Chapter 3

As Angela Candelema slipped into her pyjamas on Sunday evening, the lively chatter over evening tea with her flatmates lingered in her mind. Among them were Teresa, an Italian model and actress, and Gillian, a driven young investment banker—each a testament to the vibrant tapestry of ambitious young women making their mark in London’s social scene. Their conversations spanned from gossip to Angela’s blossoming romance with the charming surgeon, painting a picture of a life brimming with excitement and activity.

Yet, beneath Angela’s outward vivacity lay a persistent concern: the perpetual strain of financial constraints. Despite her relentless pursuit of part-time work, the earnings fell short of satisfying her aspirations for exploration and enjoyment. Faced with this dilemma, Angela contemplated an unconventional suggestion from Teresa—entering the realm of escorting—a proposition that conflicted deeply with her moral principles and self-image as a role model for her students.

Moreover, the impending visit of her cousin Daniel, who harbored dreams of experiencing London’s sights despite his family’s modest means, added to Angela’s turmoil. The prospect of fulfilling Daniel’s wishes weighed heavily on her conscience, especially considering the significant financial burden it entailed.

The following day Angela immersed herself in her role as a beloved teacher at the school, where her influence extended far beyond the confines of the classroom. With a mere glance, she commanded the respect of even the most unruly students, while her vibrant personality endeared her to all. Clad in conservative yet colorful attire, Angela exuded warmth and approachability, endearing herself not only to her students but also to their parents, who couldn’t help but be captivated by her charm and genuine interest in their children’s progress.

Despite the admiration she garnered, Angela carried the weight of her inner conflict discreetly, her unwavering dedication to her morals and obligations evident even amidst the facade of her effortlessly charming demeanour.

As Angela reviewed her bank balance after a long day at work, a sinking feeling washed over her as she realized the grim reality: after settling her rent, she was left with a mere hundred pounds to cover her expenses. Panic set in as she meticulously combed through her calendar, mentally tallying the mounting costs of her commitments and the added pressure of fulfilling her promises to Daniel.

Faced with the daunting prospect of juggling her financial constraints with her desire to provide a memorable experience for her cousin, Angela felt a wave of anxiety wash over her. The weight of responsibility bore down on her shoulders as she struggled to devise a plan that would allow her to navigate the precarious balance between her obligations and her aspirations.

That evening, in her bedroom, she changed into some of her sexiest lingerie and took some photographs and selfies. She was very careful to leave out her face. She emailed these to an escort website service with some details about herself and waited to hear back.

The next day, after work, she went straight to a dance class, followed by a meal with some friends from a drama group. They wanted her to act in their new play but she could not see where she would find the time. She cringed as she paid her part of the meal, and checked her emails when she got home.