~CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR~
The memory hits me all at once.
Four years ago, when I was nobody. When I hid behind dim lights and loud music. When survival mattered more than pride.
I remember my boss calling me aside that night. He said some wealthy women wanted a private dancer. No mask. Just me. I said no at first. I always danced masked. It was the rule I made for myself.
Then he told me the amount.
It was more money than I could earn in months. Enough to cover my aviation school fees. Enough to breathe.
So I agreed.
I remember the white lingerie. Soft. Thin. Revealing far more than I was comfortable with. I remember the room filled with perfume and laughter, glasses clinking, women watching me like I was an object they’d bought for the night.
I danced. I smiled. I did what I had to d
