Chapter 18: One-Way Ticket

Lexie sat numbly on the worn couch in Carly’s basement, staring at the packed duffle bag sitting at her feet. Its small size felt like a cruel joke—it was all Carly deemed necessary for her journey. Everything else Lexie had once owned, everything that connected her to the life she’d had before meeting Carly, was staying behind. Carly had made that clear.

“This is all you’ll need,” Carly had said with a sickly sweet smile as she tossed the bag at Lexie earlier that morning. “Where you’re going, you won’t need much. I’ll keep the rest of your things here. You know, safe for when you come back.” The implication that Lexie would never come back went unspoken but hung heavily in the air.

Now, Carly stood by the door, her car keys jingling in her hand. “Time to go,” she said, her voice crisp with finality.

Lexie rose mechanically, her body moving on autopilot as she followed Carly out to the car. The short drive to the airport passed in a blur, Carly humming a cheery tune as if this were any other day.

Earlier that week, Carly had revealed the destination: a private estate in Dubai. “The buyer is a connoisseur of beauty,” Carly had said. “He’s ... particular. He requested a full medical evaluation and updated photos. You passed with flying colors, by the way.”

Lexie hadn’t responded, her spirit too broken to protest as Carly made the arrangements. A doctor—likely on Carly’s payroll—had conducted a thorough exam, taking measurements and ensuring Lexie was in peak condition. The photoshoot that followed had been humiliating beyond words, a final degradation that left Lexie feeling like nothing more than an object to be appraised and purchased.

When they arrived at the airport, Carly parked and turned to Lexie with a grin. “Oh, one last thing,” she said, pulling a folded document from her purse. “The car. I’m going to need you to sign the title over to me.”

Lexie blinked at her, momentarily confused.

“You won’t be needing it anymore, obviously,” Carly continued. “And I’ve done so much for you, Lexie. It’s the least you can do to show your gratitude.”

Lexie hesitated, the last flicker of resistance sparking within her. “But it’s ... it’s mine,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Carly’s expression darkened, her voice dropping to a chilling tone. “And what good will it do you in Dubai? Do you think he’s going to let you drive around? Do you think you even have a choice?”

The weight of her words pressed down on Lexie. She realized Carly was right—not about gratitude, but about her utter lack of options. Lexie took the pen Carly offered and signed the title over, her hand trembling as she scribbled her name.

“Good girl,” Carly said, snatching the paper and tucking it away. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

They exited the car, Carly dragging Lexie’s duffle bag from the trunk and placing it in her hand. Standing outside the terminal, Carly gave Lexie a final once-over, her smirk as sharp as ever. “You’re going to be just fine,” she said with mock encouragement. “He’s paying top dollar for you. Enjoy it. Oh, and Lexie—don’t screw this up. You only get one chance to make a first impression.”