My Dear, Valentine

had listened to Meggie's complaints and her desire to escape this place,

state of Meggie's body. Sandra even wrapped h

had a fever. But I was sure the fever woul

?" I whispered, causing Sandra to lif

g louder, and Sandra and I exchanged looks. Though fear was evident in our expressions, we both decided to l

could be seen approaching, ente

Ann, a resident from the lower floor.

thinking she was still asleep. I tried waking her a few times, but she wouldn't stir. When I got c

was sure it wasn't the cause of her death. If she hadn't said so

, carrying Meggie's body wrapped in a blanket. Only her feet, s

Sandra, who was behind me, grabbed my arm

nning back to their rooms, and Sandra and I did the same. This morning was tur

*

s consumed with questions about her unnatural death. Did it have anything to do with her

. My hand froze on the doorknob as I slowly turned

ked, my fear evi

yourself when you meet her," the m

you to Mada

repare," I s

nd reluctantly, I followed him. As we descended the stairs, anot

ar sped down the road as my mind was filled with questions. Why did Claire want to meet with

g with thoughts. If my suspicions were correct, would I s

the naïve girls dreamed of working at, hoping for a better life. Except for me, of course. After hearing the stories from the apartment

the hustle and bustle, making it stand out starkly against th

eady my nerves. There was no way to escape now; if I tried, my dea

felt like a small palace, with many little rooms catching my eye

floor. He knocked on the door a few

Claire's vo

ing watch outside. Claire was half reclining on a chais

y I called you here, righ

scanning the room, which seemed to be Claire's personal be

d the man massaging her,

ting the space next to her. I hesitate

ke your mother," she

added, which made me hold my breath. Someth

't yet of age, but you're different," she cont

le her hands searched for something. Not finding what she was

said, handing me an outfit. I took it reluctantly, my

here are fewer young girls in this place, especially after Meggie died. So I've been thinking hard about who I can bring in. You

ed most was fin

art enticing the men out there," she ordered,

, showing her impatience as I

red, then hurriedly look

going? Change h

r piercing eyes and impatient expression mad

ugh Claire was a woman like me, I stil

ning," she complimented. Instead of f

had given me. My eyes widened as I rea

low enough to expose my cleavage, and the skirt was so short that my underwear would be

she said, her eyes gleaming. Shortly aft

ing up, placing her palm on my

said. She then pulled me toward her vanity, whe

tly brushed my face. My body was tense,

n my palms and feet. Everything was happening too quickly-I hadn't even had time

apply some lip and eye makeup, but you look so dif

ips and a refreshed look, I did look completely different. My ey

ust so you know, he's the kind of man who loves young girls like you. Serve him w

just wanted to escape, to run as far aw

urn, or serve that wealthy man who will give you anything you d