Chapter 28 A Friend Indeed
The moment Elena stepped into the spa, she knew it was the perfect spot.
The air smelled of eucalyptus and citrus and it made the air calming and fresh.
Some kind of gentle instrumental music floated through the space, blending with the soft murmur of voices of other customers and the distant trickle of water from the mountain at the center of the lobby.
Looking around, she could see plush white walls, gold drapes and sleek marble floors that gave the place an expensive, almost unreal feel.
“This place is…wow,” Elena murmured despite herself.
Mandy beamed, clearly pleased. “I know, right? Come on, let me show you around.”
Before Elena could protest, Mandy was already pulling her gently by the hand, guiding her through the spa like an excited host.
“This is our hydrotherapy section,” Mandy said, gesturing toward a glass-walled room where steam curled and a few ladies sat lazily. “We’ve got mineral baths, hot stone therapy, and a detox soak infused with Himalayan salts.”
Elena nodded absently, her eyes unfocused.
“And over here,” Mandy continued, “is where the magic happens. Facial treatments. This one is the Lumière Glow, it's perfect for dull skin. And that one?” She pointed proudly. “The Rose Quartz Renewal. It helps tightens pores and boosts collagen.”
Mandy finally paused and turned to her. “So, tell me, what’s your skin type? Oily? Combination? Sensitive? We can do a quick patch test if you want.”
Elena blinked, pulled out of her thoughts. She forced a smile. “Mandy, your spa is beautiful. Truly. I’ve never seen anything this elegant in this part of town.”
Mandy relaxed. “Oh good. I was worried something was off.”
“But,” Elena continued quietly, “I’m not really in the mood for a spa day today.”
Mandy frowned slightly. “Is there anything you don’t like? We can change it. Anything at all. I know you’re used to the finer things.”
Elena shook her head quickly. “No, no, goodness, no. This place is amazing. You’ve done an incredible job and everything is perfect.”
“Then what is it?” Mandy asked gently. “You’ve been distracted since you walked in.”
Elena hesitated.
Her throat tightened. She glanced around as if to make sure no one was looking, then leaned closer. “My life is about to become a mess.”
Mandy stiffened. “What do you mean?”
"My marriage just might crumble and I don't know what next to do," she said hurriedly, still looking around like she was afraid someone might be eavesdropping.
"Okay, calm down. You're not making any sense. You just got married to a loaded man and the blogs are still going crazy about your union. Maybe you're just overwhelmed."
"No, Mandy. I'm not overwhelmed, something actually happened the last time we met."
Mandy looked confused but before she could ask any questions, Elena grabbed her wrist. “Can we talk somewhere private?”
“Of course,” Mandy said immediately.
She led Elena past the treatment rooms, through a quiet corridor, and into what looked like a small office tucked away from the spa floor.
The room was cozy and elegant with soft lighting, a plush couch, and several framed photos lining the walls.
As Elena stepped inside, her jaw fell.
Fashion awards, certificates and population magazine covers liked the walls.
“Mandy,” she whispered. “I can’t even lie. I’m so proud of you. You’ve done so well since you left.”
Mandy laughed softly. “I try. But I still look up to people like you, you are the real business mogul. Your father's company is thriving, all thanks to you.”
Elena shook her head faintly. “You give me too much credit.”
Mandy closed the door and gestured to a chair. “Sit. Talk to me.”
Elena sat, hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her voice came out low. “Can I trust you with a secret?”
“You’re my friend, your secret is mine to keep.”
“Someone’s blackmailing me.”
“Oh my God,” Mandy breathed. “Do we need to call the police?”
“No,” Elena said quickly. “We can’t.”
“Why not?”
“He has something on me,” Elena whispered. “If we go to the police, he’ll release it.”
Mandy’s eyes widened. “What happened? Elena, did you kill somebody?”
“What?” Elena scoffed weakly. “No.”
“Is the bankruptcy story true? Did you steal something?”
“It's true but I didn't steal, nothing like that.”
Mandy leaned forward. “Then what is it?”
Elena closed her eyes, shame flooding her chest. “It has to do with my personal life.”
Mandy tilted her head. “Oh.” Then, softly she added. “It’s a sex tape, isn’t it?”
Elena opened her eyes slowly.
“Yes.” Elena nodded. “He’s blackmailing me with it. I don’t know what to do.”
For a moment, Mandy was quiet. Then she sighed and leaned back.
“Elena,” she said carefully, “I honestly don’t think this is something people should be terrified of anymore. It’s the twenty-first century. You’d be one out of every two hundred women this has happened to.”
Elena shook her head vehemently. “No. I can’t let him release it. I have a reputation and it would bring shame to the Vance family. My father would disown me. And my marriage—”
She stopped herself.
“My marriage would crumble if I play the wrong cards,” she finished.
Now that she thought about it, she didn't even know how her cold husband would react to such news. Perhaps he wouldn't respond. After all, he was almost mechanical like that.
Mandy frowned. “You’re not thinking of paying him, are you?”
“I have to try,” Elena said desperately. “I can’t let my name be dragged through the mud like that.”
Mandy stood abruptly. “No. Absolutely not. These people are parasites and you never get rid of them, no matter how much you give.”
“But what choice do I have?” Elena asked, her voice cracking.
Mandy softened. “I don’t know how you feel,” she said gently, “but I can imagine how confused you must be.”
"I'm not just confused, I'm so terrified I've not been able to sleep."
"That's crazy. How could he be so wicked. You just got married, can't help just let go?"
Elena swallowed. “He gave me an ultimatum.”
“When?”
“Today.”
“What? Why didn't you tell me this when we first met?"
“It happened on the same day, right at the cafe after you left. I didn't know who to call, please, I'm so confused.”
Mandy looked stunned and then she quickly stood up and began to pace. “We have to think fast. Do you know if he truly has the tape?”
"He's such a terrible man. He could have them, I don't know and I don't want to risk it.”
“You're right. We can't wait to find out, you're already running out of time. Has he made any demands?"
“Not yet. All he said was that I should meet him at the hotel."
Mandy gasped. “Where?”
“The Pittman Hotel.” She said helplessly. “If I don’t meet him by tonight, he releases the tapes.”
There was silence and then Mandy smiled slowly.
“I have a plan,” she said.
Elena looked up eagerly. “What kind of plan?”
“You will not like it,” Mandy replied. “But I know it’ll work.”