The Slave of Pleasure
chapter 9

Rachel

I stare out the window of the private plane, watching the world below shrink and become a blur of colors and fuzzy shapes. The sun is starting to set, tinting the sky with a gradient of orange and pink. I feel a mix of anxiety and sadness. The feeling of being away from my mother and not knowing exactly what is happening to her consumes me.

I am heading to Italy, with an uncertain future ahead of me, but the priority right now is to make sure my mother has a chance to get through the surgery. The thought of her being in the operating room, fighting for her life, makes my stomach turn. I don't know exactly what to expect when I get there, but one thing is for sure: I will do whatever it takes to fulfill my side of the bargain. This is definitely the riskiest and craziest thing I have ever done in my life, but for my mother I would do it again, in a heartbeat. The doctor assured me that everything will be fine.

I rummage through the suitcase next to me. There isn't much inside, just the essentials: a few clothes, a pair of shoes, and toiletries. I feel empty when I look at the minimal content. It's strange to think that I'm leaving my life behind with so little. Deep down, I know that what really matters is that I have a chance to save my mother, and for now at least, that's the goal that drives me.

I remember the conversation I had with my best friend, Melissa. It was difficult. She was very worried and I couldn't help but feel a weight on my heart as I told her about the situation. I told Melissa that I needed her to take care of my mother while I was away. I asked her to keep me updated on everything that happened and to keep me informed. It was a long and emotional conversation, and I realized how hard it is to leave my mother and Melissa behind, knowing that I can't be there to support my mother directly.

The truth is that I had no choice. Vincenzo made an offer that seemed like the only possible way out. My pride and my morals were put to the test, but in the end, what mattered was my mother's health. I tried to hide my emotions, but the truth is that every detail of this situation weighs on me. The fact that I have to embark on such a risky and uncertain deal to get the money I need is nerve-wracking. I never imagined my life would take such a drastic turn.

As the plane flies toward Italy, I begin to reflect on the deal I had with Vincenzo. He offered me an advance of $150,000 in exchange for my agreement to spend a year with him under terms that are still unclear to me. But one of them is the certainty that I cannot change the contract, much less cancel it; I am basically his property for the next 365 days.

At that moment, the only certainty I had was that I urgently needed the money for my mother's surgery. Now, I am about to embark on a completely new, unknown and, in a way, terrifying world.

The plane is luxurious, more so than I could have imagined. The interior is elegant, with leather upholstery and refined details. Vincenzo seems comfortable and relaxed, as if being in this environment is something normal for him. I, on the other hand, feel a mix of nervousness and excitement. The idea of being on my way to a new country, starting a new phase of my life under such dramatic circumstances, is a confusing feeling.

I look at my phone, checking for any updates from Melissa. Nothing new. The silence of messages reminds me of the importance of staying informed and present, even from a distance. She has committed to taking care of my mother and keeping me updated on her condition. I hope she is coping well and that my mother is receiving the best possible treatment.

The lack of control over the situation is overwhelming. I don't know what awaits me in Italy, but what I do know is that by accepting Vincenzo's money, I am entering a new phase of my life that I could never have imagined. It is like being in a whirlwind, where everything is unpredictable and every decision can have profound consequences.

I am deeply grateful for the support my friend Melissa is offering me, but I also feel guilty for leaving her with this responsibility. The truth is, I would do anything to ensure my mother gets the treatment she needs, even if it means entering into such a risky arrangement that is beyond my control.

The plane continues its smooth flight, and as I think about all of this, I feel a sense of resignation. There is no turning back now. I am committed to this plan, and although I still have many doubts and fears, I know that I need to move forward. My hope is that in the end, it will all be worth it and that my mother can have the chance to live a healthy and happy life.

Only Vincenzo, himself, and his lawyer were on board. The crew knew that I was a companion, although no one knew exactly what I was to Vincenzo, other than the fact that and that I was here at his invitation. In fact, neither of them knew that I was about to become a crucial part of a deal that would change my life forever.

The lawyer next to us seemed as calm as Vincenzo, chatting occasionally with him about the details of the contract and some legal issues that needed to be resolved. I kept quiet, watching and trying to understand the dynamic between them. Every word, every gesture Vincenzo made me feel the pressure of what was to come. The commitment I had made was more than just a job. It was a radical change in my life, and I needed to be ready for anything.