Episode 7

Back at the hotel, I think that I must find a place to stay, preferably something small and close to the university, but I'll think about that after the trip. I order something for lunch; the idea is not to die of malnutrition. I barely take a bite, trying to force myself to eat something, but the knot in my throat won't allow it. I need to do something to uplift my spirits, so I'll call Elena. Maybe going out for a while will help distract me.

"Hello," she answers on the second ring.

"Hey, what are your plans for tonight?"

"The same as yours, just tell me the place and time." That's Elena, the best friend anyone could have.

"Perfect, I'll text you. Thanks!"

"It's time for my next class, see you tonight. Love you."

"Love you too."

I go to bed, so many things to do, but I really don't have the energy. Just when I close my eyes, there's a knock on the door. Whoever it is must be in a hurry with such a thunderous knock. Reluctantly, I get up and open the door, letting him in.

""You're a cunning woman! Didn't my money matter to you? I almost believed it, if not for this."Nicolas says, throwing some papers onto the bed. Without understanding, I pick them up and read a little. It was a list of properties, financial statements, company names in which he's listed as a shareholder, and another as an owner."

""I don't understand. What does this mean?"I ask. He applauds with a fake smile."

""Your mask has fallen. Who are you trying to fool? Your father is well aware of everything about me and my financial state. According to him, he demands a fair compensation for his little traumatized daughter, who not only lost the man she loves but also had her virginity stolen. And so, I must make amends by giving her half of everything I own.

""I didn't know that he...

""You didn't know that he wanted this! Do you really expect me to believe that?

""Yes, I knew, but..."I'm interrupted again."

""But I have to compensate you for taking advantage of you, just as you said this morning when you suddenly decided not to sign the divorce!

""Enough! I'm tired of your stupid, arrogant, and demanding attitude. I'm not your damn submissive to endure you coming into my room and raising your voice without giving me a chance to speak. So, get out of here!

""This won't end here,"he says, walking towards the exit, his back turned to me."

""Of course not. I'll be in your room in ten minutes. If you have the documents ready, I'll sign them right away. I need you to leave my life forever."He stops and looks at me as if searching for something in my eyes."

""Is this another one of your tricks?

""Think whatever you want. We'll meet in ten minutes.

He leaves my room without saying anything more.

Ten minutes later, I knock on his door. Not that I need to do anything. Well, yes, I had to take a deep breath. The mere thought that my father sees me as a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder drives me crazy, and then this idiot who doesn't stop insulting me. I was just suffocated and needed calmness.

""Come in. At least you're punctual. I hate being made to wait.

""I also need the time. Where are the papers?"He walks to a table, opens a folder, and hands me the documents."

""If you prefer, you can take them and read them.

""There's no need. I'll read them here, unless it bothers you.

""Go ahead.

I read them carefully, and everything is in order. Neither of us will be affected in any way; it will be as if it never happened. I take a pen out of my purse and proceed to sign.

""You're going to sign?"he asks, somewhat incredulous."

""That's why I came.

""The money I offered you is still on the table. You'll need it, especially after your father finds out that you're no longer my wife.

""That doesn't have to concern you. I repeat, my freedom has no price, and neither does my body,"I say while signing the indicated three pages."

""That's not what I meant,"he says, furrowing his brow."

"It doesn't matter, it's already done. Here, take them back," I hand over the documents. "If you need to go before a notary, it will have to be today or tomorrow in the morning. My flight leaves in the afternoon."

"It's not necessary, my lawyer will take care of authenticating our signatures. We have the necessary connections."

"Good for you. With that said, goodbye. I truly hope not to see you again," I head towards the exit, but Nicolas grabs my arm, turning me towards him. His face is very close to mine.

"What are you doing?" I ask, somewhat surprised.

He leans towards me and his nose brushes against my neck, sending shivers down my spine.

"You're just a girl, you shouldn't go through this alone. See you soon, wife," that last word brings me back to reality. I pull away from him and leave without saying anything else, as if trying to escape.

...***...

"You're just a girl, you shouldn't go through this alone."

His words repeat over and over in my mind, it's the same thing I think when I look in the mirror - my features, my skin, my physique scream that I'm still too young. Yet circumstances have forced me to grow up.

The slow hours of the afternoon have passed.

I discard the clothes I'm wearing and go to the bathroom. After showering and brushing my teeth, I proceed to dry my hair, luckily, there isn't much to do as it is straight. I put on a red leather-effect dress, black high-heeled booties, and apply smoky ochre eyeshadow to accentuate the honey color of my eyes. I only apply a lip gloss to my lips, accessorize with black accessories, and grab a small black purse. A touch of perfume and I'm ready.

I decide to leave my motorcycle and take a taxi. You must know that I'm not very good with alcohol, in fact, I've only gotten drunk once and that's exactly why I'm in this mess.

My phone vibrates, indicating that the taxi has arrived. I immediately head downstairs and make my way to where it's waiting, then I get in.

The driver glances at me through the rearview mirror, trying to do so discreetly, but his gaze shifting between my lips, my chest, and my legs gives him away. After a few endless and uncomfortable minutes, we have arrived.

The place is packed with mainly young people dancing wildly. The lights make it a bit difficult for me to find Elena, but my eyes quickly adjust and I can appreciate how unique this place is. No wonder Avalon is one of the best nightclubs in the City of Angels. Fortunately, I have a reservation, so I head to a well-located table. As I arrive, I see Elena dancing with a guy I've never seen before. He's very handsome, but he doesn't overshadow Elena's beauty. She is a tall, slender, brunette with wavy hair that makes her look like a runway model. I take a seat and wait for her to approach. A few minutes later, she comes over.

"Phew, this place is on fire!" she shouts over the music.

"I can tell, you're having a great time!" I respond, raising my voice.

"And we're going to have an even better time tonight. I'm going to help you forget about all the crap in your life!"

"Hahaha, I can't help but laugh at your jokes." She calls the waiter and orders a bottle of whiskey. She pours two glasses, we clink them together, and then she pulls me onto the dance floor where we start dancing, jumping, laughing, and singing. This is definitely what I need.

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