Price of Love

PTE

DSOME M

ice whispered in my ear, ge

beside me-it was Mum. "Wake up, sweetheart, you've been asleep for ho

nfused and still groggy, I struggled to grasp what M

leaping out of bed in a panic. My heart rac

nease, and said, "I'm glad I woke you up. It seems you forgot." With a soft sigh and a r

I needed for tonight. Then, I called Sarah, my heart still

ou already at work?" I asked, half-expe

place. Come out!" she chirped, h

"She's probably just having a good day." I couldn't help but wonder if

night ahead. I made my way to the living room, where

. Catch you tomorrow!" I zipped past Mom, who was busy sautéing something aromati

erves stirred inside me. I'd been anticipating

lungs with the cool evening air

"Be careful, dear! Have a good night!" A smile spread a

!" I waved goodbye, even though they co

waiting by a cab. But to my surprise, there was no sign of he

ck Mercedes, her face lit up with delight. My jaw dropped

ck. "Oh my God, Sarah!" My steps quickened as I hurr

this!" I exclaimed, still

cided to treat myself. Had the money, so why not?" She had me spe

rehend the surprise. "I had no clue you were planning th

. "I know, I wanted it to be a

end. Who would have thought she had been secretly planni

beside Sarah, I felt an exhi

rk, maybe I can get a Mercedes like this, too." The idea of bright prospects fille

ith a sense of serene happiness, and

friendships, expanding my knowledge, and ultimately b

bilities, and I eagerly a

s success fueled my ambition. I felt a

me out of my reverie. I blinked at he

bert is going to just pick you out of the crowd of girls

"But what if he travels?" I stammered. I tried to sou

-paying client at this club. You need him to reach your goals. Besides, you could save your mom's

take drastic mea

So how do I get his attention among all the other gir

Just follow my lead, and you'll stand out." She paused, studying my expre

e your performance revolve around him. Focus solely on him-your body language, your eye contact, everything. Got

r regular routines, took our baths, and

ing with excitement. "Hey Diana, I have an idea!" My interest was piq

olo for a special presentation tonight," she said, he

ough me, my breath quickening. "I can't do this alone

ease my panic. "Breathe

ied!" The thought of facing

ert's attention. You'll see." Despite the fear gripping me, I felt a flicke

athing, slowly calm

part yet," Sarah said with an enigma

do?" I demande

dancers finished her performance. "And now, a special presentation

imed, my voice barely a whisper as Sarah started nu

ith support. I felt light-headed, grappling with disbelief. Could she be doing th

mum wash over me. Her warm smile and encouraging words echo

ss possibilities, the life I was

, and how he had always been there to lift me

ing, "I can do this. I ha

rough me, I opened my eyes, squared my shoul

the murmurs from the other dancers behind me-disco

cused, shoving those thoughts aside. This was Sarah's idea, not min

ng that prize-the money th

I moved my hips in a sultry rhythm, my eyes s

be hard to miss-always surrounded by guards,

y obscured in the dim light. Was he even aware that this performance was meant

delivering an electrifying show, ensuring that the

on the pole, I felt the energy in the room

, but he remained oblivious. Maybe I could just revel in the attentio

striving for Albert's attention, I c

nly, there he was-front row, close enough fo

less. His gaze was piercing, filled with a ma

ps, a sharp nose, and hair that fell stylishly ove

footing, stumbling toward him, m

ss his mouth, and said, "Well, you've got m

and compelling, making it sound as

lord, I couldn't help but feel drawn to h