Chapter 3 Craving for her

"I can give you the five million"

"Bella!" Sandra's voice rang out as she opened the door wide,surprised to see her. She was about to come visit her and talk to her but she's here anyways.

"You didn't tell me you were coming."

Annabella stepped inside cautiously, looking around. "Someone texted me right now"

Sandra blinked, feigning concern. "Who? And why?"She asked.

"I don't know"Annabella replied,she must be stupid to think someone would want to give her millions, that's impossible.

"You look exhausted. Sit down."

Too tired to argue, Annabella nodded and dropped onto the worn couch. She rubbed her face, overwhelmed.

Sandra handed her a glass of water and sat beside her.

"I've been meaning to talk to you," she started, her voice suddenly warm, comforting.

"There's a way out of this mess. For real this time. You just need to trust me."

Annabella looked up. "Trust you?"

Sandra nodded. "There's a man. Powerful. Rich. Looking for a clean girl to spend a night with his boss. One night, Bella. And you can name your price."

Annabella's eyes welled up. "I don't think I can-"

Sandra grabbed her hands. "Do it for your mom. Not for me. Not for him. For her."

Her words wrapped around Annabella like chains. With each breath, the illusion of choice grew smaller.

--- LATER THAT NIGHT...

Annabella had showered. Sandra picked out the gown. The makeup. Even sprayed her with perfume.

The weight of everything pressed down on her chest-but there was no turning back. She has to save her mother,come what may!

Annabella stood before the mirror, her reflection nearly unrecognizable. The short, figure-hugging black dress clung to her body, exposing far more skin than she'd ever dared to reveal. Her cleavage peeked through the low neckline, her legs bare up to the thighs. Light makeup masked the fatigue in her eyes, but it couldn't hide the fear laced beneath her smile.

"Bella, you have to smile. He won't pick you if you look miserable," Sandra whispered, adjusting the strap of her gown.

Annabella gave a faint smile, the kind that didn't touch her eyes. She wished a miracle would just happen, like in those movies where someone magically appears and pays off the hospital bills.

"Sandy..." she hesitated.

"I already called Mr. Carter," Sandra cut in quickly. "His boss needs someone clean and untouched. It's a golden opportunity, Bella. You can ask for any amount."

"We've been friends since we were little," Annabella whispered, her voice trembling. "You've always helped me. But... couldn't you go instead?"

Sandra's eyes narrowed slightly, but she laughed it off. "You're not doing this for me. And no one's forcing you. This is your choice."

Annabella swallowed hard. The tears she tried to hide pricked the corners of her eyes. She only nodded.

Just then, Sandra's phone rang.

"She ready?" a deep male voice asked.

"Yes. Come pick her up," she replied and hung up. "Bring her out."

Annabella bit her bottom lip as Sandra gently pushed her toward the door. Outside, a sleek black car waited. One of the guards opened the door, and without a word, she stepped in. Sandra waved, smiling.

Annabella didn't look back.

As the car disappeared into the distance, Sandra's smile twisted. She reached for her phone.

"She's on her way," she said.

"Good. And her mom?" the voice on the line asked.

"I already reminded her the surgery won't happen if she doesn't pay," said the doctor.

"Perfect."

She ended the call with a wicked grin. No one gets to stay perfect forever. Not even Annabella.

---

CHARLIE'S MANSION

The guards led Annabella through the cold, dimly lit hallway. Her legs shook beneath her. The mansion screamed wealth and power-but it felt like a cage.

They stopped in front of a large, dark oak door and opened it without knocking.

Charlie Gilbert lounged on the couch shirtless, a half-burnt roll of weed between his fingers. The smell of smoke and something darker hung thick in the air.

He looked up-and froze.

His sharp blue eyes dragged across her frame, from her trembling lips down to her exposed skin. His expression darkened, not with lust, but something else. Hunger. Possession.

"Leave," he said without looking at the guards.

Once the door shut, Annabella was alone. With him.

"You're new," he said finally, standing up. His tall frame moved like a shadow, slow and dangerous.

"Mr. Carter said I was expected," she replied, voice shaky.

"Expected?" He scoffed. "You look like a damn offering."

She blinked rapidly, unable to respond. What does he mean by that? Offering?

"Strip," he ordered, stepping closer. "Then get on the bed."

Annabella froze. Just like that?

"W-we didn't discuss... the price," she whispered.

Charlie's jaw twitched. He closed the space between them in one stride, grabbing her arm and pinning her against the wall.

"You think I care about money? You're not here to make demands," he growled, his breath hot on her neck.

Tears stung her eyes. "Please..."

He paused, eyes locking on hers. Something flickered in them-surprise? Annabella didn't move, and her silence spoke louder than screams.

"It's... my first time," she said, her voice cracking.

Charlie blinked. The moment stilled.

For the first time, he noticed her trembling-not in seduction, but fear. She wasn't like the others. Her innocence screamed at him, clashing with the storm inside.

He stepped back slightly.

"You're a virgin?" he asked, tone unreadable.

She nodded slowly.

Charlie's hand curled into a fist. His desire hadn't vanished-it intensified. But now, it was darker. Hungrier. Not just for her body-but her soul.

"Get on the bed," he repeated-but this time, his voice was low. Quiet. Dangerous.

Annabella obeyed, crawling onto the massive bed like a lamb to the slaughter. Her heart pounded as she laid back, eyes fluttering shut.

Charlie hovered above her, his eyes taking in every inch of her. Her innocence was intoxicating.

Just as he leaned in, about to taste her-his phone buzzed.

He ignored it.It buzzed again. This time, louder.

Annabella flinched. He growled and reached for it without looking at the screen, ready to switch it off.

But something made him pause.

The message said: "Do not touch her. She's not yours to ruin, Charlie."