Red Thread of Fate

Chapter one

The dim red lights of the club flickered like a broken heartbeat, casting a long restless shadows across the stage.The heavy bass thrummed through the floor vibrating up Ava heels, But she didn't hear it anymore.After two years under the stage name Roxy,the music had become a familiar hum in the chaos of her double life.

Tonight like every other night,she wore a mask that shimmered under the spotlight,but the real mask wasn't on her face.It was the one she wore around people she loves.

The cheers become more louder as Ava took her final spin around the pole with a smile.She didn't strip for attention, she stripped for food, tuition, for a better life she'd made peace with that.

In the dressing room

She pulled of her mask and stared at herself in the mirror, mascara clung to her lashes,with tired hand she wiped the makeup from her face.Her phone buzzed on the center beside her a message from Evan "can't wait to see you tonight,we need to talk.Love you babe

Ava chest tightening.Evan Jones,her boyfriend of four years,sweet, caring, trusting, and loyal.He thought she worked late shifts at a hotel front desk.He never asked her for more.He trusted her.She turned the phone _face_down and exhaled.

A soft knock came at the door,Carla, their boss, peeked in."Ava"she said softly "I need to talk to you".Ava stood "if it's about the tips, I didn't touch........... It's not that Carla cut her off.Someone's been asking about you.A man,he asked for something private.

Ava brows furrowed "private?

Carla nodded.He offered five million dollars, Carla said, for one night she said with a low voice.

Ava breath caught.Five million?

Carla nodded slowly.I told him I'd ask