Chapter 102 Moving Forward

Chapter 102 Moving Forward
AMELIA

Pain woke me before consciousness fully returned.
My body ached. Deep muscle soreness that radiated from my core outward. Thighs. Hips. Lower back. Even my shoulders protested when I shifted position.
Four rounds. We'd had four rounds last night.
And I was feeling every single one of them this morning.
I dragged myself to a sitting position. Winced as new aches announced themselves. Bruises on my hips where Jeremy's fingers had gripped. Tenderness between my legs that made movement uncomfortable.
It was worth it, I reminded myself. Ten thousand dollars. That's what last night had earned me.
Earned. Secured. Whatever word made it feel less transactional.
I reached across the bed. I found the space where Jeremy should have been. Cool sheets. He'd been gone for a while.
Then I heard water running. The bathroom. And the scent reached me—soap, shampoo, and that particular cologne Jeremy wore. It smelled clean, fresh, and masculine.
He'd already showered. Was probably getting dressed. He started his day while I struggled to sit upright without groaning.
The water shut off. The bathroom door opened.
"You're awake," Jeremy's voice said. The mattress dipped as he sat beside me. "How are you feeling?"
"Sore," I admitted. No point lying when every movement betrayed the truth.
His hand touched my shoulder. Gentle. "I wasn't too rough last night, was I?"
"No. It was—" I stopped. "It was perfect. I'm just not used to that much activity."
"Fair enough." He stood. "Come on. Let's get you cleaned up."
He helped me to my feet. Steadied me when I swayed slightly. Guided me across the room to his bathroom.
The tile was cool under my feet. I heard him turn on the shower. Adjust the temperature.
"Take your time," he said. "Get cleaned up. I'll go get you some clothes from your room."
"Thank you."
His footsteps retreated, and the door closed.
I stripped off the silk dressing gown—wrinkled now and smelling of sex and sweat—then I stepped under the hot water.
It felt like heaven. The heat is easing the soreness in my muscles. Washing away the evidence of last night's activities.
I stood there longer than necessary. Just letting the water work its magic. Trying not to think too deeply about what I'd done. What I'd become.
A woman who traded intimacy for money. She manipulated the man she loved to secure her own future.
I wasn't a prostitute.
But close enough that the distinction felt meaningless.
I pushed the thoughts away. Focused on practical matters. Shampoo. Conditioner. Soap. Getting clean. Getting ready for the day ahead.
By the time I turned off the water and wrapped myself in a towel, I heard Jeremy return.
"I'm back," he called through the door. "Got you a dress. It's on the counter."
"Thanks. I'm almost done."
I dried off quickly. Found the dress by touch. Simple. Soft cotton. Easy to put on without assistance.
I emerged from the bathroom dressed but still damp-haired.
"Better?" Jeremy asked.
"Much better."
"Good. Because I have some news." He moved closer. I felt his hand take mine. "I transferred the money. Ten thousand. Should be in your account now."
My heart jumped. "Already? This early?"
"I woke up early. So I handled it before my shower." His thumb rubbed across my knuckles. "It's done. Use it wisely," he said.
"I will. Thank you, Jeremy. Really. Thank you."
"You're welcome." He kissed my forehead. "I have to go out for a while. Business that needs handling personally. But I'll call you later. I have something for you. A gift."
"A gift? You didn't have to..."
"I wanted to. You'll like it. I promise." He released my hand. "Luca's waiting. I need to go. But Amelia—"
"Yeah?"
"Stay safe today. Don't leave the estate without security. And if you need anything—anything at all—call me."
"I will."
Another kiss. This one is on my lips; it was brief but warm.
Then he was gone. His footsteps are retreating. The bedroom door is closing. Voices in the hallway—Jeremy and Luca discussing something I couldn't quite hear.
Then silence.
I stood there for a moment. Listening. I wanted to confirm that they had indeed departed.
Then I rushed to my room.
AMELIA - 15 Minutes Later
I redressed quickly. Jeans. T-shirt. Practical clothes for what came next.
Grabbed my phone. Checked my bank account.
$15,487.23
Ten thousand were there. Real. Actually transferred.
I stared at the number. It was proof that last night had worked exactly as I'd planned.
Then I called Elena.
She answered on the second ring. "Amelia? What's up?"
"Can you do me a favour? Book a taxi and come pick me up. I need to be picked up from the estate as soon as possible.
"Right now? It's barely nine in the morning."
"I know. But I need to register for the martial arts class. Today. Before I lose my nerve."
"Okay. Yeah. Let me—give me twenty minutes. I'll be there."
"Thank you. I'll be at the gates waiting."
I hung up. Grabbed my purse. My cane. Made sure I had everything I needed.
Twelve hundred dollars for registration. That would leave me with just over fourteen thousand total. Still a healthy cushion. Still enough to feel secure.
Still enough to build something that couldn't be taken away.
I headed for the door. Paused. A thought intrudes.
Alex.
I hadn't heard from him in—how long? Days? A week?
Not since I'd bought the gun and told him never to contact me again.
Part of me wondered if he was okay. If he'd moved on. If he'd found someone else to teach. Someone else to—
No. I didn't care. Didn't want to care.
Alex was the past. A mistake. He was a necessary evil to achieve what I needed.
He was gone from my life. And I intended to keep it that way.
I pushed the thought aside. Focused on what mattered.
Martial arts. Self-defence. We are building strength and skills that no one could take away.
That's what today was about. Not Alex. Not guilt. Not second-guessing decisions I'd already made.
I left my room. Navigated to the east wing entrance. Made my way to the gates where Elena would pick me up.
Ready for the next step. The next move in securing my independence.
I am prepared to become a self-sufficient person