[~Song Recommendation: Game Of Survival by Ruelle~]
A sharp knock at the door pulled Layla out of her thoughts. Distracted, she didn't even think to ask who it might be. She moved to the door, unthinking, and opened it without hesitation.
The sight that greeted her made her breath hitch. A tall man stood there, a lit cigar lazily hanging between his lips, the smoke curling around his face like a villain from an old movie. But there was nothing romantic about him—he was smirking, his eyes slowly raking over her from head to toe.
"Well, well," he said, his voice low and cocky. "A fine little thing you are. What was your name again?"
Layla's body tensed. A chill ran down her spine. She instinctively began closing the door, but he moved quickly, jamming his foot between it and the frame, forcing it back open. Panic surged in her chest.
She stepped back hurriedly, but it was too late—he was already inside. As she turned to run further into the house, he caught her wrist in one swift motion.
"Let go of me!" she yelled, her voice high and shaking. "I'll call the cops! Mom!"
She screamed at the top of her lungs, her body twisting to free herself. Her sudden outburst startled the man for a moment, and he released her with a scoff. It sent her crashing to the ground, landing hard on her backside.
The commotion brought her mother running in from the kitchen. Elysia's eyes went wide at the sight of her daughter on the floor and the stranger standing just feet away.
"Le-Leave her alone, Robert," she stammered, rushing to help Layla to her feet. Her hands were trembling.
Robert didn't seem bothered. In fact, he looked entertained. "Elysia, Elysia… you've always had good taste, but your daughter? She's something else. I have to say, you're looking quite stunning today too. Maybe it's something in the food?"
Elysia ignored the crude remark, her eyes filled with shame as she turned back to her daughter, who was glaring at both of them now.
"Who the hell is he?" Layla snapped. "What's going on here?"
Elysia opened her mouth, but the words caught in her throat. Layla's voice was rising, overwhelmed by fear and fury. Her hands were clenched at her sides as tears began to sting her eyes.
"Layla… please. Go to your room. I need to speak with him—"
"No," Layla cut her off sharply, stepping in front of her mother. "I'm not leaving you alone with this man."
Robert chuckled under his breath. "Your mom owes me a good chunk of money, shorty. So I'd be careful with that attitude."
Layla turned her wide, tear-brimmed eyes toward Elysia, who now stood still as a statue, her shoulders hunched in silent defeat.
"Is that true?" Layla asked, voice barely a whisper.
Elysia gave a small nod and then spoke quickly, as if trying to get it all out before she broke. "A few months ago, I met a man who said he could double my money if I invested in his fund. I didn't have much, so I borrowed from Robert to make the investment. But the man disappeared. It was a scam. I couldn't even make the first payment on the loan after that."
Layla's heart clenched. "Oh, Mom… you should've told me. I would've helped. We'll figure this out together."
"I didn't want you to get involved," Elysia whispered. "It's too much. I thought maybe… maybe it's better if I just take Robert's offer."
Layla's eyes narrowed. "What offer?"
Elysia looked away, her voice cracking. "To become his mistress."
Layla felt the world tilt under her feet. "What?"
"She's got the body for it," Robert remarked shamelessly. "But after today, I think the daughter might be a better pick."
"Don't you dare," Layla growled, her voice shaking with restrained fury. "Mom, you are not doing this. I don't care how much you owe."
"Layla, we don't have a choice," Elysia whispered, tears now streaming down her face.
"You always have a choice," Layla snapped. "And I'm not letting you sell yourself to this scum."
Robert, now lounging on the couch like he owned the place, flicked ash from his cigar onto the floor. "Tick-tock. Interest doesn't wait."
Layla turned to him, jaw set. "Give me a month. I'll find the money."
Robert stood and sauntered over, his eyes locked on hers. "And what's your name, sweetheart?"
"Layla."
"Well, Layla," he said with a mocking smile, "you've got spirit. I like that. One month, huh? And if you don't come through?"
He reached out to brush a strand of her hair, but Layla slapped his hand away without hesitation.
Robert's expression darkened. In an instant, he shoved her hard against the wall, boxing her in with both arms. Layla tried to duck away, but he moved closer, his body pressed against hers, the smell of tobacco overwhelming. His mouth hovered near her neck.
From behind, Elysia rushed forward and began tugging on Robert's arm, trying to pull him off. "Stop! Get away from her!"
Just as Layla summoned the courage to knee him where it would hurt most, he turned and shoved Elysia, sending her crashing into a nearby chair with a painful cry.
Layla snapped.
She pushed him with all her strength, breaking free from his hold. He stumbled back as she ran to her mother, who was now sobbing on the floor, cradling her bruised arm.
Robert dusted himself off as if nothing had happened. "So, what's your plan, sweetheart? Magic money tree? Or are you going to take my... generous offer?"
Layla stayed silent, cradling her mother protectively. His gaze lingered on her body, undressing her with his eyes.
"I'll give you another option," he offered smugly. "You become my mistress instead. With a body like yours? Hell, I'll pay double—maybe even triple."
Layla didn't flinch. She didn't look at him. She held her mother close, wiping her tears gently.
"Don't worry, Mom. We'll find a way out of this. But you are not selling your body to anyone. That's a promise."
"But how, Layla?" Elysia asked in between sniffles. "How will we get that kind of money in a month?"
Layla's jaw clenched. Her eyes burned with a quiet fury.
She turned back to Robert.
"One month," she repeated. "That's all I ask."
He tilted his head. "And if you don't pay up, sweetheart? What do I get?"
His eyes roamed her body again, his intentions clear.
Layla didn't blink.
"If I fail," she said coldly, "then my body is all yours."