My One-Sided Love

6. Come with me

San Lu let out a deep sigh and reclined in his chair, his eyes tightly shut as he pressed the space between his eyebrows. Assistant Harry entered the office, his gaze falling upon the president, who looked striking in his white shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a loosened tie.

"President," Assistant Harry approached the desk and placed a file before him.

San Lu opened his eyes and focused on the file that lay on the table.

"We have gathered information on a group involved in prostitution within the city, led by someone from our own turf," Assistant Harry began.

San Lu regarded him with his intense dark eyes, silently urging him to continue.

"Girls from various cities are being trafficked here through abduction, coercion, or bargaining. They are then subjected to months of training to prepare them for high-profile circles," Assistant Harry explained.

"Who is the mastermind behind this operation?" San Lu inquired.

"His name is Watson. He's known for his cruelty and dangerous nature," Assistant Harry replied.

"This kind of business didn't exist here before," San Lu observed.

"You're correct. Watson was operating in B City, but he was apprehended five years ago. Somehow, he managed to escape from prison six months ago and made his way here. He has now formed a new syndicate, incorporating both his old and new associates," Assistant Harry informed.

San Lu rose from his chair, sighing as he glanced at the file.

"If he arrived in this city just six months ago after escaping, it's unlikely that he could establish such an extensive operation in such a short time," San Lu mused, looking at Assistant Harry.

"Are you suggesting he has the support of a wealthy individual in this city?" Assistant Harry was taken aback.

"I believe many faces will be unveiled. Gather information swiftly and contact the commissioner for assistance," San Lu commanded, his gaze cold.

Assistant Harry nodded slowly and exited the office. San Lu sighed once more, fixing his eyes on the file that remained on the table. He picked it up, delving into its contents. It contained a list of previously apprehended members from five years ago, but the woman he had encountered was nowhere to be found.

San Lu vividly recalled her words, confirming that it was her first day with him. This meant she had been coerced into the business for a few months. He let out another sigh, placing the file back on the table, his dark eyes lingering on it pensively.

…

Mona Daly gingerly opened her eyes, feeling a dull ache in her stomach. She noticed a man standing near the window, blocking the sun's rays. Slowly, she attempted to sit up in the bed, clutching her stomach. The memories of the torment she had endured flooded her mind, and tears welled up in her eyes. Biting her lips, she sobbed silently, refraining from making any sound.

Mac turned around, his gaze falling upon the pitiful woman who wept before him. He had been involved in this business for over a decade, joining the group during his late teenage years. His loyalty and honesty had earned him the position of Watson's right-hand man at a young age. Throughout the years, he had witnessed countless girls being dragged into this world, subjected to torture. However, this particular girl was different. He vividly remembered that fateful night when he had first laid eyes on her, and his heart had skipped a beat. He had trained her diligently and bestowed upon her a new name.

Mac approached her slowly, taking a seat at the edge of the bed. Mona Daly raised her head, her tear-filled eyes locking with his.

"I'm not lying," she pleaded, "The dress is a gift from the man. There was a bundle of money on the desk, but I forgot to take it with me."

Mac sighed, nodding slowly as his gaze fell upon her stomach.

"Does it hurt?" he asked.

Mona Daly nodded softly, tears streaming down her face.

"Go and freshen up," he instructed gently.

Mona Daly nodded once more, slowly rising from the bed before leaving the room.

Mac entered the hall, where Watson awaited him.

"You called for me?" Mac inquired.

"Did the b***h wake up?" Watson asked, pouring himself a glass of whisky.

Mac nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on Watson.

"I have an appointment to take her to," Mac stated.

Watson looked at him with surprise.

"Excellent. She landed an appointment sooner than expected. Send someone else with her. You don't need to go yourself."

"I want to take her personally," Mac insisted. "What if she forgets to bring the money again? Besides, the client is a wealthy individual in the city. He requested to meet me. If he takes a liking to her, we can secure a substantial future profit."

Watson's eyes widened as he regarded the smart and handsome young man before him.

"I appreciate your dedication, Mac. Go with her," Watson conceded.

Mac nodded, then gazed at Watson for a moment.

"If she's going out, she'll need something to wear."

"No problem. Take her. All we want is money and profit," Watson replied dismissively.

Mac nodded slowly, then left the hall to prepare for their outing.

…

Johnny Lu entered the cabin, finding a man standing near the counter with his back turned to him. Brusquely, he asked, "What do you want to talk to me?"

"Come and drink with me," San Lu replied in a deep, low voice.

Caught off guard by the voice, Johnny Lu approached him reluctantly. San Lu poured red wine into their glasses, causing Johnny Lu to feel a sense of panic.

"Do you know where you were found last night?" San Lu asked in a low, deep voice. Johnny Lu lowered his head and gripped the glass tightly.

"I know," Johnny Lu muttered.

"What led you to become so intoxicated?" San Lu questioned.

Unable to find an answer, Johnny Lu nervously swallowed and remained silent.

"You have received a good education. What are your plans for the future?" San Lu sipped his wine and spoke softly.

"I haven't thought about it yet," Johnny Lu replied hesitantly.

"Then think. There is more to life than just alcohol and drugs," San Lu advised.

"Yes," Johnny Lu replied, his head still lowered, refraining from any retort.

"From now on, I don't want to find you lying on the road like a lifeless stone. Drink only enough to remain conscious," San Lu emphasized.

"Yes," Johnny Lu nodded, acknowledging the instruction.

"And if you ever need my assistance, you can come to me," San Lu offered.

"Okay," Johnny Lu replied meekly

"Leave," San Lu commanded.

Johnny Lu stood up from the chair and promptly exited the room.

San Lu gulped down the remaining wine and forcefully slammed the glass onto the table, shattering it. Assistant Harry observed the president, his eyes bloodshot and dark, filled with terror and contemplation. Before he could utter a word, San Lu clenched his palm, crushing the glass, causing blood to flow.

"President!" Assistant Harry exclaimed, shocked by the sudden and peculiar behavior. However, San Lu's expression remained devoid of any emotion, his eyes still dark.

"President, your palm is bleeding profusely. Please come to the hospital. Please," Assistant Harry pleaded urgently.

…

The car came to a halt at the entrance of the hospital, and Mac turned to Mona Daly.

"Come with me," he instructed.

Confused, Mona Daly assumed they were arriving at another client's location. However, as she lifted her head and caught sight of the hospital gate, she was taken aback. She looked at Mac, tears glistening in her eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling. Mac escorted her into the hospital, where she received treatment for her stomach ache. It turned out to be a minor issue, bringing a sense of relief to both of them. Upon leaving the hospital, they paused in the lobby, and Mac stopped to face her.

"What's the matter?" she hesitated to ask, studying his expression. He met her gaze, his eyes blinking, and tightly held his heart to maintain composure.

From the very beginning, she had noticed that he was always there to help her in difficult situations, and she had come to rely on him implicitly.

He reached into his pocket, pulling out a bundle of money, and extended it towards her. Mona Daly glanced at the money, then back at him, astonishment evident in her eyes.

"When we return, they will demand money," he spoke in a low, resonant voice. Mona Daly stared at his chiseled face, blinking back tears. Over time, she had realized that he was consistently supportive, always stepping in whenever she needed assistance. Despite his loyalty and honesty towards Watson, he had disregarded the consequences of going against him and had helped her escape that hellish existence. He hadn't allowed her to suffer without clothing, and now he was offering her money to cover their expenses.

She slowly reached out and took the bundle of money, her gaze lingering on him intently.

"I’ll be back. Find someone for tonight and remember to bring money," he stated calmly.

Mona Daly nodded, her movements measured, and he swiftly departed. She continued watching his broad back until he disappeared from view. She could never fully comprehend the reasons behind his unwavering support. A bittersweet smile played on Mona Daly's lips as she looked at the hospital gate, filled with a mixture of gratitude and melancholy.