Traded To Mr Dawson Cage

I've spent three years working my ass off in this factory and sometimes my coping mechanisms were either the sight of my mother's random smile or allowing my boyfriend, Wilson, to f**k me so hard that I can momentarily forget that I was still the same pathetic Gwen Drake. But reality never goes away with the incessant routine of skipping meals and taking extra shifts to pay for my mother's hospital bills. I wiped the sweat off my forehead and dropped the tape gun harder than I meant to. “Gwen, you okay?” someone called from the next line. “I’m fine,” I lied quickly. “Just tired.” Tired didn’t even cut it, because I needed a way out. I walked off the line before I could change my mind to the manager’s office. I blinked back the tears in my eyes and knocked. “Come in,” his said. I pushed the door open and stepped inside, clasping my hands together to stop them from shaking. “Sir, I... I wanted to ask about my pay.” He just kept flipping through some papers on his desk. “What about it?” “I was hoping… maybe I could get an advance,” I bit my lip to stop it from trembling. “My mom is in the hospital, and I really need the money. I’ll work extra shifts, I promise. I just...” He looked at me and smiled. “An advance?” he repeated, leaning back in his chair. “You’re not the first one to ask, you know.” “I know, sir. I just... this is urgent.” “How urgent?” “She’s getting worse,” My voice cracked despite my effort to stay composed. “Please, I wouldn’t ask if I had any other choice.” His eyes looked me up and down before he chuckled slyly. “You want money that badly?” “Yes sir.” I said weakly. “Then earn it.” “I am earning it,” I said quickly. “I’ve been working double shifts...” “No,” he cut in. “Not like that.” I blinked. “I don’t understand.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “Strip. Take off your clothes,” he said casually, like he was asking me to hand him a file. “Do that, and I’ll give you more money than you’re asking for.” I thought I’d heard him wrong. “I… what?” “You heard me.” His smile widened. “It's a simple deal. You help me out, I help you out.” I shook my head. “No, I can’t do that.” His expression changed. “Can’t? Or won’t?” “I won’t,” I said quietly. “I’m not that kind of person.” He just stared at me like I've lost my mind. “I've f****d a couple of staff, but I only just wanted you to strip for me, yet you think you’re better than everyone else?” he asked with utter disbelief as he stood up. “No, sir, I just...” Then he tore a deafening slap across my face as I stumbled back. “Get out,” he said coldly. I tasted something metallic in my mouth. “Sir, I didn’t mean...” “I said get the f**k out!” I turned and walked out of the office with blurred vision and immediately my phone vibrated in my apron. I quickly blinked back the tears before I dug it out. “Hello?” “Is this Gwen Drake?” “Yes, this is she.” “This is the hospital. You need to come immediately. Your mother’s condition has worsened. She’s been moved to the ICU.” What? “I’m on my way!” I said already running. *** By the time I got to the hospital, my legs shook from exhaustion and panic. I rushed to the front desk. “My mom, she was brought to the ICU... Drake, her name is—” The nurse glanced at the screen, then back at me. “Helen Drake? Her account hasn’t been settled.” “I know, but I’m here now. Can I see her?” “We need payment before further procedures can continue.” “What?” My voice rose before I could stop it. “She’s in the ICU!” “I understand, but...” “She needs help! Please, just let me see her. I’ll get the money, I swear—” “I’m sorry.” Sorry? Then I turned and ran back to the only place I had left. The manager didn’t look surprised when I walked into his office again. “Well,” he said slowly. “That didn’t take long.” I couldn’t meet his eyes. “I’ll do it,” I blurted. “Just… give me the money.” He leaned back, satisfied. “That’s more like it.” My hands shook as I reached for the hem of my shirt and piece by piece, I took everything off except for my underwear. I trembled under his gaze. “Turn around,” he said. I did and I heard a camera click. I froze. “What was that?” “Nothing,” he said too quickly. Then another click. Horror overtook me. “Are you… taking pictures?” He didn’t answer. “Please, don’t do that,” I said and tried to cover myself up. “You said...” “Relax,” he cut in. “You want the money, don’t you?” “Get dressed.” he waved his hand dismissively. I was suddenly clumsy with my attempt. Then he tossed some cash onto the table. I stared at it in disbelief. “That’s not… that’s not what you promised.” It was a few crumpled bills that won't even be enough to get groceries. “Take it or leave it.” “But this isn’t enough,” my voice cracked. “I did what you asked. Please, I need more—” His expression darkened. “Are you trying to push your luck?” “No, I just...” “Get out,” he snapped. “Before I fire you.” I grabbed the money with shaking hands and left but I doubled over when a box tripped me and sent me flying to the floor. Thankfully, I clutched the money like my life depended on it. A couple of workers passed by. "So she finally f****d him?" "Unbelievable!" Laughter. "And for that little change?!" "So f*****g cheap!" I clasped my eyes shut and this time, I didn’t even try to stop the tears. I went back to the factory floor because I didn’t know where else to go. I sank onto my station, trying to focus and breathe when I saw a letter and a small envelope attached to it, sitting right on top of the pile of boxes assigned to me. I frowned and wiped my face with my sleeve before picking it up. My name was written boldly on it and as I read the first line, my entire world caved with the discovery of a woman who claimed to be my sister inviting me to an exclusive event as an opportunity to meet and talk. Her first name was equally written in bold letters; Morgana. A sister? But I didn’t have a sister.