Astrid took her luggage and went inside her car. She decided to drive far away from there, as far as she could. She wanted to leave everything behind - start a new life, get a job, work hard to make a living, and live a good life somewhere else.

Astrid drove as tears welled up in her eyes,she couldn't believe the heartless and toxic family she grew up in. Her opinions never mattered,she was tired of their madness and she just wants her piece of mind.

Suddenly she was cornered by four black cars. She wondered what was happening, what she had done, who she had offended, but she couldn't think of anyone. Suddenly, a man in a black suit opened the door and took her out of the car and put her in his car. Astrid's voice was nowhere to be heard; she couldn't even scream. She just stayed still out of fear.

Unknown to her, Andrew had sent someone to keep an eye on her from the minute she left the hotel and report everything that happened to him. The man in black suits drove forward; it felt like eternity. Astrid was woken up by a light tap on her shoulder. When she got down, she was shocked by their destination. The destination she expected was a warehouse where she'd be beaten to death by them. Instead, she followed them inside a house where she met the mastermind behind everything: Mr. Andrew Thompson.

She wondered why she didn't know it was his doing. "Sit down," he said, pointing to a seat in front of her. But instead, Astrid cleared her throat as she folded her arms. "What's the meaning of all this?" she asked.

"Well, you wanted to run away." Andrew replied.

"Look, the day isn't over. I wanted to get money from a friend of mine," she lied.

"Where does that friend of yours live?" he asked.

"I won't tell you," she said, parting her lips.

"I'm beginning to think that friend of yours is imaginary," he said, taking a sip of the whiskey beside him.

Astrid turned to go out, but was stopped by the guards that put her in. "Where exactly are you going to?" Andrew asked and that question struck a chord in her because she herself didn't know where she was going to or what her next move was.

Andrew stood up and put his hand in his pocket as he strolled casually. "You know, I know about everything that happened in your family," he said, giving a nod, and one of the guards played the recorder and she heard everything that transpired between them at home.

"You were following me. Don't you have better things to do?" Astrid asked with a solid expression.

"I do," Andrew replied.

"Then why do you want to meddle in my affairs?"Astrid asked

"I'm not meddling. I was just listening."

" Look, the day is not over yet. I still have time," Astrid said trying to buy herself more time .

"What exactly do you want to do? I can get a loan from a bank," Astrid replied.

"What will be your collateral?" Andrew asked confidently, and Astrid was short of words as she knew she had nothing.

"Be my mistress for a year, and I'll cover up all your debts and daily expenses," he said as he stroked her cheek

"I can't waste a year of my life," Astrid said as she threw his hand away.

"So what would you rather do? This is a fresh start for you. You're free to live your life, pursue your passions, work, and earn your own money, which you won't have to spend for a whole year because I'll pay and give you everything you need."

"And after a year, you would probably have a lot of money. It's a healthy start at this point in your life. Don't you think?" Andrew said as he sipped his whiskey and continued

"Or do you want to sleep in your car, roam the streets, eat from the streets,it's not even a proper meal. If Mira sees you she'll laugh and you'll be made a laughing stock to her and her friends.The choice is yours," Andrew said.

Astrid clenched her face because she hates being at a disadvantage, but she has no better choice than the one offered to her,she didn't have someone she'd run to and won't complain of her being a leech

"Fine, I'll do it," Astrid said after a huge debate in her head.

"That's better," Andrew said, smiling as he picked up the contract and gave it to her. "Sign this."

"I'm Party A, you're Party B. You can stay here. There's a maid who'll handle the cleaning, and there's someone who'll handle your meals. Whatever you want to eat, she'll prepare it. I'll come back tomorrow to get the documents" he said as he walked out. One of the guards picked up his documents that were scattered on the table.

Astrid sat down after they left and wondered how her life became like this.

Astrid wished her life had a positive direction. It didn't move this way. She didn't want it to move this way. She wished she had someone to run to, someone who would help her in times like this. She decided to abandon her wishful thinking and face reality, although it was harsh, but she had no other choice.

She picked up the contract and decided to go through it, but the conditions she saw were absurd. Point number one: Party B must be home before 8 PM. "Wait, is that curfew or else I'll be punished?" she thought.

Number two: Party B must cut all ties with her fiancé, lover, boyfriend, etc. "Wait, I'll cut all ties while he keeps his? This is even more absurd."

Number three: Party B must not talk or interact with the opposite gender. Interact only with your own gender. "What the...? This isn't making any sense to her."

She decided to read on, maybe she would find something useful or something that is fair to her.

Party B must take her contraceptives regularly. "I'm okay with that. It's not like I wanted to carry his child," she said to herself.

Party B is restricted from attending parties, clubs, etc. She closed the contract and couldn't read anymore because the conditions were terrible. They didn't seem fair. The more she read, the angrier she became. She's restricted from having fun, which isn't fair.

She decided to go and take a shower and talk about the useless contract whenever she comes. As she stood up, a young lady in a maid uniform came to greet her. "Good afternoon, miss. I'm Claudia," the lady said.

"Are you a maid?" Astrid asked.

"Yes, miss."

"Do you cook or clean?" she asked.

"Oh, I don't do this. I'm your personal maid. Where am I? Am I a princess? Look,I can take care of myself," Astrid said.

"Mr Thompson instructed me specifically to take care of you and attend to your daily needs," Claudia replied.

"Is this really necessary?" Astrid asked.

"Yes, it is. You are his jewels and..." Claudia, his maid started to say.

"Hey!" Astrid yelled feeling annoyed with that word "I will need to correct that part. I am not his. I belong to no one but myself. Understand?" Astrid interrupted.

"Yes, miss. I'm sorry," Claudia apologized.

"Better. Are you hungry?" Claudia asked.

"I'll eat later. I want to shower," Astrid replied.

"Let me go and get the water ready myself."

" I can do it myself."

"Mister Thompson won't forgive me if I let you do anything," Claudia said. "That is your business with him. I want to bathe, and I can prepare the water for myself."

Claudia stepped in, blocking the road to the stair, and bowing her head politely. "Miss, I can't let you do it."

Suddenly, the door opened, and Andrew stepped in. "It's good that you have met Claudia, and you are already getting along," Andrew said. Astrid's face became fierce, and she refused to say anything.

"Claudia, how is she treating you, Mister Thompson?" Andrew asked.

"She wouldn't let me prepare the water for her, but she insisted on doing it alone," Claudia replied.

"Go ahead and prepare the water for her. Don't mind her fearsome behavior," Andrew said, giving Claudia the go-ahead. Astrid glared at Andrew as he strolled to the living room to take his seat.

"It seems you are not used to princess treatment."

"You are only breeding me for your use, I am not your property, neither am I your possession. I don't belong to you," Astrid replied.

"Well, I don't see things the way you do"Andrew said

"I repeat, I am not your possession. There is no tag on me that would say 'I belong to you' or 'Andrew'."Astrid replied fiercely

Andrew stood up and walked close to her and whispered, "Last night was the first night. I don't want to go to a place where another man has gone to. I want to be the only one there."

Astrid pushed him away when she understood the meaning of his words. "You are disgusting," she said. Andrew chuckled as he answered his phone.

"What is it?" he responded coldly to the person on the line with him.

"They're ready"the person on the other end responded.

"Bring them in," Andrew said, ending the call without waiting for their reply.

The door opened, and five ladies in the same outfit came in. Astrid was confused.

"These are your maids. Introduce yourselves," Andrew commanded.

"Good day, miss. I'm Leah. I'm Cynthia. I'm Wendy. I'm Crystal, and I'm Bethany." They all said in turns

"Good. Three of them will come twice a week to clean the house, while the other two will leave with you and handle the food," Andrew said.

"I can cook for myself," Astrid replied.

"If I get news that she is performing any chores, doing hard labor, I will slit your throat," Andrew threatened.

"Understood?" Andrew asked harshly.

"Yes, sir," they all chorused.

"Despite?" Astrid asked.

"They are mine. Their parents couldn't pay up the debt they owe, so they offered their daughters to redeem themselves. So, if I kill them, the government has no business with it because they are my possession," Andrew replied.

"You are a despicable person. You mean their parents?" Astrid asked.

Andrew said, "But Astrid was fed up with this man already. She can't even imagine a year with him."

"Is that all you have to say regarding the contract?" Andrew asked, waking her up from her thoughts.

"No," Astrid said.

"Go on."

"You are not allowed to attend parties, nor talk to guys. How does that even concern you?" Andrew asked.

"It's mostly social gatherings," Astrid replied.

"You are not allowed to attend social gatherings. And if you must attend, then tell me, so I will go with you," Andrew said.

"What if it's for girls only, and we have male models inside to spice up the party? Are you going to disguise yourself as a girl?" Astrid asked.

"No, he won't attend such gatherings," Andrew replied.

Astrid rubbed her temples because he was frustrating her. "What if I go secretly?" she asked.

"Then I will send someone over there to crash the party and fetch you. It's simple," Andrew said.

"You are cruel," Astrid said. "So, if I get a job, I am not allowed to speak to male customers?"

"What I meant was, your conversations must be healthy and formal. No flirting," Andrew replied.

"You are insane," Astrid said. "I am not signing this."

"Are you ready to roam the streets in search of five million? Andrew asked.

"Why can't I have conditions towards Party A?" Astrid asked.

"Because I am at an advantage," Andrew replied.

"So, that's why you get to do whatever you like?" Astrid asked.

"Yes," Andrew replied. "It's meant to be a mutual benefit."

"Then, after a year, if I still want you, then we will have mutual benefits," Andrew said.

"Understood?" he asked.

"You are annoying," Astrid said.

"Look, it's either you sign it or go to the streets and search for five million," Andrew said.

Astrid couldn't go to the streets; life would be terrible for her. She survived in that house for over twenty years, so spending a year with this cycle won't kill her.

"Fine, I will sign it," she said, taking the pen and signing.

Andrew picked it up, smile

"No," Astrid said.

"Go on."

"You are not allowed to attend parties, nor talk to guys. How does that even concern you?" Andrew asked.

"It's mostly social gatherings," Astrid replied.

"You are not allowed to attend social gatherings. And if you must attend, then tell me, so I will go with you," Andrew said.

"What if it's for girls only, and we have male models inside to spice up the party? Are you going to disguise yourself as a girl?" Astrid asked.

"No, he won't attend such gatherings," Andrew replied.

Astrid rubbed her temples because he was frustrating her. "What if I go secretly?" she asked.

"Then I will send someone over there to crash the party and fetch you. It's simple," Andrew said.

"You are cruel," Astrid said. "So, if I get a job, I am not allowed to speak to male customers?"

his fingers from her earlobe down to her neck. "I will let you rest. I will let you rest today, but I will be back tomorrow," he said as he left.

Astrid sighed, knowing that her life had taken a different turn. She had decided to go in search of a good, high-paying job tomorrow so that once the year runs out, she will have enough money to survive independently. She hated the fact that she stored all her eggs in one basket; she shouldn't have put all her money in one account, but it's not like she had enough money to disperse into numerous banks.

"There is no use crying over spilled milk," she consoled herself as she went to take her bath.

"What is going on here?" she asked Claudia, shocked.

"Since Mr Thompson is going to spend the night here, then I rearranged the room, and I was instructed that you are meant to take a beauty bath every evening before you go to bed," Claudia said with a smile.

"You are disturbing and stressing yourself for no reason. He has gone back to where he came from," Claudia gasped. "Did you make Mister Thompson angry? You have to appease him when he comes next, or else you will be dead," Claudia said, scared.

Astrid was shocked about how scared Claudia was and how Claudia feared the cycle so much. "Why are you afraid?" Astrid asked.

Claudia replied, "Nothing, miss."

"Not wanting to leak out information for the sake of her life," Astrid thought.

"Talk to me and drop this formal behavior," Astrid said.

"I was instructed to say nothing regarding my past," Claudia said.

Astrid sighed because of that, because that cycle might have had some delays with her family too, and she is here to make up for the debt.

Please remove the petals on the bed. I will like to rest once I am done with my bath," Astrid said.

Astrid went inside the bathroom and was shocked to see that the bathtub was also with petals floating in the water. Astrid laughed aloud; she couldn't hold it anymore.

"Andrew loves petals this much," she decided not to say anything and just enjoy her bath.

While Astrid was enjoying her bath, Claudia came inside, saying, "Sorry I am late."

"Why are you here?" Astrid asked.

"I am here to help you take your bath," Claudia replied.

"I can do it myself," Astrid said.

"I am meant to ensure that your personal hygiene is up to one hundred and one percent," Claudia said.

"Go away," Astrid said.

"Unfortunately, I am under strict orders," Claudia replied. "I don't need your help. I can also give you a massage if you want," Claudia said

"I don't need this; I can do everything on my own," Astrid said. "Let's agree on something," Astrid requested.

"Okay, I will do some of my work, and I won't tell Mister Thompson that I did them myself. Is that okay?" Astrid asked.

"I'm sorry," Claudia said, apologizing as she picked up the sponge, and Astrid lay back, knowing that Claudia's loyalty was 100%.

After the bath, Claudia gave Astrid a nightwear, and she had dinner. "Where are my bags?" Astrid asked.

"Mister Thompson sent them, but he threw away your clothes. Why, I don't know," Astrid said. At least her laptop, important documents, and her mother's picture were still safe.

She decided to check on the vacancies available, so she would try her luck tomorrow. Astrid woke up and found out that she had fallen asleep on the dining table. She checked her email and found out that out of all the available companies she had applied to, only three had approved of her work and asked her to come for an interview. But luckily, the interview was scheduled at different times, so she would be able to make it.

She rushed to the shower because her next interview was in an hour and thirty minutes. After getting dressed, she faced the biggest problem: there was no mode of transportation. She didn't have any money on her. She saw her car parked neatly in the parking lot, but she wasn't with the key. She didn't even know where exactly the villa was located, so she would know how far she was from her next destination.

Time was already running out. She pondered on what to do and finally decided to call her friend Ashley to come and pick her up. "Where are you?" Ashley asked.

"I don't know... I'm at one of Mister Thompson's mansions," Astrid said.

"What are you doing there?" Ashley asked.

"It's a long story; please just hurry. I don't know where that is because I can't go looking for you in every mansion he owns. He owns...," Ashley replied.

"I'll send you my exact location. Please hurry up; I'm running late," Astrid said, ending the call.

Everywhere was quiet; Claudia and the rest were still sleeping. She checked the time, and it was 8:25. She barely had an hour left, and her ride wasn't there yet. The environment was empty; there was no one around aside from the guard, who kept grumpy faces. She couldn't imagine talking to them or telling them her movement, so she decided to wait for Ashley.

Ashley arrived by 8:55, and Astrid was pissed. "What kept you so long?" Astrid asked.

"Number one, I was barely out of bed when you called. Plus, no one informed me that I had to do an early pickup this morning. Can't you see I'm still in my nightwear? I just rushed out to help you. Number two, finding this place wasn't easy, and there is tight security outside this gate. This gate is as if he bought everywhere...," Ashley said.

"Please " Astrid interrupted because she was tired of listening to Ashley. But I mean, did he buy this whole...?" Ashley asked.

"What exactly are you doing here? I thought Mira was the one who was engaged to him. What are you doing here? What about George and Mira? Do you know this? We're friends, we're best friends, and you're keeping everything away from me."

"This was the exact reason we no longer became best friends. The main reason I became distant. Best friends won't sell you out for likes and comments on Instagram," Astrid said.

" How much do you think your stories are worth on Insta? " Ashley asked with a dirty look.