A Chance Lost Forever

"Oh, such an honor to finally meet the great tutor. The numbers has been changing to high figures in Eleanor's report cards - it's all thanks to her proficient master and, his ever supporting sister." My cold hand and Peter's was in the man's warm hands. I and Peter's hands brushed slightly and I saw how his eyes hold a disgusting look before he quickly withdrew his hand, a smile breaking out of his lips. "You praise me too much, sir. I only did what I could for a young girl's future to be bright." He commented and Eleanor giggled sillily, almost rubbing her buttocks against his build like Tom and Jerry. I faux a grin at him also and he nodded, giving my hand a gentle rub before dropping it gently. "Maybe if you could reduce the number of times she has to come to lesson and oh, not to talk about the many sleep overs." Her mother doesn't seem to be the easy - peasy type. Her full brows perked up like a hen crowing for food. Eleanor cleared her throat, giving her mom eyes that says " just call it quit, mom, don't embarrass me" but the woman seems to just be getting started. "Christ, honey, it's studies - Our Eleanor doesn't look like she enjoys all those stress too but?" Her dad interfered. "But she has to come to the evening Bible study, and week-" "Oh, Max! Hi!" Eleanor hailed a guy standing miles away before sprinting off to meet with him, a perfect escape from her mother's preaching. Her mom sighed before sipping her wine. "Your efforts didn't go unrecognized. If you want a proper thank you, come to Bible study at five by dusk tomorrow.. only Jesus gives a proper thank you." She mused before walking away. Her husband flashed us an apologetic smile before going after her, prolly to tell her how "not so cool" her attitude was. She doesn't seem like the one who is hopeless in marriage like me. Eleanor, upon seeing her parents leave, walked back to us. "Sorry 'bout that. My mom can be pretty..devotic, if there were sucha word, sometimes...too zealous, over, actually." She breathed out the words as they came to her head. "A contrast of how naughty you could be." Peter smacked his lips and her face flushed up. "So, they, uhm..need help in the kitchen.." she trailed off and turns to me. "Can you lend a hand, no, a finger, just a finger, Jessy? You seem like a good baker, my friends are having a hard time making some homemade cupcakes for the guest which you're part of." "No." My reply came rather immediately which got her shrinking her face in surprise before looking up at her big papa. "What do you mean NO?, Of course you should lend even your whole body to make this day perfect for her." Peter snapped at me. I inhaled a sharp breath, not able to swallow my saliva as thorns pierced my lungs. "And, off you go, Jessy." The warning tone that came after those words told me not to waste any more minute standing there. "Wh-where is the kitchen?" I asked, feeling totally disgraced. "Over there!" She chirped, pointing to it. As I walked away, Eleanor exclaimed "Bless you, Jessy!" mockingly behind me. My eyes went blur with tears but I cleared them out quickly, not wanting to call attention to myself. Besides, Peter would bring hell to the earth if I stir a little chaos as far as getting two people question why humans drink water after eating. .. The party was over, I was more stressed than the maids of the house. "See you next time or maybe not." Eleanor's mom said as three of us entered the car, Eleanor sitting beside Peter at the driver's seat. "Bye, ma'am and sir" Peter beamed. I waved at them also while Eleanor just bade her dad goodbye before the car zooms off. On the road, she turned to me. "See, Peter is so naughty. You won't believe what he did when I was cutting the cake earlier?" She laughs. I stared blankly at her, waiting to see the destination she drives her point to. She smirks before raising her hand up, a sparkling silver bracelet gracing it. "He locked this fvcking bracelet that I have always wanted on my hand! Damn, this just came out three days ago and it's safe to say that, aside from celebrities, I'm the first person to get my hands on this! A picture of my hand like this uploaded online would send the netizens walking on their heads! Ooshhh!" She squealed. My eyes went down, dolefully. I haven't for once received such thoughtful gift from him before. "Peterr, I love it so much. How should I pay you back for such generosity?" "The gratitude should end in the bedroom." He gave her a wink and she blushes hard. My stomach boiled and I found the sight distasteful and disgusting. As soon as the car stopped, I bursted out of the car, restraining myself from whacking the door closed. My steps took me to my room, and i find myself under the blanket, sobbing. Before Eleanor, there had been so many girls.. I had felt violated while still questioning myself if I should be... I had let myself think much of this contractual relationship. I was tired but still looking forward and hoping things would turn better. Maybe if I listen to his orders, satisfy his numerous girls, watch and listen in silence as they make out... I thought he would come to think it over.. Have I watched too many movies? I thought doing as he says is a love language to him! But not once, not once had he treated me fairly! Not once! Now, I just want to be free from him but that wouldn't be easy. It is going to be our fifth year tomorrow and according to the contract, we could decide to part ways.

The next day was a nightmare. Five years ago, I had thought today was a new beginning. Five years later now, it couldn't be any worse. I heard a car driving out of the driveway at dawn, a cold ambience enveloping the whole house. The smell of burnt eggs was adding to the dreadful moment. Although, tired, I dragged myself out of bed and went to the kitchen only to be met with the most annoying occurrence ever. The kitchen was all littered, smoke engulfing the four corners of the room, and a jittery Eleanor standing at a corner of the room, holding a spoon. I blocked my nose with my wrist before going to turn off the cooker. "If you don't know how to cook, it's either you stay off it or leave!" I yelled. She huffed and slapped the spoon on the counter , walking away. "I can't eat those eggs, it's all burnt. I am hungry, can you fix something?" "Not my fault you woke up hungry." I stomped out of the kitchen but she followed right after me. "Fine, fine, I'm restless.. Peter got a sudden call this morning and left, too suddenly. I am concerned about him." I poured myself a glass of water, before sparing her a look. "He is thirty years old, a mafia boss, what's there to worry about?" I grumbled. I raised the cup to my lip to drink but her words stopped me. "He's back in the business again." She remarked. "What business?" My lashes flaps. "He told me he got you through a bidding he'd orchestrated for the big men. He took pity on you and.."she stopped talking, sighing. He..told her all that? "Well, somehow, he is back in bring girls with no parents, the likes of you, into the bidding ring." She completed. I thought he had quit that? He stopped doing that after he proposed a fake marriage to me. He got himself in helping politicians launder money after. I stupidly thought he did that for me then but I've been too delusional. It was just like this then. I was his number one girl, the only one that could satisfy his cravings... Not until after six months and things changed. We normally share a bedroom before but we started sleeping in separate rooms after that. Other girls were used to replace me, his dislike for me was vivid. I was born an orphan. There was no orphanage that was willing to take me in.. I was too old to be an orphan - ten years old then. My parents had left me to my fate one fateful day, leaving me alone in the city. In my wanderings, I got taken to a place where I had to work as a maid, as little as I was. I, alongside other kids, kept getting transported to different places till I turned twenty years old and met Peter who was Twenty five then. He had put me and other girls on the stage for people to buy but had surprisingly being my buyer, at the least expected! What i gain in our marriage is freedom after the years stated in the paper, according to him. While what he gains is my tempting body. His lust had gotten mistaken for love most times by me. I exhaled heavily before drinking the water, wondering why it has to be so tasteless. I guess it's time to leave. "Are you listening to me at all?" Eleanor's voice broke into my thoughts. I looked at her and she rolled her eyes. "What's for breakfast?" "Well?" I let's out a scoff. I slam the glass cup on the table and walk away. "You know you're counting to your death by not doing what I want?" She threatened behind me. I moved to my room and searched for the best divorce lawyer in the city, one competent and ballsy enough to go against Peter. I found the kind of person then contacted him through email. I could still hear Eleanor throwing fits outside. She is not wrong tho. I am counting down to my death by not listening to Peter's little princess which is her. I dropped my phone and went out, deciding to endure the little moments left for me to spend here. "What would you like to eat?"I questioned. "Macaroni and cheese! But make some pancake first, and boil some eggs. I am so famished."she tossed her order at me and I passed a glare at her. She scoffed, crossing her arms on her chest. "Why? Is that too much? Shall I call Peter and.." "Don't you have school to go today? Why waste your life away with someone like Peter?"I entered the kitchen. "Why not just divorce him and see if I won't marry him." She reparteed behind me. A dry chortle left my lips. "He is going to be yours, exclusively soon or...maybe not." my last words shocked me. I think I've fallen in love with Peter and now it's so hard to key into the single point of escaping him! The door opens in the parlour and I heard the retreating sound of Eleanor's feet as she went to check it out. "Good morning, Pete."I heard her before I heard the smacking of their mouths - they're kissing. "Come on, it's early! I need food." Eleanor whines. My jaw tightened in somewhat rage I cannot tap into. He is never gonna change. "Where's the woman?" I heard him ask. "In the kitchen, doing her job as a servant." Eleanor replied derogatorily. Soon, Peter was behind me. "I have a task for you." I turned to him, my brows furrowing. "What task?" My voice came out quiet, the hope that he'd remember what day it was crashing down like a crestfall. "You know Jeremy, right?" That wasn't a question. "He arrived at the city yesterday. He's an Italian biggest mafia boss. I hear he loves girls and I have gathered just as much but I'll need you to take the lead." My heart sank. What the fvck? "Can..I say no?" "You've got no choice." His stare hardened. "But..but I'm your wife? Can..can you really bear to send me to such place?" I stammered. "To me, you're just a transaction object." His words stung me like a bee.

He threw a black lace dress at me and I grabbed it before it'd fall to the ground. "All instructions are gotten, right?" He rasped. I let's out a scoff. "Till the very end, you remain a coward." I breathed out, grinding my teeth together. His neck snapped to the side, his eyes madly furious. "What?" He asked to be sure he heard that right. "I said you're nothing but.. coward, Peter. How does it feels? The five years, they were mere numbers to you, weren't they?" My voice was rough on the surface. He busted into laughter, speechless. It took years for me to summon this courage but that's his reaction? He grip my arm roughly, boring his fiery eyes in mine. My breathings became sagged and my other hand shook before creasing up the side of my dress. My heart beats fastly in my chest and I took a deep sigh in. "I won't go. I read articles on him all night, Jeremy isn't that kind of man that spares after he finds out he was tricked!" His grip around my arm tightened and I winced a little before snatching it from me forcefully. "Trick? How? We are done now, aren't we? But guess what? You can't leave me because you know you can only survive if you stick to me. You're basically my worker from now on." "When have I been your wife?" I scoffed. "You enjoyed many benefits, money, opportunity to stay in door here, but not anymore. You have to go out there and work." "I'm not listening to you this time around, Peter! We are done, since yesterday. I've fulfilled my part in this good for nothing marriage! I wish to part ways! I will build something of my own elsewhere." I shrilled. He smirks. "Really? The contract was never legal from the beginning. It was just something I drafted up and asked you to sign just so you could rest. Oh, you were so beautiful and naive back then, but your ignorance was what attracted me to you the most. And now, I'm having quite the fun I had imagined that day." My pupils dilated in shock as I stare at him, slack-jawed. "Whaat?" my stomach snatched up in rage. "You..you mean this..this.."I couldn't put the words together as water fill my eyes. "You have to keep being by my side, Jessy. You've just finished your tenure as my wife, now take the working position of a loyal dog. Everything would be perfect then? Remember, among all the people that scorned you back then, I.."he beats his chest, resting his left hand on my shoulder. "I took you in, I provided you shelter, food, clothes.. look at you, who would know you're that same skinny girl from fifteen years ago? I literally brought you to riches, Jessy. Think about it, do you, from the depth of your heart, truly want to end this? Although, you can't...of course." His words came out in a rush. Panic ran through my body and I felt a vibration.. I have never been terrified before. "Yes, that's it.. that's the look. You should fear the outside world, what can you possibly do alone? If you even please Jeremy, he might decide to make you his exclusive toy - then you'll be moving from riches info riches. He's truly loaded, got connections everywhere... What's that your dream again?" He chuckled when I didn't respond. "If you wish to be independent, Jeremy can do just as much as that for you." He blabbers on. "I don't care, Peter." I finally found myself back. Anger overwhelmed me and I wish there's a rock here to smash his head with. "He owns tons of companies, he has a.."he went on again. "Aren't you embarrassed? You speak so highly of him, aren't you a mafia yourself?" I spat, feeling sick with his attitude. "I am just an underling, but him?" He mindlessly confessed and I scoffed. What? "How come I'm just finding out that you're a loser?" I stifled a laugher. His face contorted and he tightened his hands to prevent himself from bursting out. "Let's assume I take the job and become his exclusive toy just as you've said, are you saying you will let me go? " I crossed my arms. "You just need to get some inside information then your freedom is yours." He spilled. "Information that could get me killed." I help him clarify. "You wouldn't be stupid to the point of getting caught, would you? You have to be on your wits every miniscule of time around him. He's smart, what would you expect from someone that studied law?" The last words hit a core in me. I blinked. "He..is a lawyer?" "Yes. Just be careful until you get some useful info on his movements and his work " "Are you plotting to bring him down?" I figured that out in no time He ran his fingers in his hair, tired of answering my questions but strangely, I seem to be the only one that can take the job up so he is bitting hard on the cloth just to remain patience. "Well.. just do your job. Be rest assured, everything will be good and you'll be back to this house after everything." I draw a rough breath in before nodding. He is a lawyer. He can help me punish this manipulator legally. I'll watch you go down instead, Peter. Now, I want two things - divorce and revenge. I'll make him regret belittling me! "I'll do it!"

We were blindfolded as we are being led to the room to meet Jeremy. I hold on to the wall, cracking a mark on it with my nails surreptitiously. I heard the sound of the door opening and a gruff voice asking us to move in. We all did - just I and other three girls. The door shut behind us and we just stood there, waiting for an instruction before knowing what to do. "Keep the girl, others leave." I hear a hoarse voice order. I took a breath in. Am I among those leaving? I hear retreating steps and the sound of the door closing and panic coursed through my body system. What is going to happen? Others has left, it seems I'm the only one left. "Leave us." I heard further instruction. The opens and shut again. "Come take a seat." The male voice uttered and I heaved out nervously. "I..have a tape over my eyes, how am I to locate a seat?" I replied in a single breath. He chuckles. "Instincts. In the Mafia house, we are usually taught how to see without our eyes and speak without our mouths." I swallowed hard, afraid of my situation. I have never been in a secured situation before so maybe I shouldn't really be afraid again but I just can't help it. "Give it a try." He urged. I followed the direction his voice came from and lift my feet, using it to search around, and praying earnestly that it would meet with an object. "Nice start." He taunts. His voice feels more nearer now. By now, I should be facing him directly. I moved over to the side, and shoved my feet around until it nudges an object - a chair! "That was easy!" He laughs before clapping. "Can..I remove this now?" I asked with shaky breath after sitting down. "Cool then. Let's see if your eyes will be as mesmerizing as your body." He said. My fingers clung on to the ends of the blindfold and I loosen them. The cloth came off and I was met face to face with the devil. He paused, staring into my eyes for minutes before downing his drink. The red light made the wine on the table seems more bloody. I itched my nape a little, choosing to get down right to business. "You've got something to say?" his voice came out in a whisper. I nodded and he laughed again. "But, do you know? No one ever dared to have something to say especially when we're just meeting for the first time. That's where not using words to communicate comes in." He smiled. "You did used your words earlier? Is that you breaking your own rule?" I have already asked the question before I could remind myself about the situation and I shouldn't be running my mouth loosely. His face went numb for a while before a chuckle breaks out of his lips. "You are not here for a question and answer session. Vegas is indeed nice, you are not that bad." His eyes scrutinized my body while I shifted uncomfortably on the seat. "I..erm, actually, I'm..not here like other girls.." I began. I could feel something in me trying to pull me back from saying what i had in mind but it's no use fearing death while remaining alive with fear. "What's your purpose then?" His eyes flickered in an affected way - oh God, no. I pray that's not him getting angry. "Other girls are here to entertain you but.. I'm here for help. I heard you're a lawyer so I came looking for you." He looks amused before he signalled for me to keep going..which got me even afraid even more as I thought that could be his way of saying " keep going, before you get shot." "I want to divorce my husband - Peter Antonio. But I think you're the.." "Stop. While it's true that I am a lawyer, it doesn't mean i deal with divorce. This is getting interesting, I received an email, very eerie one..from someone which I've just found out to be you. Did you not go to your school? It was evident on everywhere that I deal with criminals.."he trailed off. Huh? He as the one I messaged? I gasps lowly. Damnn. "But a criminal dealing with criminals doesn't make much sense." I blurted out my thoughts. Sh!t. I have to leave. "Right? Life just happens to be that way." He snickered. "I..." Clamping my slippery hands together, I stood up. "Deeply apologize for taking your time, sir. I..I have to go now. I thought you could be of help." "You won't take the divorce paper home?" I turned to him, pulling my brows up. "What?" "Yo said you wanted a divorce - I could help to draft one. You can take it to your husband then." "You...will do that? How?" "Somehow." He shrugs. "Your husband deceived you for five years, I should try for a hurting woman." He smirks. "His offer doesn't seem pure, Jessica. Run." My inner mind warned me. "No, no.. don't worry.. I.." "Do you think Peter will leave you be if you go home without accomplishing the tasks he give you?" My lashes flutters repeatedly. How does he..knows so much?! He pulled a document from the table and stood up, striding towards me. Strangely, I didn't moved, just waited for him to get to me. The sharp scent of his filled my nostrils, blocking my head. I stepped back, not able to take it longer. He smirks before extending the file to me. "Here." With trembling hands, I revived the file, praying it isn't a timed bomb.