The Deal
1154 Words
ISABELLA’S POV
“You paid the rent? I can’t believe this,” Filipe said, grinning as he dropped a bag of fruit on the table.
“It just… happened, okay?” I shrugged, trying to act casual.
He nodded. “I’m glad you found a way to solve those problems, Isa.” His smile warmed me. “So, how do you want to celebrate?”
“Dinner at your place,” I teased.
He laughed. “That’s what you said last time before you stood me up. Maybe you shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep.”
I rolled my eyes, feeling my cheeks heat up.
We talked about random things for a while, and the rest of the day passed quickly. A few days later, it was already a new week.
“The turnout this week has been amazing, dear. If it keeps up, we’ll finally be able to stand on our feet again,” Aunt Jessica said, smiling with relief.
I was helping clear a table when my eyes landed on a face I could recognize anywhere.
“Dominic,” I muttered.
He smiled like we were old friends.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
“I believe we have some unfinished business,” he said smoothly. “You disappointed our client the other night.”
“You know I’m not a stripper. I told you I only worked that one night to pay rent. I’m not uh ”
“And that customer insulted me,” I added, my voice rising. “I didn’t strip for him, didn’t ask for more money. So why are you here?”
“That’s not how this works,” he replied coldly. “Those papers you signed bind you to us for a year. Either you keep working… or you pay us three months’ worth of fees.” He placed a copy of the contract on the table.
I stared at it in shock. “This must be a joke.”
“You want to take this to court?” Dominic leaned closer. “We own the whole process. I wouldn’t advise it.”
My throat went dry.
“But… there’s a way you can help yourself.” He slipped an envelope toward me. “My boss wants to meet you. She’ll explain everything.”
I hesitated.
“Be there by noon tomorrow,” he said, then walked out without another word.
“Isa, everything okay?” Filipe asked, glancing over.
“Yes. Just… business,” I lied.
I hurried to the bathroom, locked the door, and splashed water on my face. My reflection looked back at me puffy red eyes, trembling lips.
“I’m not crying. I won’t cry,” I whispered, before breaking down completely.
*Why does life have to be this hard?* Every time I solved one problem, another one came crashing in.
That night, I tried to act normal with my family.
“Hey, Dad,” I said, kissing his cheek.
“Got the school receipt today. Thanks,” Alejandra mumbled without looking up.
“You’re welcome, Ale. Love you.”
“I… I know,” she stammered. Dad just smiled quietly.
“I need to rest. See you guys in the morning,” I said, heading to my room.
My phone rang it was Sophia.
“Hey, sweet,” I answered softly.
“You’ve been crying. What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Babe, can we talk later? I’m just… tired.”
“Fine. But I don’t believe you’re okay. Love you.”
“Love you too,” I sighed, setting the phone down. My cat, Lucifer, jumped onto the bed and curled up beside me.
“Meow.”
“I love you too, Lucy,” I whispered, stroking his fur.
The next morning, I dressed simply knee-length dress, flats, nothing revealing. My only hope was to prove I didn’t belong in that world.
My phone buzzed.
*I’m outside.*
I told Aunt Jessica to watch the restaurant and stepped into the waiting car.
The driver said nothing during the long ride to the outskirts of the city. When we arrived, I stepped out and saw a towering glass penthouse, secluded from prying eyes.
Inside, a tall, elegant woman stood waiting. Her long brown hair framed a face that screamed power.
“You must be Miss Montenegro,” she said, shaking my hand with a perfectly polished British accent. “I’m Patricia Elena Monroe. Dominic must have told you why you’re here.”
I hated the way her eyes scanned me, like she was sizing me up for a purchase.
“Ma’am, I’m not a stripper. I only needed money to pay my rent. I uh ”
“Save me the excuses, Isabella. This is business. Learn to read contracts, sugar.” She took a slow drag from her cigarette.
“What do you want from me?” I asked, my stomach twisting.
She smirked. “I want you to get my son to fall in love with you. Marry him. Give him an heir. Then leave like you never existed.”
My blood ran cold. “I… I don’t even know your son.”
“You do know Lucian Monroe, right? Highest-paid lawyer in the country. I believe you met him at the club,” she said, her tone dripping with mockery.
“You certainly weren’t shy when you walked in to do your little performance.”
I clenched my fists. “Fine. But your son is rude, arrogant, and completely disrespectful. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Her smirk didn’t fade.
“You want me to have a child and just walk away? What kind of mother does that to her own kid?” I shouted, my voice rising.
“Watch your tone, young lady. Do you even know who you’re speaking to?” she snapped. “And in case you’ve forgotten you owe the club a massive debt. I know everything about you. Your sick father. Your sister’s college dreams. Your failing restaurant business.”
She leaned forward, her eyes cold.
“I’m offering you a way out. Surgery for your father. A scholarship for your sister. A blank check for you. All I ask is your silence and your obedience.”
I swallowed hard.
“We don’t want to explore what happens if you say no,” Patricia said, her voice cold as steel. “So yes or yes?”
Tears welled in my eyes.
“At the end of the day, sweetheart, it’s all about money. Only the tough ones make it out alive. Think hard because it’s not just *your* life at risk, it’s theirs too.”
She handed me a card. “Here’s the address. You only come back once you’ve decided to accept the Marriage arrangement deal. Goodbye, Miss Montenegro.”
Her heels clicked across the marble floor. Sunglasses on, she didn’t look back once.
- Writer
