love Sacrifice

chapter 3

In that moment, I couldn't help but notice how their laughter transformed their features, making them unexpectedly attractive. But my brief admiration quickly gave way to self-doubt. Did I really just say that? The absurdity of my own words reverberated in my mind, leaving me questioning my own sanity. Surely, this couldn't be happening..

"Calm down, lady. This guy won't hurt you," the guy wearing the jersey said, positioning himself between me and the guy in the black shirt. The guy in the black shirt glared back at him with a dark expression.

"This is your f*****g fault, Jacob," the guy in the black shirt shouted, clearly blaming Jacob for something.

"Woah, woah, woah, chill, man. The game wasn't my idea. It was yours," Jacob insisted, defending himself and denying any responsibility.

Confused and frustrated, I interjected, "Wait, wait, what the f**k are you guys talking about? Care to explain? Because I don't f*****g understand." Was this some kind of kidnapping or a twisted prank? I had no clue what was happening.

"Chill, lady. Let me break it down for you," Jacob said, trying to calm the situation.

Flashback:

As I swayed my hips to the left and right, probably due to the influence of alcohol, I started to dance provocatively, exuding confidence and sexiness. It wasn't just any dance; it was a f*****g sexy dance.

A guy approached me and said, "Hey, beautiful. You're so gorgeous, babe. Care to dance with me?" Ignoring his advances, I focused on my moves. I thought he had given up, but instead, he grabbed my hips, causing me to stumble into his chest.

"No one does that to me, lady," he said, his voice filled with anger.

I retorted, "Did what?" Innocently, I had no idea what he was talking about.

"No one turns their back on me. No one ignores me the way you did," he replied, his tone growing more hostile.

"And? Is there a problem with that? Can you let go of my f*****g hand?" I hissed angrily and pushed him away.

I kicked my feet in anger. I thought he would stay in his position, but to my surprise, he followed me. My heart started pounding, and I felt nervous. I desperately looked around, trying to spot Annika. Where was she? I needed her now. Damn it, what did I do?

I noticed a man sitting at a nearby table, engrossed in his drink. In a moment of desperation, I decided to sit with him, hoping it would make the person following me think that I was with this group. I couldn't believe Annika had just left me here. I was so angry at her. I felt like I could kill her.

I took a seat next to the man in the black suit and kissed him on the cheek, making sure the person following me saw what I did. "Hey, babe. I've missed you," I seductively said, while the man's face still held a questioning look, as if wondering who I was and what I was doing there.

"Please, just help me with this," I whispered, my voice filled with urgency. "That guy is still following me." The man glanced behind me, and I could tell he saw the person I was referring to. He grabbed my waist and planted a kiss on my forehead, leaving me stunned and speechless.

"Relax," he whispered, trying to calm me down.

As I sit there, my mind races with a mix of emotions. I feel a strange connection with this mysterious man, despite not knowing anything about him. I take a deep breath and gather my thoughts.

"What's your name?" I ask, attempting to strike up a conversation and distract myself from the chaotic situation unfolding around me.

"I'm Jared," he replies with a warm smile. "And you?"

"I'm Ellie" I respond, feeling a sense of relief as I realize I have someone by my side in this unsettling moment. "Thank you for stepping in. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Jared leans in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's my pleasure, Ellie. I couldn't just stand by and watch you in distress. Now, let's figure out how to handle this situation."

We engage in a hushed discussion, trying to devise a plan to shake off the person who's been following me. Jared suggests we leave the establishment discreetly, ensuring that we don't draw any attention. As we make our way through the crowd, he keeps a protective arm around me, offering me a sense of security.

We slip out into the night, the cool air providing a welcome respite from the intensity of the bar. I turn to Jared, grateful for his assistance. "Thank you again, Jared. I owe you one."

He smiles and shakes his head. "No need to thank me, Ellie. Just glad I could help. Now, let's make sure you're safe."

"I'm sorry, I just got a call," he said, interrupting his statement and turning his back to me to answer the phone.

It seemed like he was having a problem with someone he was talking to.

"Damn it, how? You know I don't... No! Damn it! Fine!" He massaged his temples, trying to calm himself, and then turned his face towards me.

"Ahem, you asked earlier how you can pay me, right?" he asked.

"Yes," I answered quickly.

"Well, here's the deal. I need someone to pretend to be my girlfriend right now. No feelings involved. I will pay you. Please say yes to this. I just need this right now until my mom stops trying to set me up with someone."

"Huh? Wait, what? Me, your girlfriend?" I asked, incredulous.

"A fake girlfriend, to be exact," he clarified.

"And why would I say yes to that offer of yours, mister?" I crossed my arms, showing my skepticism.

"Because you said you don't want to owe someone, right? Then you must say yes to this. Don't worry, I will pay you," he assured me.

What? Should I agree to this or not? But he said he would pay me, and I do need money for my family right now, but... argghhhhhhh!

"How much?" I asked, my tone filled with desperation.

"Name your price," he answered immediately.

"Five digits a week," I raised my eyebrows, emphasizing the amount I desired.

"Sure, $50,000 per week, but you will have to stay in my house," he proposed.

Me? Stay in someone's house?

"Sure, just give me the address, and I'll go there tomorrow—"

"No, you will come with me tonight. No buts, no questions. Sign this contract, and we're okay," he said, handing me the contract paper to sign.

I let out a deep sigh, contemplating my options, and finally resigned myself to the situation, signing the contract.

As I stared at the contract, my mind raced with conflicting thoughts. On one hand, the idea of being a fake girlfriend seemed absurd and risky. But on the other hand, the promise of a substantial weekly payment was tempting, considering my current financial struggles.

I looked up at Jared, trying to gauge his sincerity. "Are you serious about this, Jared? It's a big commitment, and I don't want any surprises or complications along the way."

Jared nodded, his expression earnest. "I understand your concerns, Ellie. I assure you that I'm serious about this arrangement. It's purely a business agreement, and I'll make sure everything runs smoothly. We can discuss the terms and boundaries, so we're both on the same page."

I hesitated for a moment, weighing the pros and cons in my mind. The opportunity to alleviate my financial burden and provide for my family was tempting, but I couldn't ignore the potential risks and complexities that could arise from this arrangement.

"Can we take some time to discuss the terms in detail?" I requested, hoping for a chance to gather my thoughts and clarify any lingering doubts.

Jared nodded, understanding my need for clarification. "Of course, Ellie. Take all the time you need. I want this to be a mutually beneficial agreement, and I'm open to any questions or concerns you may have."

With that assurance, we sat down and delved into a thorough discussion about the terms of our arrangement. We covered everything from the duration of our fake relationship to the boundaries we would establish to maintain a realistic facade.

As we exchanged ideas and negotiated the details, I found myself growing more comfortable with the idea. Jared seemed genuinely invested in making this arrangement work, and his willingness to address my concerns instilled a sense of trust.

After what felt like hours of discussion and negotiation, we finally reached an agreement that seemed fair and reasonable. I took a deep breath, ready to commit to this unconventional arrangement.

"Okay, Jared. I'm willing to give this a try. Let's do this," I said, a mix of determination and apprehension in my voice.

Jared smiled, relieved by my decision. "Thank you, Ellie. I believe this can be a beneficial arrangement for both of us. I promise to make this as smooth and uncomplicated as possible."

As I signed the contract, a mix of excitement and uncertainty coursed through my veins. Little did I know that this decision would take me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and unexpected twists, forever altering the course of my life.

End of flashback

I still can't believe it. Even now, with a throbbing headache and a feeling of regret gnawing at my insides, I can't escape the reality of what I did last night. I signed that contract with alcohol coursing through my veins. How could I have been so foolish?

Now, here I am, in the solitude of my own apartment, seeking solace and clarity. I need to gather my thoughts, take a breath, and think rationally about the situation at hand.

Suddenly, my phone rings, shattering the silence. It's my friend Annika, her voice filled with concern and worry. "Oh my gosh, where are you from, Ellie? I tried to find you last night, but I couldn't locate you. Someone said that you went out with a guy. Are you okay? Did he hurt you? Are you fine? Please, answer me, Ellie," she blurts out anxiously.

Frustration wells up inside me, and I snap, "Why do you bombard me with questions every time I open my mouth?" My outburst silences her, and I instantly regret my sharp words.

Realizing my mistake, I take a deep breath and continue, recounting the events of last night in detail. I tell Annika ko about the mysterious follower, the encounter with Jacob, and the unexpected turn of events that led to signing the contract. I hold nothing back, even describing the intense moment on the dance floor that preceded it all. Annika listens in shock, her eyes widening with each revelation.