* * CONTINEUD FLASHBACK * *
* * Chris's POV * *
Upon entering the club with Matt, I immediately took in the scene. Several women were dancing seductively on the stage, while customers sipped drinks and had partners straddling in front of them. The place was buzzing with energy—noisy, colorful, and alive with lights and music, making it clear that this wasn’t just any ordinary night out.
“What do you think, dude?” Matt asked with a grin.
“Not bad. Looks like we’re in for a good time here,” I replied, still scanning the area.
“Sir Matt, nice to see you again here,” greeted a woman in her forties as she approached us. Her demeanor and attire screamed professionalism in a setting like this.
“Yeah, anyways, this is Chris, my best friend. And dude, Juliet will be taking care of us tonight,” Matt introduced us.
“Nice to meet you, Sir Chris. Don’t worry, you’re going to have a great time tonight, especially you, Sir Chris. And of course, you too, Sir Matt,” Juliet replied confidently, clearly well-practiced in her role.
“We’re counting on that, Juliet,” Matt said with a smile, clearly pleased with the situation. “Anyways, where is she?” he asked, giving Juliet a pointed look. I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
“She?” I inquired, genuinely puzzled.
“I’ll tell you, dude, after this night,” he replied with a sly smile, clearly hinting at something he wasn’t yet revealing. I couldn’t help but shake my head; I had a feeling I knew what he was up to. Why was he drawn to this particular woman in such a setting? There were so many other options, yet he seemed set on this path.
“Yes, Sir Matt, she’s here. It’s good she messaged me. Perfect timing because she has a new companion. She’s the one I’ll introduce to you, Sir Chris,” Juliet informed us with a smile and an air of authority.
“Nice to hear that, Juliet,” Matt said, clearly eager for what was to come. I couldn’t help but shake my head again.
"So, let's head up to the VIP place, Sir Matt and Sir Chris, so I can prepare your drinks and your princess for the night," Juliet grinned as she gestured for us to follow her. She led us upstairs to the second floor of the club, an exclusive, opulent area that was a stark contrast to the lively, crowded scene below. The VIP space was tastefully decorated with plush sofas, dim lighting, and elegant table settings, creating a more intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. The walls were adorned with art pieces, and soft music played in the background, adding a sense of exclusivity to the environment. Here, only a select few patrons enjoyed their drinks and conversations in peace, away from the rowdy crowd downstairs. From this elevated vantage point, you could see the entire stage below, bathed in colorful lights, with dancers performing their sexy routines and customers mingling. The scene was lively yet controlled, with an air of exclusivity that made it clear this was the place to be for those looking for a more refined nightlife experience.
* * Valentine's POV * *
"Anne? Why have you been staring at the people with Mama Juliet? Do you know them?" I asked Anne as she kept her gaze fixed on the two handsome customers talking with Mama Juliet on the second floor in the VIP area.
"Yes, Val, I know that arrogant guy very well," she replied, her tone serious and slightly frustrated. "I'll never forget his face because he was the first to... well, he was the first to take my innocence," Anne added, surprising me with her confession.
"Huh? Which one of them?" I asked, curious, and also looking up to see whom Anne was watching. Judging by their appearance, both of these men clearly belonged to the wealthy crowd, and they were very handsome—almost like male models.
"The one in the gray longsleeve," Anne pointed out. So I shifted my gaze to the man she was referring to.
"Quick, hide," Anne quickly said as the two guys suddenly turned towards our direction. Anne quickly pulled me to a nearby wall to hide.
"Why, Anne? Do you not want to see him again? Or do you not want him to see you again?" I asked as we leaned against the wall together.
"I don't want him to be a customer again, Val, yeah, he's handsome and paid me well, but he's arrogant," Anne replied in a frustrated tone. "He used to be my customer; he paid me handsomely for that night, but after that, it was like he just forgot about me. He showed no care, like I was just a thing to him. I’m not into him, Val, even though he’s good-looking," Anne continued, clearly expressing her resentment towards the man.
"But why don't you want him to be a customer again? You said he pays well, and he's the one who got your innocence." I suggested, trying to understand her feelings.
"As I said, he's arrogant, Val, so I don't like him. And it’s different. I felt used by him, and that hurts," Anne responded, her voice carrying sadness. "I don't want to go through that again," she added before looking up again, trying to hold back her emotions.
"Used? What do you mean, Anne?" I asked, confused. "Anne, did he say something? Did he do something that made you upset?" I pressed gently, trying to get a clearer picture of what was bothering her. "I just want to understand why this guy has this effect on you," I continued, genuinely concerned for her.
"Ah, nothing Val, I just don't want him to be a customer again," Anne said with frustration still evident in her tone. It was puzzling because I couldn't quite understand why she seemed so averse to this man even though he had paid her well. I began to suspect that there might be another reason why she felt this way, but I just couldn't figure out what it was.