The Slave of Pleasure

Rachel Entering that luxury mall was like entering a new world. Every detail was impeccable, from the polished marble floors to the extravagant storefronts that looked more like art exhibits than mere displays of clothing and accessories. I was enchanted, almost mesmerized, by the brilliance and sophistication around me. I never imagined that one day I would be in a place like this, with a shiny credit card in my purse and the feeling of being able to do anything. My attention was immediately caught by one store in particular. In the window, a cobalt blue silk dress shimmered in the soft light, as if it were there just for me. It was perfect, the exact combination of elegance and boldness that I had always wanted. I approached the store entrance, feeling my heart race at the thought of being able to touch that gorgeous piece.

As I entered, the soft scent of expensive perfume enveloped me, and my feet sank into the soft carpet. I looked around in wonder, each piece of clothing, each accessory, more dazzling than the last. I felt like a kid in a candy store, and for a brief moment, I forgot everything. I forgot why I was there, I forgot who I was before that moment.

Then, I spotted a saleswoman in the distance, standing near a glass counter. Tall, slender, and impeccably dressed, she looked like she had stepped out of a fashion magazine. With newfound confidence, I approached her. "Excuse me," I began, with a friendly smile. "I'd like to try on that dress in the window."

The woman looked up from the tablet she was holding and looked me up and down. Her gaze was cold, distant, and undoubtedly appraising. The smile on her lips was a thin line of disdain.

"It's very expensive," she said, in impeccable English, but without emotion, as if she had said that sentence many times before.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my cool. That answer was not at all what I had expected. I knew the dress wouldn't be cheap, but money wasn't an issue now, at least not anymore.

"No problem," I replied, still smiling. "I'd like to try it on, please."

The saleswoman's gaze became even more condescending, as if I were a child asking for a toy she couldn't have. She tilted her head to the side, watching me as if deciding whether I was joking or being serious.

"I don't think you understand," she said with a barely audible laugh, enough to make me feel small. "This store isn't for everyone. Maybe you should look for a more... affordable boutique. There, you'll find something within your budget."

It was as if the ground had opened up beneath my feet. A mixture of shame and anger rose inside me, burning my face. But I couldn't let her see how her words affected me.

"I want that dress," I repeated firmly, crossing my arms. My voice shook a little, but I kept my gaze fixed on hers. She rolled her eyes, clearly irritated that I hadn't gotten the "hint." Her face twisted into an expression of pure arrogance, and she shook her head, as if she were dealing with someone very foolish. "Leave," she said finally, her voice cold and authoritative. "If you don't leave, I'll have to call security." I felt like I'd been slapped in the face. My first reaction was shock, followed by a wave of anger that made me want to scream. How dare she treat me like this? Who did she think I was? But at the same time, I knew there was no point in making a scene. At least, not here. Heart pounding, I turned and left the store, shame burning in my chest. Each step felt heavier than the last, and the luxurious decor of the mall that had once enchanted me now felt oppressive, suffocating. It was as if every person I passed knew what had happened and was laughing at me.

I walked to the exit of the mall, trying to hold back the tears of frustration that threatened to escape. It all seemed like a huge mistake, a cruel joke of fate. The limousine was waiting right where it had left me, the driver, a middle-aged man with a calm expression, opened the door for me, and I got in without saying a word.

Inside the car, anger boiled. I looked at the credit card that was still in my purse and the note that came with it, thinking about everything that had happened since I had received it. The promises implied, the power it symbolized. And yet, there I was, humiliated and despised, as if none of it mattered.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my mind. It wasn't the end of the world. It couldn't be. If there was one thing I had learned, it was that things change, opportunities present themselves. But this... This was a lesson I didn't expect to have to learn so soon.

As the limo began to move, I forced myself to think about my next move. I wasn't going to leave that woman defeat me. Not like that. If I couldn't get the dress in that store, there were other ways. The city was big, full of stores, full of opportunities. And with the card I had in my hands, nothing was out of my reach. I just had to be smarter, stronger.

***

As tears streamed down my face, I sank into the seat of the limo, feeling the mixture of anger and humiliation tighten in my chest. How dare that saleswoman treat me like that? Every time I remembered her words, my indignation grew. Suddenly, the limo door opened, and Vincenzo got in. He looked at me with a worried expression and, without saying a word, sat down next to me.

"What happened?" he asked, his voice soft but firm.

I tried to compose myself, but his gaze completely disarmed me, and the tears began to fall again.