EFFORTS

All men shared the same flaws. The sugar daddy I'd painstakingly ensnared lay beside me as I suppressed a shudder, forcing my limbs into the familiar choreography of counterfeit passion.

Every gasped-out "You're so handsome" tasted like bile on my tongue. It was actually disgusting.

1

"You're a gifted performer," Luke murmured, his fingers tightening around my throat like a living necklace.

"My feelings for you are genuine," I whispered, eyelids fluttering shut to hide the lie.

The words worked their magic—his grip slackened instantly.

"Really? You little temptress!"

Afterward, as he dressed in infuriating leisure, I arched into a seductive pose. "If I'm such a gifted performer to you, why not invest in my film? With that, we could meet... respectably."

His aristocratic brows knitted. "Impossible. Your performances are mine alone to appreciate."

A teasing finger tapped my forehead. "Your performance is far too captivating to share."

Clearly, he was lying. My nails bit half-moons into my palms.

But what could I do? Necessity caused by poverty made beggars of us all.

"It's late. Your wife will be waiting," I purred, rolling away from his hypocritical charming face.

"That hag?" His laugh grated. "She hasn't excited me in years. Only you can invigorate me."

His hands reached for me again. I endured his kiss like a martyr accepting final rites, which finally satisfied him.

"You did well today. Here's a bonus. Keep it up next time!"

Luke casually transferred some money to me. As I saw the amount, my smile became visibly brighter.

"Thank you for your guidance. Next time I'll surpass your expectations, Mr. Blake."

Yes, Luke was a married man, and his wife was even the biggest support in his career, but that didn't stop him from cheating.

2

All men have the same flaws, but I should thank them for this flaw. They were the reasons that I could find a way to survive.

Before his cologne had faded from my sheets, my phone lit up with maternal demands from my mom Liz Marsh. "Your father's medical fees are due. When are you sending money back?"

Money—always money. She had no idea how much I had to endure for the banknote's increase.

I sent the freshly earned sum to her without hesitation, then buried myself beneath weighted blankets.

Luke's discretionary funds barely covered my family's appetites.

I needed bigger prey to support my leeches' family.

The transferred sum temporarily sweet tone, but it quickly changed. "Jacob has a new girlfriend, and expenses are high again. As his sister, you should send more money home. You're working in a big city, so earning money should be easier for you than for us. I want to earn it myself. But I have to take care of your dad..."

Seeing these messages, I finally snapped. "Do you think I'm just a cash machine? Shall I bleed onto banknotes for you? Does Jacob lack limbs to earn his own keep?"

This wretched existence!

Instant noodles steamed as I dialed Julia Butcher.

Julia was the one who introduced me to Luke. The reason I ended up on this path was her.