Chapter 26

Agatha's Point of View

As I walked home, the weight of the contract marriage I had just signed with Addison bore heavily on my mind. Doubts and fears swirled within me, clouding my thoughts. Seeking solace, I decided to stop by a club on the way, hoping the vibrant atmosphere would distract me from my troubled thoughts.

The club's neon lights beckoned me from afar, casting an eerie glow on the darkened street. As I stepped inside, the pulsating music and the scent of alcohol filled the air, enveloping me in a haze of excitement. The dimly lit room was alive with bodies moving to the rhythm, lost in their own worlds.

I made my way through the crowd, searching for a corner where I could drown my worries in a glass of whiskey. But as I glanced towards the stage, my heart skipped a beat. There, amidst the swirling mist and flashing lights, I saw her. Amelia is performing as a stripper.

My mind struggled to comprehend what my eyes were witnessing. Amelia had always been the responsible one, the beacon of stability in our chaotic lives. How could she be here, dancing provocatively for a crowd of strangers?

I approached the stage, my heart pounding in my chest. The mask Amelia wore concealed her identity, but I knew her all too well. The way she moved, the grace in her every step—it was unmistakably her. I couldn't tear my gaze away, a mix of shock, anger, and concern coursing through my veins.

"Amelia," I called out, my voice barely audible over the music. "What are you doing here?"

She turned towards me, her eyes widening behind the mask. Panic flashed across her face, but she quickly composed herself, maintaining the seductive facade she had adopted for her performance.

"Agatha?" she stammered, her voice laced with surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same question," I replied, my voice trembling with a mix of emotions. "Why are you doing this? This isn't like you."

Amelia hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape. Finally, she sighed and motioned for me to follow her backstage. We weaved through the maze of corridors until we reached a small dressing room, away from prying eyes and deafening music.

As the door closed behind us, Amelia removed her mask, revealing tear-streaked cheeks and haunted eyes. The sight of her vulnerability shattered my anger, replaced by a deep concern for my sister.

"I had no choice, Agatha," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I needed the money. Our family is in danger, and this was the only way I could protect us."

Confusion washed over me as I struggled to comprehend her words. "What do you mean, our family is in danger? And why didn't you come to me for help?"

Amelia's eyes filled with regret as she explained the truth. "We need to get far away from here. I'm sure Uncle Achan would stop at nothing to harm us, especially if he finds out what my true identity is."

"I'm so sorry, Agatha," she continued, her voice trembling. "I never wanted you to get caught up in all of this. But now that you're here, we need to stick together. We need to find a way to protect ourselves and break free from this cycle of fear."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I reached out and embraced her. In that moment, the weight of the contract marriage with Addison seemed insignificant compared to the danger that loomed over our family.

"We'll find a way, Amelia," I whispered, determination seeping into my voice. "We'll face these threats together, and we'll protect our family. No matter what it takes."

Addison's Point of View

The night was alive with pulsating music and the rhythmic thump of bodies moving in sync. I pushed my way through the crowded club, my heart pounding in my chest. The scent of sweat and alcohol filled the air, mingling with the heavy fog of anticipation. I scanned the room, searching for any sign of her, but Agent was nowhere to be found.

My eyes darted from one corner to another, hoping to catch a glimpse of her familiar face. The neon lights cast an eerie glow on the dancers, their bodies twisting and contorting in time with the music. But amidst the chaos, there was no trace of an agent.

Frustration welled up inside me as I approached the club owner, a burly man with a permanent scowl etched on his face. "Where's Agent?" I demanded, my voice laced with urgency.

The club owner raised an eyebrow, sizing me up. "She's not here tonight. What's it to you?"

I clenched my fists, fighting to keep my composure. "I need to talk to her. It's urgent. Please give her this letter." I handed him the folded piece of paper, my words pleading.

He hesitated for a moment, eyeing me suspiciously, before finally snatching the letter from my hand. "I'll make sure she gets it. Now, get lost."

I nodded, my heart sinking. I turned away, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on me. The club was alive with energy, but I felt a profound emptiness. Agent was my only hope, my connection to the world, but I have to end it all with her. I have to be honest with Agatha and loyal to the contract we signed.

I found an empty booth in a dimly lit corner of the club, sinking into the worn leather seat. The music throbbed in my ears, but I barely registered it. My mind was consumed with thoughts of Agent.

As I sat there, lost in my thoughts, an unfamiliar voice broke through the haze. "Hey! Are you going to drink yourself to stupor... alone?"

I looked up to see her standing before me. Her eyes held concerns accentuated by the neon lights. "Maya," she added.

I greeted her, relief washing over me. "I've been looking for an agent. Have you seen her?"

Maya's expression darkened, and her voice filled with worry. "No, I haven't. But something's not right. She's been acting strange lately, disappearing for days at a time. I'm worried about her."

My heart sank further, a cold dread settling in the pit of my stomach. "We need to find her, Maya. I left her a letter, begging her to meet me."

Maya nodded, her determination mirrored in her eyes. "We'll find her."

Her words resonated within me, igniting a flicker of hope. Together, Maya and I would uncover the truth and unravel the mysteries that surrounded us. We would find an agent and face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The club's neon lights flickered, casting an ethereal glow on the dancers as they moved with raw, primal energy. The music swelled, drowning out the noise of the world outside.