Song: Selfish Pt. 2 - King Promise ft. Simi

*Unedited* (Because we all failed Oluwatoyin 'Toyin' Salau)

Kofi drove through the gates of the mansion and stopped the car, yet neither of us got out. I was worried about Etornam, strangely enough. What if the doctors needed a relative of hers to talk to or something that involved someone being there for her? Now, I knew she wouldn't appreciate my presence over there, but I think - at least - she'd be glad knowing that someone cared.

"What are you waiting for?" Kofi asked.

I spared him a glance. "I'm not going to be okay if she's in the hospital alone."

"Okay." He replied, as he sparked the car to life.

I frowned. "Wait, you're going to take me back? Wow, that's so unlike you."

"No you idiot. I'm just parking well. I don't care if you're not okay."

Of course. I'm an idiot.

When he had parked the car well, I jumped off and rushed back into the mansion, remembering Michael. I went up to their room, but all I saw was the pool of blood she'd left behind. He wasn't there.

"Michael?" I called out. He wasn't in the best state of mind. I was afraid that he might do something stupid. I combed the entire room, but he wasn't there. "Michael?"

I rushed downstairs with the intent of searching the mansion, but realising it was too huge, I went back outside to Kofi. He was still in the car. He was leaning his head against the seat with his face in his hands; the glass was down.

I stared for a few seconds. Baffled.

"What do you want?" He asked all of a sudden, making me jump.

"Um..." I smoothed my hair. "Michael."

"You want Michael?" He removed his hands from his face and I saw that he looked amused.

"N-no. I mean, um-"

"Why are you so flustered?" He asked.

Yes, Elorm. Why?

I took in a deep breath. He chuckled. "Michael is missing." I said.

"Missing? Is he a two-year-old? The man can go wherever he pleases."

"Did you see him before we left? He was in shock, now you might not know what that is -"

"I know what shock is," he rolled his eyes. "he'll be fine. Maybe he's just gone to see her." At that, he got down from the car.

"What if he hasn't?"

"What are you thinking, that he's gone to kill himself or what?"

"Of course not," I said. "I just... I don't know, I have a bad feeling."

"A bad feeling? That's why you're disturbing me?" He frowned. "You know, I really don't care if he kills himself. Really. Get out of my sight."

I frowned. "You don't always have to be this mean."

"I know. I want to."

I glared at him as he walked away. I went back inside and went to their room one last time to check. Michael must've been somewhere else when I checked the first time, but this time, there he was, on the balcony. He was staring into the sun as his hands gripped the railing tightly.

"Michael," I sighed with relief.

He stiffened at the sound of my voice, but I didn't care as I raced up to him and hugged him from behind. He didn't say anything. I wasn't sure whether he was still in shock, seeing that he was just staring into the sun like it wasn't unbearably hot and damaging to his eyes.

"Michael?" I called to him.

He turned around slowly, dislodging me. "You were right. She was pregnant."

"Yes. I wouldn't lie about that."

"I'm sorry I didn't believe you."

"Don't be. It's my fault anyway."

"Your fault?"

"I lie. A lot. So I guess it's hard to believe me most of the time."

He didn't say anything. He just stared at my feet.

I went forward and hugged him. I don't know why I craved his touch so much. He hugged me back and I melted into him with relief. I thought he would reject me. "Michael," I whispered.

"The baby wasn't mine."

"I know it wasn't. Remember that night? When I came to wake you up from your room?" I asked.

"...yeah, I remember." He said hesitantly. It was the same night he rejected me in bed.

"You weren't even sleeping on the same bed."

"I... I just don't want you to think I cheated when we were together."

"I know you didn't. You wouldn't. You're not like me."

"Don't say that."

"It's the truth."

"I've had my own fair share of misgivings. Like believing all I was told like an idiot."

I pulled back and looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"I believed that you left me just to become a prostitute, which was very stupid of me."

I smiled. He was finally coming to his senses. "I don't blame you. I probably would've done the same."

"No you wouldn't. You're much more sensible, more trusting."

"But not trustworthy."

He cupped my face. "You are."

"I'm not. I cheated, remember?"

"Because you thought we were done. You were leaving to the city, weren't you? Plus, you thought I'd left you. In your mind, we were no longer together."

"That's not an excuse."

"It is."

"Michael."

"Elorm."

"You should go. To Etornam."

"Why would I? She had a baby with another man. We probably weren't together at the time, but she should've told me."

"That's not important right now. She needs you."

"I don't love her. I'm sorry but every minute by her side was pure torture. Plus, I couldn't stop thinking about you."

I felt butterflies inside my stomach even though it was wrong, especially at a time like this. He could never stop thinking about me. Even after everything, he could never stop thinking about me.

"She's-"

"We'll go and see her together." He said.

"What?"

"We'll go and see her together." He replied.

"Michael..."

"I want you back Elorm."

I jumped. I went back, away from him. Suddenly, it had all come back to me. Kofi, the business and all its allies. I was putting Michael at risk simply by having this conversation. I was supposed to deny that I hadn't come here by my own will. I'd forgotten. How could I have forgotten? How do I backtrack on what I said?

"Michael..."

"You don't have to give me an answer right now, Ellie. I know you have to think about it. I'll give you all the time in the world, if you want. Just... be sure of what you want okay?"

"I'm going to sleep with someone else tonight."

"What?" He asked, looking very confused. "Why?"

"Because that's my job Michael," I said just as the tears began to prick the corners of my eyes. "I'm a prostitute. Do you want to be with a prostitute?"

"I want to be with you."

"Michael..."

"I will help you okay? I'll help you fight this."

He was talking about my so-called addiction to sex.

I stepped back from him. "Michael, I'm not sick, and I want to be here. This is what I want. If you love me, you'll respect that."

He stared at me for a long time. I began to feel uncomfortable and turned around to leave when he grabbed my hand. He brought me close to him and wiped the tears from my face. "Is there more to this?"

Yes. "No."

"There is, isn't there? You know, it's strange. Everything is strange. How did you even get to know about this place? How did you get here? How did Wolfgang know that you'd come here?"

"Michael-"

Michael's whole face changed and I felt my heart drop into my chest. He'd figured it out. I knew he had. "He kidnapped you, didn't he?"

I felt happy yet horrified at the same time. Now he wouldn't hate me, but now, his life was in danger. "No. No one kidnapped me."

"And now, you can't tell me the truth because they're holding something against you. Your family? It's your family, isn't it?"

No. It's you. "Michael, stop this."

"Of course," he scoffed. "I'm so stupid. My father must've done this. You must've been the 'business deal' that he and Wolfgang discussed."

From my knowledge, Michael's father had nothing to do with this. I didn't like the man, but I wouldn't let him take the blame for something he didn't do. "Michael, your father hasn't done anything."

He looked at me. "You might not know that, but I know my father. He's a ruthless man who would do anything to get what he wants. He didn't want us to get married, so he called up Wolfgang and had him kidnap you."

"Michael, your father isn't part of all this. Wolfgang acted on his own accord."

"So I'm right, am I not? My theory is true?" Michael asked with a smug smile.

Shit.

"I'm just saying that your father has nothing to do with my coming here."

"I'm certain he does. Think about it. Wolfgang would gain nothing kidnapping you and bringing you here. Sure he could've done it just because he wanted to, but then if my father wasn't on his side, I don't think he'd risk kidnapping a princess-to-be and the chief's own daughter-in-law 'just for fun'."

Now that he mentioned it, I realised that it made a lot of sense. But that would mean... Michael's father was the third partner of the illegal business! It would explain his vast wealth and the insane amount of power he had in Ghana and all around the world. Of course! How couldn't I have seen this?

Or maybe we were both wrong. Maybe Michael's father's only wrongdoing was accepting Wolfgang's explanation that I wanted to come to the city to become a prostitute.

"Michael -"

"You know the worst part about all of this?" Michael asked.

I swallowed what I wanted to say and shook my head.

"This is all my fault. If only I didn't get engaged to you, none of this would've happened. It's my own fault because I was even only marrying you just because I wanted to forsake my responsibilities as the future chief." He said.

I looked up at him, shocked by the amount of guilt and pain I saw written all over his face. "Michael -"

"Ellie, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry for everything," he sobbed, smashing me against his chest and squeezing the life out of me.

"This -"

"Please don't say anything. I know you can't confirm this because of whatever they're holding against you. I know, don't worry. I know you're innocent." He said.

Then, I relaxed completely in his arms. I allowed his hold on me to drain out all the worry and the fear and the heartache and the pain. His touch was comforting. He was my refuge, my shield, he was my everything.

I stayed nestled in his arms, trapped in the illusion that everything was alright with the world. As his cologne wafted its way into my nostrils, I imagined a world where I could just hug him and kiss him freely, without a worry in the world. I smiled. I smiled and laughed against his chest, feeling free and happy and at peace.

He was here.

We would be alright.

* * *

It was a few minutes to nine o'clock. I was in front of a dressing mirror, framed with bright light bulbs. I looked breath-taking, if I do say so myself. Of course, I was clothed in something very provocative. Almost half of each breast was poking out of the dress, the back of the dress was low cut, it reached the lowest point of my back, a little short of reaching my butt. The dress was short too, showing off my chocolate thighs and slender legs.

My 4C hair was styled to perfection, my face was covered with light make-up that enhanced my already beautiful features. They gave me a choker, which was perfect for my slender neck. The jewellery was kept to the minimum, since I told them that I didn't like much. They gave me a bracelet and two rings, along with dangly earrings.

I was beautiful. I've always known that, but that night, I was amazed myself. My skin was beautiful, it shone like diamonds. My hair was curly and glistening. I looked so natural yet so unimaginably beautiful. It was shocking, really.

It was either that it was all in my head, or that everyone was looking at me. I felt so vulnerable under all those eyes. I didn't like the dress they had put on me. Not that I wasn't confident, but I just wasn't the type of girl who liked to show extra skin to strangers. I felt like those private parts of my body should only be seen by people who I was comfortable with. I didn't like the fact that any stranger could just peek at me.

I looked stupid covering my breasts with my arms so I just let it be and held my head up high, whilst burning on the inside. I hate, hate, hated how my breasts were free for just anyone to ogle. I hated it. I hated it so much.

When Kofi came to take my arm, I was grateful that he looked at me the same way he would as when I was covered. It didn't make wearing that horrid dress feel any better though. In fact, most of the male prostitutes were trying to be polite by not staring. I didn't blame them for looking a second longer than they normally would, because that's just human nature, and I loved that they looked away before it could become creepy.

There was this idiot though who wouldn't stop staring. I wanted to take off my sharp, pencil heel and just stick it into his pen-

"Elorm?" Kofi said, snatching me out of my thoughts.

"Yes?"

"Why are you looking at that guy like you want to stick your heel in his pen-"

"He won't stop staring at me!"

Kofi glared in the man's direction which effectively took his eyes off my breasts.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it," he said.

I frowned, confused. "What's wrong with you?"

"No, I mean, don't mention it. Please try to talk as least as possible tonight."

I rolled my eyes.

"You look beautiful tonight." He said, and I didn't respond out of spite because he told me not to talk. "Very beautiful. Extremely beautiful. Ravishingly -"

"Yeah, yeah, I get it." I rolled my eyes again.

He laughed. "I have no idea why you can't take compliments."

"I can't take compliments from you." I said as he helped me into his own car, whilst the other prostitutes took the van.

"Because?"

I gave him a blank look. He smiled and turned his attention to the road.

A while later, Kofi decided to break the silence with his deep voice which I'd come to hate. "I saw you and Michael today."

I didn't say anything because he'd asked me not to.

"You were much to cosy with each other for my liking."

I ignored him and focused my gaze outside the window. It was dark and furry creatures were scurrying along the ground. The insects were making all these weird noises I used to hate back at home. My 'bed' didn't help either, as I just slept on a cloth on the floor. It felt like they were in my room itself, screaming in my ears.

"Did you tell him something?"

Complete silence.

"Do you hear me?"

Utter silence.

"Elorm, I'm asking you a question."

Eternal silence.

The man sighed and gave up as I snuck in a smile.

"If you did tell him something, I just want you to know that his blood will be on your head."

I wonder if it counts if he figured everything out on his own. I mean, I never told him anything. I never even confirmed his suspicions. I can't be blamed here.

We arrived at our destination. Kofi lent me his elbow, as usual. I wonder if I earned this privilege just because I was a virgin. If so, I guess I'd lose it after tonight. Or maybe, I'm just his favourite. I mean, I haven't even gotten my own room yet.

The hall was empty when we got there, but as soon as we did, the customers began to trickle in. Just like last time, soft, serene music began to play and the people began to dance. Kofi didn't let me dance with anyone though. He kept his arm firmly around my waist as he ate a couple of snacks from the food table.

I tried to reach for one of the meat sticks but he slapped my hand.

"Ouch," I complained, rubbing my hand.

"Ladies don't eat at parties."

I stared at him. "I didn't take you for a misogynist."

"I'm a feminist actually."

I pressed my hand over my mouth because I was just about to laugh really hard and show everyone that I wasn't a 'lady'.

He glared at me. "I just don't like you. You can't have any of my food."

"You're just a child trapped in an adult body."

He just passed one of the meat sticks under my nose and proceeded to eat off it.

"Child," I laughed.

"May I have this dance?" Someone asked from behind me. I turned around, recognising the voice immediately.

"Nathan." I said at the same time Kofi said, "No."

"I didn't ask you," Nathan replied briefly glaring at his brother.

I gave him my hand. "Yes."

"You can't-"

"Try and stop me," Nathan told him.

He took my hand and led me onto the dance floor. "Hello," he said.

I smiled. "Hello."

"I must say, you look beautiful tonight. Though you're missing the happiness glow."

I frowned. "How can I be happy? I absolutely hate dresses like this. I hate this job, I hate, hate, hate everything about this day." Except the part where I won Michael back; though that might actually be a bad thing.

"I'm so sorry. Our father left Kofi in charge of his illegal business because of how unfeeling he is. We have no say in what goes on."

"I know, don't worry. I'm not angry with you... or Wolfgang."

"You've forgiven him already?"

I sighed. It made all the difference now that there was a slight possibility that he was hired to come and kidnap me anyway. What confused me was why he would lie for Michael's father. "Do you know who the third partner of your father is?"

"No. Why?"

"Um, would you know if someone hired Wolfgang to have me kidnapped?"

Nate frowned. "No. Do you suspect anyone did? Is that why you're asking these questions?"

"Yes. Can you ask Wolfgang -"

"Brother? Can I have her back now?" Kofi interrupted. As if on cue, the music died down. I suspected that he did that on purpose.

Nathan detached himself from me without looking at his brother. "See you," he told me.

"Nate -" Kofi called out but Nathan walked away before he could finish. He stared at his brother's retreating back, and I saw that he looked so sad. It was a strange look on him. He sighed and turned away from his brother, and his poker face fell back on.

He put his hands on my waist as the music started again.

"So you just made them stop the music so you could steal me back?"

He glared at me like I shouldn't even be talking.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were being greedy with me."

"I'm about to auction you off. Does that sound greedy?"

I shook my head, chuckling. "You'll see."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm sorry, I'm trying to talk as least as possible because you told me to."

"You could've just answered my question instead of saying that."

I ignored him.

He sighed and rubbed his face. "You're a piece of work, you know?"

I smirked.

The man wrapped his entire arm around my small waist and pressed me against himself.

"What are you doing?" I asked, feeling uncomfortable being that close to him.

"It's part of the dance." He replied.

I looked around and saw that no one was dancing like that. "Why is no one doing the same thing then?"

"They just don't know the dance."

"If I answer your question, will you let me breathe?"

"No."

I glared up at him but he didn't even see it because he was a few heads taller than me. I detached my hands from his shoulders and put them on his waist, seeing that it was easier to dance that way. Even with heels, he had at least eight inches on me so anything I had to do that concerned being on the same level as he was difficult.

Sadly, this was the story of my life.

The music ended soon. I was happy because that meant that I could sit down and that I wouldn't be so excruciatingly close to Kofi. Though it also meant that the auction had begun. Which also meant that anxiety crept its way up my spine.

What if everything didn't go as planned?

They began auctioning the prostitutes off. It was when I saw Ginger that I remembered Barbie. She wasn't here and I felt guilty for not thinking about her since Friday. I was supposed to go and see her again.

Ginger was auctioned off to a fine-looking Hispanic man with a lot of tattoos. He was gorgeous, really. He looked like some billionaire businessman who was secretly part of the mafia.

One by one, the prostitutes were auctioned off, until it was my turn. Surprisingly, the auctioneer left the podium and Kofi occupied his position instead. I was surprised they weren't hearing my heart thumping. It was so loud in my ears that I could barely hear anything.

"Now, this is a very special person, so I will take care of her auctioning myself," the curly haired man began. I glared at him as he held out his hand for me to take. Once I was beside him, he put an arm around my waist. "This is Elorm, the very first virgin to be auctioned off since the beginning of this honourable establishment."

Honourable establishment?

The people began to clap and cheer. I almost gagged, seeing the number of excited faces. What was so amazing about sleeping with a clueless newbie? I mean, why would you want to sleep with a virgin unless she's the love of your life or you're a virgin yourself? Really, I don't get it, I can't comprehend it.

"The bidding will begin at a hundred cedis. Any offers?"

If I went for something as mediocre as a hundred cedis, I would kill someone.

"One hundred and twenty." Some man said. There was laughter around the room as soon as he was done talking. Clearly, these people realised that I was worth much more than one hundred and twenty.

"Eight hundred." Another man offered, thankfully speeding the process up.

"Eight hundred," Kofi repeated. "G-"

"One thousand." A short man said. He was the stereotypical fat, rich sugar daddy type of man.

I was glad those lesbian women from the last time weren't around.

"One thousand and two hundred."

"One thousand five hundred."

"One thousand six hundred."

"Two thousand, one hundred."

"Two thousand, two hundred."

"Two thousand, two hundred and seventy-five."

"Two thousand three hundred."

"Four thousand!" Someone called boisterously.

I turned to look at the person who was smartly dressed in an expensive looking suit. He was very handsome.

Kofi frowned at the sight of the person. "Excuse me, sir, do you have an invitation to be here?"

"Of course I do. I wouldn't be in here without an invitation, you made sure of that yourself."

"I'm sorry but I don't remember inviting you."

"It must be the effects of old age."

The room rumbled with laughter.

I could just feel Kofi itching to retort with something very childish. "I'm sorry but I can't let you have her."

"You want her for yourself?"

"N-no!" Kofi replied, sounding very flustered. "I just won't give her to you!"

"Is there anyone else who'd like to offer something higher?" The very handsome gentleman asked the crowd.

But they must've been willing to pay much more than he thought because someone said, "Four thousand two hundred!"

"Four thousand five hundred!"

"Four thousand six hundred!"

"Six thousand!" The handsome gentleman said. The whole room went very quiet after that.

I doubted that anyone brought six thousand in cash - because he only accepted payments in cold hard cash - because no one spoke after that.

Kofi frowned very deeply. "Six thousand, final offer?"

"Final offer." The gentleman confirmed.

"Six thousand, going once. Going twice..." he stalled on purpose so that someone could give a counteroffer but no one did. "...no one?"

I chuckled.

He glared at me. "Sold, to... that gentleman."

I didn't care if anyone was watching, I ran - yes, in heels - into his arms and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around me, making me feel safe and protected and said, "You didn't actually think I'd let you sleep with another man, did you?"

"Of course not, Michael."

* * *

If you didn't get it, the 'handsome gentleman' was Michael. Wasn't that a wonderful turn of events? I know the Michael and Elorm shippers are so happy right now. (By the way, you guys should come up with a ship name for those two)

An update on Tuesday. How awesome am I?

I don't want this author's note to be long, but I just need to talk about this. Her name was Oluwatoyin 'Toyin' Salau. Obviously by her name, she has some Nigerian roots but she was an African American. She was at all the protests, fighting for justice for black folk in the US. This woman was raped and killed and her murderer is yet to be brought to justice.

I don't know if there's a petition to be signed yet, but I'm sure there is and I'll look for it and post it. We need justice for Oluwatoyin 'Toyin' Salau. Protect our black woman, and end rape culture!

Thank you.

Don't forget to vote! 🌟