Confessions of an Elite Prostitute

Chapter 7: Memories of Dimitri

I close my eyes and think back to Dimitri. His face, once so familiar, now seems distant and alien. I remember our meetings, conversations, moments of happiness and joy, which now seem only a pale reflection of the past. But with them come other memories — the ones that hurt: his betrayal, his lies, the destruction of my life.

How happy we were once… I remember our walks around Moscow, cozy evenings at home, his touch, words of love. I believed him implicitly, saw in him my destiny, my happiness. But everything collapsed in an instant when I found out about his infidelity. It was like being stabbed in the back. My faith in love crumbled to dust, my career went downhill, my home ceased to be a refuge.

I wonder if it's possible to forgive him and start over. But every time I try to imagine our future together, images of betrayal come back to me. Anger and resentment wash over me again, and I realize that forgiveness is a path that is not yet available to me.

However, in my heart of hearts, I can't completely dismiss the idea that there was a lot of good in our relationship. Am I being too categorical? Maybe we should give him another chance. But then my mind reminds me of the pain it has caused me, of my shattered dreams and hopes.

I tell Karen about my experiences. She listens to me carefully, sometimes nodding as if she understands the depth of my pain."Anna, you've been through so much..." she says softly. — But you're strong, you can handle it."I don't know, Karen," I say, feeling tears welling up in my eyes. "Sometimes I think I'll never forget what he did." But at other times, I find myself thinking that I still love him.Karen looks at me sympathetically."Love is a complicated feeling. It can be either a blessing or a curse. But you must listen to your heart and mind. What do they tell you?I think about it. My heart still yearns for Dimitri, but my mind screams that he betrayed me, that I shouldn't trust him again.

These days, I often wander the streets of New York, trying to sort out my feelings. The city with its hustle and bustle seems to reflect my inner state. I look at the passers-by, at their faces, and it seems to me that in each of them there is a piece of my pain, my loneliness.

But at the same time, I realize that I can't live in the past forever. I need to move forward, look for new goals, new meanings. Revenge is one of them, but is there true happiness in it? Or does true happiness lie in forgiveness and a new beginning?

I return to the brothel, and every time I step through the door, I feel the past and present intertwine in a bizarre pattern of my fate. Elizabeth and Victor continue their conflict, Karen is waiting for me to return, and Sam and Michael are getting closer to the secrets of this place. But for me now, the main thing is to understand myself, to understand what is more important for me: revenge or the opportunity to start all over again.

One evening, as I sit in my room and stare out the window at the lights of the city at night, I think of Dimitri again. His face pops into my mind, and I ask myself, " Will I ever be able to forget him? Can I forgive you?" But I don't have an answer to this question yet.

As the days go by, I realize more and more clearly that my choice will have far-reaching consequences. Will I continue on the path of revenge that feels right to me right now, or will I try to find redemption and perhaps true love? I don't know. But one thing I do know for sure: my life is now a series of decisions, each of which can be a turning point in my destiny.

Still, in my darkest moments, I think back to Dimitri. Maybe, somewhere in my heart, I still hope for a miracle, that we can overcome the past and build a new future. But my mind inexorably reminds me of pain and betrayal.

So I move forward, balancing hope and despair, love and hate, revenge and forgiveness. And every step is difficult for me, because I do not know where this path will lead me. But I have to go, because I'm already too far gone to back down.

However, in my heart of hearts, I am beginning to realize that the price of this path may be too high. And someday I will have to answer for my actions. Perhaps in front of others, and perhaps in front of herself. But until that day comes, I will move forward, driven by the desire for revenge and the hope of redemption.

I watch Sam's actions with growing concern. His investigation is getting deeper and more dangerous. He's like a bloodhound that has picked up the scent of prey, and now he won't stop until he gets to the truth. I can feel the tension building in the brothel every day, and I know that Sam is one of the main reasons for this tension.

Sam appears more and more often in the brothel, asking questions, trying to get the girls to talk. His eyes are alight with curiosity and sensationalism. I see him scribbling something down in his notebook, and it makes me uneasy. I know that his interest can be dangerous for all of us, especially for me.

One morning, as I'm coming down to breakfast, I spot Sam in the corner of the dining room. He sits with a notepad and pen, and his gaze skims over the faces of the girls present. I decide to approach him and try to understand how far he's already moved in his investigation.

"Sam," I say to him, trying to sound casual. — I've noticed that you're visiting more and more often. Did the brothel become such an interesting object of research for you?

Sam looks up and smiles."Anna, you know the truth is always interesting. And here are so many secrets and riddles...

I grin."Secrets are everywhere, Sam. But you should not always disclose them. Some secrets are best left in the past.

He leans forward, as if trying to capture every detail of my mood."But it's the secrets that keep history alive, Anna. Without them, life would be boring and predictable.

I look at him thoughtfully."It's possible. But the price of revealing some secrets may be too high.

Sam looks me straight in the eye.— You make it sound like you know something that might change the course of my investigation."

I pretend to think."Maybe I do, and maybe I don't. In any case, I'm not going to show all my cards.

He smiles.— I knew you were the key, Anna. Your story can become the centerpiece of my material.

I answer cautiously.— My story is my story. I don't want it to become public knowledge.

Sam stands up and walks closer to me.— But isn't that what journalism is all about?" Reveal the truth, no matter how bitter it may be?

I look him straight in the eye."Sometimes the truth can ruin lives. And I don't want to be the one to cause this destruction.

Sam nods thoughtfully."I understand. But I'm still going to dig deeper, Anna. And sooner or later I'll get to the truth.

I turn away, unease rising inside me."Good luck with your investigation, Sam." But remember: some truths are best left undisclosed.

After this conversation, I can't calm down for a long time. Sam's words echo in my head. I know that he won't stop until he knows everything that interests him. And it can be dangerous not only for me, but for all the inhabitants of the brothel.

Meanwhile, the situation in the brothel is heating up. Elizabeth looks increasingly concerned, and Karen shares her fears and doubts. I try to support them, but I know deep down that my own goals and plans may be more important than their well-being.

Meanwhile, I continue to monitor Michael's investigation and Victor's actions. Their confrontation is becoming more and more obvious, and I feel that something serious is going to happen soon. Perhaps this will be my chance to move forward in my plans.

But every time I close my eyes, I see Thomas's face, and then Dimitri's. Anger and a desire for revenge reignite in my soul, reminding me of why I started this dangerous journey.

I know that there are new challenges and dangers ahead of me. But I'm ready for them, because I've already gone too far to back down. My life is now a series of risky steps and dangerous decisions, and I have to move forward, no matter what.

However, in my heart of hearts, I am beginning to realize that the price of this path may be too high. And someday I will have to answer for my actions. Perhaps in front of others, and perhaps in front of herself. But until that day comes, I will move forward, driven by the desire for revenge and the hope of redemption.

At the same time, I can't help but admit that I have mixed feelings about Sam's interest in me. On the one hand, I see him as a potential threat, on the other — perhaps he can become my ally or even something more. But now is not the time to give in to feelings — revenge should be my main goal.

This is how I move forward, balancing my desires and the need to be careful. Every day brings new challenges, new dangers and new opportunities. And I must be prepared for any turn of events in order to protect my interests and achieve my goals.

As the days go by, I notice more and more that Sam is starting to pay special attention to me. His questions become more personal, and his views become more intense. I understand that he sees me not only as a source of information, but also as an interesting person that he wants to solve.

But I won't let him do it. At least, not that easy. My secret is my weapon, and I will keep it to myself as long as possible.

However, I am aware that my position is becoming more precarious with each passing day. Sam delves deeper into the investigation, Michael gets closer to the truth, and the conflict between Elizabeth and Victor reaches a climax. I'm like a walking powder magazine, ready to explode at the slightest touch.

Still, I don't give up. I keep moving forward, hoping that my revenge plan will succeed and my secrets will remain undisclosed. But deep down, I know that sooner or later I will have to pay for my actions. The only question is what price I will be forced to pay.