12
~Bella's POV
"Oh, I forgot. Thanks for the reminder," the manager said calmly.
As I sat on the cold floor, trembling and struggling to calm my breaths, the manager crouched down beside me. For the first time since I'd come to this place, his voice wasn't sharp or condescending. It was low and filled with concern.
"Take your time, Bella," he said softly. "You're safe now."
I blinked up at him in surprise, tears still streaking down my face. Was I hearing him right? Safe? Kindness? From him? It was such a stark contrast to the man I'd known since stepping foot into this brothel that I could hardly process it.
He handed me a glass of water from the nearby dresser. I hadn't even noticed he'd gotten it. My hands shook as I reached for it, but I managed to take a small sip. The cool liquid felt like a lifeline, grounding me just enough to speak.
