After we left the hospital, we went straight home.
The entire ride was quiet. Marco didn't speak, and neither did Leticia. She kept her head down, tightly clutching my hand. I tried to calm myself, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't silence the noise in my mind.
As soon as we got home, I prepared dinner and made sure they ate well. I forced a smile, pretended everything was normal... even if my entire body was already trembling.
After dinner, I told them I'd be heading out again for work—just like always. No questions asked. They were used to it. But what they didn't know... was that tonight would not be like the others.
I went into my room, sat on the edge of the bed, and stared at my small wallet, where the tip Master Azrael gave me was still kept. Only seven thousand pesos left. A big amount, yes—but what was it compared to the five hundred thousand needed for Mama's operation?
Instead of trying to rest, I stayed wide awake. Uneasy. It felt like a thick smoke of desperation was suffocating me.
I never thought I'd come to this point. That I'd be the one... considering selling my own body.
But in this situation, what choice do I have? No property to sell. No relatives who can help. No friends with savings. Nothing. Just me. I'm all they have.
And if my body is the only asset I have to save Mama... then what value does dignity have when her life is on the line?
That's the question I kept answering in the silence of the night—over and over again—even if the answer kept tearing apart what was left of my soul.
While I was fixing myself in front of the mirror—brushing my hair—the silence was almost deafening. But out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a shadow outside the window. A black car. Parked. Unmoving.
I saw it earlier while walking home from the bar. I thought it was just a coincidence. But then again, on our way to the hospital to visit Mama, I spotted it again. Same car. Same color. Same calculated distance—not enough to be suspicious, but enough to make you feel like you're being watched.
And now, tonight, it was there again. Parked near the lamppost at the corner. The windows were tinted—I couldn't see anyone inside. But even if I couldn't see them... I could feel it. Someone was watching me.
Like they wanted to track my every move.
I ignored it, though my hands started trembling slightly. I had to stay strong. There was no room for fear. Not now. Not when Mama's life depended on the only option left to me.
I wore a simple black dress—slightly tight, slightly daring. Not my usual outfit, but for tonight, I had to bury my shame.
I stepped out of the house and started walking toward the jeepney stop. I avoided looking around as much as I could. But moments later, I heard the car start—slowly following behind me. Again.
When I got on the jeep, I thought it would turn away. But it didn't. It stayed behind, even until I got off in front of the bar. It parked on the opposite street—but didn't leave. Like it was waiting.
Cold sweat covered me, despite the night air. I didn't know whether I should be more afraid of the eyes that had been watching me...
When I reached the bar entrance, I took a deep breath before walking in.
The blast of cold air hit my skin instantly, followed by the heavy scent of expensive liquor, perfume, and cigarette smoke. The lights on the dance floor were flashing. The women were dressed up, fully made-up, and smiling at clients—men who roamed the night like hungry wolves, always searching.
"Oh, there you are."
I turned. It was Ma'am Liza. Her arms were crossed, eyes sizing me up from across the bar. Her familiar smile was mixed with scrutiny.
"You're early tonight, Sienna. That's a good sign."
I forced a smile. "I finished early at home, ma'am."
"Good. Head to the lounge—table seven. Regulars. Nothing to worry about for now."
I nodded and made my way to the lounge, where the night was just beginning. A few customers were drinking. Some girls were already sitting with them. The lighting was dimmer here, more intimate, but not too loud yet.
I walked toward an empty table, stood briefly to arrange the drinks tray, and smiled at the men arriving.
Normal. Just like always. Nothing seemed out of place.
But even if everything looked normal on the outside, my heart was pounding. I tried not to glance at the window—but I knew it was still there. That shadow of a car. Still parked. Still watching. Like a ghost that wouldn't let go.
I noticed Kara, one of the senior girls, walk by with a tray. She casually leaned close to whisper.
"Hey, word is Boss Azrael's coming to the VIP tonight. Looks like you're the one he's asking for again," she said with a wink. "Lucky you."
I didn't know if it was really luck… or the start of being pulled deeper into his world.
I headed to table seven and smiled as I greeted the new customers.
"Hi, sir. Good evening," I said to one who looked like a regular, with that familiar confident posture.
"Oh, you're the quiet one who doesn't like table service, right?" he chuckled. "I like you. You're not noisy. Just calm."
I smiled, even though I felt heavy inside. I took their orders, prepared their drinks, laughed politely at some jokes, and responded with courtesy. All of it—scripted. Rehearsed. Routine.
Later, Ma'am Liza came by to check on us. I saw her talk to Kara and another girl in the corner. Our eyes met briefly—but she looked away.
Something felt off. I couldn't explain it.
When I returned to the bar counter to grab more drinks, Eljay, a longtime waiter, leaned close to whisper.
"Some of Master Azrael's new guys arrived. Not sure who they're looking for—but it seems like they're waiting on something… or someone."
I looked back at the lounge. Maybe it was just paranoia, but it felt like the new men's eyes lingered on me—just for a moment—before they sat at a table near the hallway leading to the VIP.
I returned to table seven, drinks in hand. The conversation, the laughter, the drinking—all continued. Everything still looked normal. But I… wasn't.
Each second ticked by with growing dread.
I jumped slightly when Ma'am Liza suddenly appeared beside me.
"Sienna. VIP room. Now," she said, cold and brisk.
I stood, carefully set down the tray, and followed. I could feel the eyes of the other girls on me—some with envy, some with curiosity, some with sympathy.
As I walked down the hallway toward the VIP room, only one question echoed in my mind:
"Will he agree…?" I whispered to myself as I followed the bodyguard.
The hallway felt longer tonight. Each step thundered in my chest. My hands trembled. Cold sweat trickled down my neck. I clenched the hem of my dress tighter and tighter, trying to keep myself from turning back.
"For Mama... for Mama..." That was all I clung to—my mantra against the fear, the shame, the self I had to leave behind.
When we reached the end of the hallway, the bodyguard stopped in front of a familiar door.
VIP Room 9.
I knew he was inside. Master Azrael. The man who could toss ₱10,000 like spare change… and possibly the only one who could save my mother's life.
I stood in front of the door. My hand touched the handle… but I didn't open it right away.
"Will he agree?"
Will he agree to help me… in exchange for my body?
Am I willing to give myself—completely—to a man I barely know, who holds enough power to destroy me?
I stopped breathing. Closed my eyes tight.
"For Mama…" I whispered one last time, and with a deep breath, slowly turned the handle and opened the door.