"This is Alexandra Ruiz, she will be staying with us starting this day and onwards."
The master of the manor gathered us in the east wing. He deliberately introduced us to a refined young woman. I don't know why he summoned me for this. Maybe to humiliate me?
"Thank you for having me," she said demurely.
Bahagya niyang itinulak ang ilang hibla ng buhok sa taynga bago marahan na ngumiti. Mabini siya kung gumalaw. Hindi ko naman inaasahan na magtatama ang aming mata.
"Are you the headmaid?" she said innocently, I blinked. I was taken aback.
The young woman donned a lovely smile. Humakbang siya at inilahad ang kamay.
"Nice to meet you, I will be under your care."
Ayaw ko siyang mapahiya kaya kukunin ko na sana ang kamay niya nang bigla siyang inapiran ni Pietro.
"Who is she? bagong katulong?"
"Pietro," the master said in a warning tone. "Your manners."
"She's going to be your brother's suitable wife."
Pietro's eyes widened. Napatingin siya sa akin. He clenched his teeth.
"What about Nesrin?" he stepped forward to confront his father.
The master gave me a quick glimpse then he looked away. "She will be sent back to the red-light district."
"She doesn't have a position here."
I hung my head in shame. I wasn't hurt at all. Paulit-ulit niya itong sinasabi. I got used to it. And right now, I am more ashamed.
"Father!" mariing sigaw ni Pietro. "You can't do this to her!"
Namilog ang aking mata. I didn't expect that Pietro would defend me in front of his father. Nalulugod akong nakikinig sa depensa niya.
Hinawakan naman ni Pietro ang kamay ko at hinila niya ako paalis sa kanila. "Let's go, Nesrin!"
Hindi pa man kami nakakalayo sa kanila ay di ko inaasahang makakasalubong namin si Frodo sa daan na kararating lang. Judging by how he's dressed in a business suit, galing pa siya sa Capital at kauuwi niya pa lang. He looked exhausted, and I couldn't help but feel miserable.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Frodo. Panandalian lamang ito nang bumaba ang tingin niya sa kamay namin ni Pietro na magkahawak. His expression hardened.
"Where are you going?" Frodo said in a monotone.
Inismiran lang siya ni Pietro. "Let's go, Nesrin."
"Huwag mong papansinin 'yan."
Hindi ako umimik at hinayaan na lang ang sarili na magpahila kay Pietro. Ngunit hindi pa man kami tuluyang nakakalayo ay may isa pang kamay na humawak sa kabilang kamay ko, pinipigilan akong umalis.
BINABASA MO ANG
Under the Red-Light District
General FictionNesrin is the wildrose in the red-light district, a prostitution house. She grew up and spent her childhood in isolation. One night, she was caught by the manager and was forced to charm the customers by dancing. Because of her enchanting beauty, sh...
