said with a disappointed expression.

I didn't let her finish what she was saying and stood up. But she held my hand.

"Wait, I think you need to hear his offer. I just thought maybe you need the money."

I placed the bottled beer back on the table.

Marga has a point. I need the money. So, I'll probably entertain anyone. It's not new to me. This is why I'm still alive.

***

I went to the 2nd floor where the VIP rooms are. While walking in the lobby, I couldn't help but hear some moans from the rooms. I stopped walking when a VIP Room door opened, and a disheveled woman came out.

Her hair was messy, and her lipstick was almost erased. She quickly covered her mouth when our eyes met. I didn't know why, but I felt pity when I saw tears in her eyes.

When she covered her mouth, I knew what happened. She felt ashamed. Maybe the man forced her to do something she couldn't handle, like giving oral sex to a man.

I glimpsed into the room and saw the man fixing his pants and shirt. He's an asshole.

Marga told me that the customer she was referring to was at the far end of the 2nd floor. There are VIP rooms upstairs, but those are bedrooms. That part of the bar isn't known to the public. Only exclusive VIP customers can go there.

As I touched the doorknob, I paused. Why does my heart feel heavy?

I should be fine since it's not the first time.

I opened the door and walked in confidently. The first thing I saw was a table full of bottled beer.

I froze in place as I saw the face of the man sitting on the couch. I hoped I entered the wrong VIP Room.

He didn't seem to notice me as he was engrossed in his phone conversation. Quickly, I turned around.

"I'll call you soon," he said, lowering his phone.

I took a step towards the door, but my nerves kicked in the moment he called me.

"Miss money and pleasure, where are you going?"

I wished I hadn't turned to see him because that made it worse. It felt even more daunting seeing his intense gaze.

I shouldn't let him see that I'm a bit terrified. Why am I feeling this way? Come on, Reys! It's just a guy.

"It's really unfortunate if you will just walk out of this room without talking to me," he said, uncrossing his legs.

"Fine."

I marched towards the couch. I didn't sit too close to him.

"It's Rohan," he said, placing his business card on the table. Of course, I grabbed it immediately. I wanted to ask for it on our first night of conversation, but he left abruptly.

"I'm Reys..."

"Rohan Nieves," I read his name on the card. Someone's name is very familiar to his.

"Is he your brother, Rowin Nieves?" I asked him directly.

"Yes. Why do you know my brother?"

I couldn't answer Rohan. I really hate remembering that name...

"That man is married now," he said with a hint of threat in his tone.

"I don't mind flirting with a married man," I replied.

"What about flirting with a broken man?" he asked. Now his gaze turned back to me. I admit I'm not comfortable with this man, but the way he stares at me amuses me. It's like he's getting more into our conversation. We're not here for any business; I know the endgame is sex, but this man is very challenging. It's difficult to figure out if he wants to go straight to the point or if he desires something more.

"Every man who asks for sex from me is all the same," I said, but he just grinned.

"Would you?" he asked again.

"I will have sex with you if that's what you want," I replied.

I took a deep breath after saying that. Why does it feel like it's challenging for me? It should be normal to say yes.

"I came all the way here to hire a bed warmer. It's crazy, but this is the only place I can find one."

I remembered what Marga told me; maybe this is what she was talking about earlier. But I was shocked by it. I mean, I haven't encountered someone hiring a sex partner before. Usually, it's just for temporary pleasure, but this seems like a long-term arrangement.

"Why do you need a bed warmer? And if you're looking, does that mean this bed warmer you want should be exclusively available for you?" I sounded so interested, regretting asking that question. But I'm starting to become intrigued by this man.

"Of course, what if I demanded sex, and she isn't available because she's in another man's bed? Should I wait? Are you joking?" he smirked.

"You have a point," I leaned back on the couch, crossing my legs in front of him, while observing him. He has consumed quite a few beers; I hope he's coherent now. But I can see that he's serious about what he's saying.

"All I need is a distraction. Sex is very effective," he said, opening another beer and chugging it down. I salute his throat...

"What would I get?"

I can't believe I'm returning the question to him now. After finishing his beer, he let out a soft laugh.

"What do you want?" He opened another beer, but this one wasn't for him to drink. He presented it to me.

"Money." I stared at the beer he offered. "I want to be rich." Then, I took the beer from his hand.

"I can give you that but with my guidance."

His statement caught me off guard. "What do you mean?"

"It's a deal. Money, right? I can make you rich," he said confidently, making me skeptical.

"And how will you do that?"

"I'll give you my name. You'll be wealthy."

I burst into laughter at his words. It seems like he's drunk. I shouldn't be engaging in conversation with him.

"I'm serious," he said in a cold tone, silencing my laughter. His demeanor is genuinely chilling.

"If you meant all of what you said just now, then I have no reason to reject it." I took a sip of the beer he gave me. It's rude not to taste it.

"I guess you're hired," he shrugged and looked up at me as I stood up.

***

"My brother's friend suffered the same trauma as I have, and I am afraid I might end up like him too," Cathy stood up from her seat and approached me.

"I must be losing it. I don't know why I thought of visiting a psychiatrist recommended by a friend," I said, uncertain about my decision.

Tyron mentioned his doctor just listens to him. Maybe that's what I need. "Based on what Mylene told me, it's you against yourself. I think you're trapping yourself in the past. Try distracting yourself. Maybe you need a bit of a diversion," she suggested, leaning back on her table.

"His distraction was sex," I revealed, standing up. The doctor, around my age, had caught my attention earlier with her outfit. I leaned on the table, locking eyes with her. "Will you have sex with me?" She sipped her coffee, unfazed. "It could be a distraction, but you need to find somebody else," she replied.

"I am looking forward to this project with you, Mr. Forbes," entering the conference hall, I saw Rowin and Mr. Forbes shaking hands, a sign of successful negotiation.

"You two are real brothers. I commend your skills in business," Mr. Forbes turned to me, extending his hand. "I hope you don't expect too much. We still have a long way to go," I replied, acknowledging Rowin's efforts.

While Rowin found success in business, I struggled after Mia's death. "While you enjoy your accomplishment, I may have done something terrible last night," I admitted, seeking support.

The tranquility was interrupted by a call. "Is this Mr. Rohan Nieves?" the caller asked, inquiring about a person named Miss Reyselle Cortez. Memories flashed, and I realized my involvement from the previous night.

Arriving at the police station, I found Reyselle in distress. I decided to fix her mess first. "Mr. Nieves!" a surprised elderly officer called out, questioning my presence. I explained that I received a call about being her guardian, and chaos ensued when they realized she was Nieves' sister.

"What about the agency?" I just closed my eyes as both of them panicked. My brother is quite popular among the police.

"Fine, stop that," I said irritably to make them cease their argument in front of me.

"Okay, Sir. You don't need to explain. Just take your girlfriend home," the older policeman who knew Rowin approached me.

"Okay, then... I have a question," I cleared my throat and locked eyes with the officer who called me earlier. It seemed he was intimidated by my gaze.

"Can I also file a complaint against the police at the front desk?" The two older men exchanged glances.

I just finished my shift at the bar when I decided to visit Moira in the hospital. I want to talk to her doctor about the kidney transplant. Getting a donor is a difficult process, with long queues and financial barriers. After accepting a deal with a man, I feel relieved as I finally have the money for Moira's operation. I also heard that a kidney donor has been found.

Arriving at Moira's room, I saw some nurses rushing towards it. An uneasy feeling washed over me, so I ran inside. The world seemed to stop. I wanted to believe it was just a dream-that they weren't removing the tubes from Moira, that she would respond to their calls. "Answer, Moira. Open your eyes; your sister is here."

They were about to cover my sister with a blanket, but I stopped them in time. I held Moira's pale face. Her hands were cold, and it seemed like she was in a deep sleep. Despite wanting to call her back, it felt like my heart was breaking. She looked peaceful, unlike during her dialysis sessions. She used to smile at me, but I knew she was in pain. I felt she fought because I refused to give up on her.

Yet, I couldn't accept her simply passing away. "Moira..." I hugged her, burying my face in her chest. There's nothing left for me. You're gone. The reason for all my sacrifices is gone. My chest tightened, and anger overflowed. I was hurt, unsure of what to do in the days ahead.

"Miss Cortez," the doctor touched me, but I recoiled. As I looked at him, my eyes darkened. This is the doctor who promised Moira would be next in line for the transplant, yet it's clear he's letting those with money jump ahead.

I couldn't accept it. Because you're poor, you don't have the right to heal. Because you're poor, these doctors won't prioritize you.

"You beast!" I shouted, wanting to hit him, but the nurses restrained me. "I told you I'd bring the money! I told you to proceed with the operation!"

I almost hit him. It's his fault! I know he took a bribe again.

"I said I'd pay you! I said to go ahead with the operation!" I tried to approach him, but they stopped me. "You killed my sister!"

"You beast!" I smashed things in the room. I couldn't accept it. She would have been alive if I had the money... she would have survived.

I found myself in the precinct, my anger still not subsided from that doctor. Adding to that, I faced lewd looks from the police, knowing they discuss me since I've seen some at the bar. I should have been with my sister now, but here I am, being questioned by that doctor.

The officer who spoke to me earlier approached in the police waiting area. "Cortez, you can go home now."

Without looking at him, I immediately stood up and left the station. I need to return to the hospital. Moira is probably waiting for me.

Checking my cellphone, I saw a text from Tin saying she went to the morgue to claim Moira's body. My knees went weak as the reality of Moira's absence sank in.

"Moira..." I cried while tightly gripping my cellphone. If only I were wealthy and didn't just work at a bar, I could have provided everything she needed. I've carried this shame all my life, accepting it because it's my livelihood. I had to think of Moira's needs.

"I was looking for you," I halted as I heard that familiar voice. I quickly stood and turned around, not even realizing how I got out of the precinct. I handed him his business card when I was there. After all, he's the only one on my side. I left Tin at the hospital, thinking if our deal that night was true, she would bail me out.

"Do you know why my sister died?" I gasped.

"Because we didn't have money. You might laugh at me now, but I'm truly desperate. Desperate to escape poverty. That's why I am offering myself-"

"I'm the one who proposed the deal," he interrupted, raising his voice. "And I stand firm on my words. I am the one offering a different life, and I am the one asking for yourself in return."

I felt a deeper pang in my chest. I knew my dignity was almost gone, but his words managed to salvage some of it. I was about to officially offer myself to him in exchange for the luxurious life I desired.

"Go to your sister. I hope you can send her away properly."

I couldn't bring myself to look at him as my tears flowed.

"Right. I should be with her," I whispered, wiping my tears and taking a deep breath. Moira wouldn't want to see me like this.

"And after that, prepare yourself..." I followed him with my eyes as he walked past me.

"For what?" I asked.

"For your rebirth. After your sister's burial," he glanced back briefly. "I'll change your life."