Page 19 of Virginity Sold

There’s a knock on my door before two women enter. Guess they’re my beauty squad.

Chapter 10

Elena

The closer it gets to eight, the more nervous I get. I’ve already had Clara tell me more than once to calm down, that I was going to sweat my makeup off and she didn’t have time to redo it. It doesn’t help that I’ve never worn such an exposing outfit before. My bathing suit covers more than this thing does.

I don’t even recognize the woman in the mirror staring back at me. It’s me. I know that. But I’ve never looked like this before. They’ve styled my hair to perfection, the flowing beach waves framing my face beautifully. Then there’s the makeup. I’ve only ever wore the minimum. But tonight, it's done to perfection and shit if I don’t look like a damn model.

The only thing that’s taking longer to process is the outfit Edward picked. It fits like a glove, so either my measurements were correct, or the man has the eye of a seamstress.

There’s a knock on the door. Clara steps over and opens it, ushering Andrea inside.

“It’s time to head to the stage, Virtue. Are you ready?” She turns her attention to Clara. “You’re free to go. You did an amazing job, as always.”

I twist my hands together. My palms are so sweaty, I want to rub them on something, but I’m afraid of soiling the lingerie. Thinking about what I’m getting ready to do, the urge to run away and never think about this night again hits me.

There’s no way I can go out there and stand in front of a room of people basically naked.

“No,” I say, shaking my head.

“Excuse me.”

“I can’t do this, Andrea. Seeing them gawking at me as they bid on me.” I’m almost in tears.

“Come here sweetie, sit down and let's talk.” She takes me by the hand and leads me over to the couch.

“Please, can I just leave? I promise not to say anything. It’s not like I can, anyway. I signed that NDA agreement.” I fight not to cry, afraid of messing up the art they created on my face.

“First, take a deep breath, blow it out, and count to ten. I need you to calm down.”

I inhale a deep breath, holding it for a moment before slowly blowing it out. Then I count, softly, until I reach ten.

Oddly, I do feel better.

“Better?”

“Yes. Thank you.” I sniffle. She reaches behind her and pulls a tissue from the box, then gently dabs at my eyes.

“Okay, so I’m going to explain everything. I think it’ll make you feel better about what’s about to happen.

“I’m going to lead you to the stage. All the lights will be dimmed in the audience, so dark that you won’t see anyone. No one will be moving around, or anyone talking loudly. Instead, they will bid on you using a tablet. The only voice you hear will be Edward’s.”

My eyebrow raises, confused. “You mean we won’t be able to see each other? How will that work?”

She laughs and shakes her head. “No, Virtue. They’ll see you, but you won’t see them, so when you’re out there on that stage walking back and forth in front of them, all you’ll see is a black room. Edward will announce the pertinent information about you and then it’ll be over. The bidding is totally anonymous, so only Edward will know who the purchaser is until they come to collect you. It’s a total of five minutes to change your life forever.”

“That’s it? Then I’m purchased like a piece of cattle?”

“That’s one way to put it. I see it as a weekend to explore your sexuality with no strings and make money that will greatly impact your life. If you’re backing out, I need to know now so I can let Edward know.”

I let her words seep in, processing everything. The only thing I know for sure is if I don’t do this, then me and Mama will be on the streets. That’s once I find her.

“I can do it. Thank you for explaining everything to me. I’m ready.” I stand slowly, pulling my shoulders back and standing proudly. I’m doing this for my family.

“Then let’s go.” She heads to the door and I follow close behind, stumbling a little on the heels. These are definitely not something practical for my life. I can’t imagine when I’d ever wear a pair again.

Following her down the aisle, there are other rooms with names on the door: Birdie and Davis are two of them. I wonder why they chose those particular names or did Edward pick them like he did mine.

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