Chapter 2 - The Bargain
The silence in the opulent office was deafening.
Victor looked down at Maya, gently adjusting the blue blanket around her small shoulders.
"She has your eyes," he noted quietly, without looking up at me.
"Please," I finally choked out, tears spilling down my cheeks.
"Please give her back to me, I swear I'll leave and never come back."
Victor finally looked at me, his gaze analyzing my worn uniform and exhausted posture.
"You brought an infant to a hotel shift because you have no one else," he stated, a fact rather than a question.
I nodded slowly, too terrified to speak.
"Your husband?" he asked.
"He passed away nine months ago," I whispered, the pain still fresh in my chest.
Victor stood up with a fluid grace that was terrifying for a man of his size.
He walked slowly toward me, and I forced myself not to flinch.
He gently placed Maya into my trembling arms.
"You need money, and I need someone I can trust," Victor said, towering over me.
"My world is full of liars, thieves, and opportunists."
"A mother fighting for her child's survival is the only person who understands true loyalty."
I held Maya tightly, my mind racing to understand his game.
"I don't understand," I stammered.
"You are no longer a waitress, Sarah," he commanded, adjusting his cuffs.
"You are my new personal assistant."
"You will live in the penthouse, your daughter will have the best nannies, and you will never worry about a paycheck again."
"But if you ever betray me, there is nowhere on this earth you can hide."
I looked at my sleeping baby, knowing I was making a deal with the devil.
May you like
But a mother will do anything to keep her child safe.
I nodded my head, sealing my fate.
