IA'

orite girl. The job was simple; he'd dress me up, pay me cash, then I would provide him company at so

we pulled up near my apartment, the gentle hum of Mr. Lee's luxurious SUV faded into the background, his

sh, his Chinese accent curling around the words. He reached for my hand,

e been short in stature, but his gen

added, nodding after each word. His warm

eplied with well-rehearsed demureness.

nted you to have a good time

," I c

r, who handed him a white envelope.

replied, accepting the env

have a job... uh, tomo

the car. I was rather a

so I could talk to him in English. Since English is the Philippines' second language, his business associates spoke to him in that langua

air. "Take care, my old man. Wǎn'ān." Which meant good night. He chortled, kissed me on the cheek,

unbearable and suffocating. Or maybe tha

y-con dress, along with the sleek stilettos on my feet, had been bought with my escort earnings. For some, it wasn't the kind of job a decent woman wou

rivate websites, exclusive word-of-mouth, or discreet social media networks. Some catered strictly to high-end companionship, offering arm candy for businessmen and

or those who wanted them, providing companionship and social allure without the expectations that came with the darker side of the indust

I could make enough to support my family. Still, the stigma lingered. No matter how high-class the agency was or how much I told my

ame wrapped in gold silk and six-inch heels. Heaving a sigh, I crouched and

at this hour, distant laughter, honking cars, and muffled karaoke drifted from neighboring streets, indicating that the city was alive. But inside the apartment building, all

hone buzzed. I answered without

go with Mr. Lee?" cam

otest the nickname. "It went fi

. Did the old Chinese mogul

I laughed, despite myself. "You

ncy had the same p

your agency and wo

You're conventionally pretty. Besid

, our pep talk helping in the sm

shoot another Get Ready With Me TikTok, especially

s, it became a stage where ordinary people could become stars overnight. Suddenly, Tiktok influencers weren't just influencers anymore, brands started to reach out to them, offering collaborations and compensations. What started as random beauty tutorials, daily vlogs, and comedic skits soon turned into full-blown careers. Even A-list celebrities

e an audience, but still, it wasn't en

hould indeed film something. The algorithm didn't care if I was tired. If I wanted

knock at the door. I glanced at my p

possible weapon, but I couldn't find

," said a famil

again. Anxiety quickly

t's late. What

tions, there was absolutel

ou're just getting home now," he

rent, but barely. Nothing left to send home. "I-I'll pay tomorrow

slick with suggestion, "we can work

cut him off sharply. "I'm exh

, but it was enough for my heart to

rrow,

ing footsteps. Escorting might pay the b

start my night routine, dismissing this

om small brands that had reached out months ago. Out of habit, I then turne

t the restaurant. Meet me tomorrow at the

crossed my mind. That guy... Even with his so-called invitation, he st