Something Like Gold

Chapter 3

She learned his name — Fred Anderson, 27, a businessman. She understood exactly what he wanted from her, and in return, he offered to help her aunt. He would pay for Aunt Matilda’s hospital stay and kidney surgery in exchange for Avril service.

“Oh,” Avril cried out hours later in Fred’s bedroom as he thrust into her from behind. She clung to the bed’s headboard, her knees sinking into the plush mattress. He held her waist, repeatedly driving into her.

This had become her life — in exchange for Aunt Matilda’s life.

Avril eventually quit her other jobs. Fred made her his exclusive therapist, but after a session like this, sometimes Avril just wanted to push him away. Not because she hated it, but because the arrangement felt complicated.

Still, once they were done, he’d often ask how Aunt Matilda was doing, and Avril would update him on the upcoming surgery. She’d sit curled up on the bed afterward, hugging her knees.

“She’s okay,” Avril would say softly. “Her operation is close now. There’s a donor.”

She’d watch him stretch and then approach him to offer a massage. Sometimes he misunderstood her, thinking she wanted another round, and it made her blush when she explained she just wanted to massage him.

He’d sigh and let her.

While Avril’s hands pressed on his shoulders, she’d quietly whisper, “Fred, thank you.”

He’d ask why, and she’d answer, “Because you helped Aunt Matilda . Without you, she wouldn’t have gotten a new kidney, and I’d lose her.”

Fred would say, “That wasn’t help. You worked for it. You gave yourself to me. That’s not help, Avril.”

She’d reply, “I know. But I still want to thank you. My aunt means everything to me.”

Two months into their arrangement, Avril realized she had feelings for him. She never said it, though, since she knew he only wanted her body, and she didn’t want to get hurt.

When Aunt Matilda surgery came, it was a success. Avril cried with relief. Suddenly, Aunt Matilda had a second chance at life.

Avril thanked God — and of course, Fred. She wanted to thank him in person, but he was out of the country for a month on business. She decided to wait until he returned and had free time.

Aunt Matilda was still recovering in the hospital, so Avril used the remaining funds to buy her new clothes.

In the middle of shopping, someone grabbed Avril’s hair from behind. She dropped the clothes in her hands.

“Ow!” Avril cried out.

Onlookers gasped. Before Avril could react, the woman yanked her hair so hard that Mary felt a sharp pain. Then came a hard slap, making Mary’s tears fall. She saw a pretty but furious woman.

A second later, an older lady rushed to hold the raging girl back.

“Who are you? Why did you do that? Did I do something wrong?” Avril asked, voice trembling.

“You did!” screamed the young woman, still struggling in the older lady’s grip.

A security guard stepped in to help.

“You’re Fred’s mistress! That’s why our wedding can’t move forward!”

Avril’s jaw dropped.

“Huh?”

The older lady turned out to be Fred’s mother.

Avril couldn’t speak. She had no idea Fred was engaged. He told her there was no such relationship — that it was just them.

Avril tried to defend herself, but the young woman broke free and scratched her forearm so viciously that it bled. Guards pulled her away as Avril rushed out of the store and burst into tears in the restroom.

She had believed Fred when he’d said there was nobody else. He had apparently lied.

She felt devastated — even though she knew she had no right to be. After all, they had never labeled what they had. The truth was, she’d fallen for him. But of course, he would end up returning to his real fiancée.

Avril ignored Fred’s calls and texts. Back at the hospital, she put on a brave face for Aunt Matilda, who was so happy about her recovery.

Avril told herself she had no right to be angry at Fred. He paid her. She was just a body for him. Even so, Avril’s chest felt tight.