Chapter 4 – A Prison Outside These Walls

Chapter 4 – A Prison Outside These Walls

I didn’t sleep that night.

Every time I closed my eyes, my thoughts spiraled.

A job. With Liam.

It wasn’t just about working—I knew that much. This was another form of control. Another leash around my neck, tightening with every decision made for me.

By the time the first rays of sunlight crept through my window, my body felt exhausted, but my mind wouldn’t rest.

Monday was still two days away.

But the dread in my chest made it feel like it was already here.

The Morning Routine

I forced myself out of bed and went downstairs, knowing if I stayed in my room too long, my mother would come looking for me.

The house was already filled with the smell of breakfast, but it didn’t bring comfort.

I stepped into the kitchen just as my mother placed a plate of food on the table.

"Good, you’re awake," she said without looking at me. "Eat quickly. You have cleaning to do."

I nodded silently and sat down. My father was reading the newspaper like always, and Liam was scrolling through his phone, barely acknowledging my presence.

I picked at my food, my stomach too knotted to eat.

"You start work on Monday," my father suddenly said, his voice flat. "Liam will take you. He’ll explain everything you need to do."

I nodded again. "Yes, sir."

My mother shot me a sharp glance. "Show some enthusiasm. You should be grateful we’re giving you an opportunity."

I forced a small smile. "Of course. Thank you."

Liam chuckled under his breath.

I didn’t look at him.

Chores & Bruises

After breakfast, I spent the morning scrubbing floors, dusting furniture, and washing dishes while my mother supervised.

"You missed a spot," she said, tapping her foot impatiently.

I bit my tongue and scrubbed harder.

I had learned long ago that talking back only made things worse.

By the time I finished, my hands were raw, and my arms ached.

"Finally," my mother huffed. "Now go upstairs and stay in your room. I don’t want you wandering around."

I didn’t argue.

I hurried upstairs, shutting my door behind me.

It was the only place I had even a sliver of peace.

But even here, the walls felt like they were closing in.

I sat on the edge of my bed, rubbing my wrists where the skin had started to redden from scrubbing.

Some bruises faded.

Some never did.

A Visit From Him

A knock on my door made my stomach twist.

Before I could answer, the door opened.

Liam.

I gripped my bedsheet, trying to keep my face neutral. "What do you want?"

He leaned against the doorframe, smirking. "Just checking on my favorite little sister."

I glared. "We’re not siblings."

He chuckled. "Right. That’s what makes this fun."

I clenched my jaw, refusing to take the bait.

Liam stepped closer, his eyes sweeping over me like he was searching for something.

"Excited for Monday?" he asked.

I forced a shrug. "It’s just a job."

His smirk deepened. "We’ll see about that."

He reached out suddenly, his fingers brushing my cheek where my mother’s slap had left a mark.

I flinched.

His touch was light, almost gentle—but I knew better.

"You should be more careful," he murmured. "You’re already fragile enough."

I shoved his hand away. "Get out."

For a moment, he just stared at me, his expression unreadable.

Then he laughed.

"See you Monday, little sister."

And just like that, he was gone.

I let out a shaky breath, my hands trembling.

I wanted to scream.

I wanted to disappear.

But I could do neither.

Counting Down

Sunday passed in a blur.

I did what I was told. I stayed out of the way. I pretended everything was fine.

But inside, I was breaking.

And when Monday morning finally came, and Liam knocked on my door again—

I knew.

This was just the beginning.

-----

The Car Ride

Monday morning came too soon.

I stood by the front door, my hands clenched into fists, waiting for Liam. My stomach was a tight knot of nerves. I didn’t want to go. I didn’t want to be anywhere near him.

But I had no choice.

"Let’s go," Liam said lazily as he walked down the stairs. He looked freshly showered, dressed in a crisp black shirt and jeans, his usual cocky smirk in place.

I didn’t say anything. I just followed him out the door.

The moment I stepped outside, I inhaled deeply.

It had been so long since I’d been outside without my parents watching my every move. The sky was a dull gray, the air crisp, but even the gloomy morning felt better than being trapped in that house.

"Don’t get any ideas," Liam muttered, unlocking his car. "You’re not running anywhere."

I swallowed hard and got into the passenger seat.

The doors locked automatically.

Trapped.

Again.

---

The drive was quiet at first.

I kept my eyes on the window, watching the city pass by, feeling disconnected from everything.

Then Liam spoke.

"You should be thanking me."

I turned my head slightly, frowning. "For what?"

"For getting you this job," he said, glancing at me with a smirk. "You don’t have to sit at home all day anymore. You should be grateful."

Grateful?

I wanted to laugh.

Instead, I just muttered, "Thanks," and looked away.

Liam chuckled. "You don’t sound very excited."

I clenched my jaw. "It’s just a job."

"Not just any job," he corrected. "You’ll be working for one of my friends. And trust me, you’ll want to stay on his good side."

His friend?

A chill ran down my spine.

I thought I’d be working in some café or bookstore—somewhere normal.

"Who is it?" I asked quietly.

Liam’s smirk widened. "You’ll see."

---

A New Kind of Prison

When we finally arrived, I stared up at the building in front of me.

A nightclub.

I turned to Liam in shock. "You got me a job here?"

"Relax," he said, rolling his eyes. "You won’t be a dancer or anything. You’ll just be cleaning, running errands, that kind of thing."

My chest tightened. "Why a nightclub?"

"Because I said so."

His tone left no room for argument.

I swallowed my protests and followed him inside.

The club was dark even in the daytime. The air smelled like alcohol and expensive cologne. A few men were lounging around, talking quietly.

Liam led me past the main area to a hallway at the back.

"Wait here," he said, pushing open a door and stepping inside.

I stood there, my heart pounding.

Then the door opened again.

And a man stepped out.

Tall. Sharp eyes. Dressed in all black.

He looked at me like he already knew everything about me.

"So," he said, his voice smooth but cold. "You’re the girl Liam told me about."

I didn’t know what to say.

I didn’t know what I had just walked into.

But deep down, I knew one thing.

This job wasn’t just a job.

It was another kind of prison.

And I had just stepped inside.

---

End of Chapter 4

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