"Even if one day I no longer want you, I will give you enough money to ensure you live comfortably for the rest of your life."
He looked down at me, a familiar and teasing smile on his lips, casually scanning my figure as I worked part-time at the library.
I paused while organizing the shelves, a soft smile creeping onto my face. Like every time I faced his unreasonable demands, I nodded without hesitation.
He hesitated, as if worried I hadn't understood, and emphasized his words.
"I said you must give up your studies and have no other men around you. Your entire life will be under my control. Will you agree to that?"
I obediently nodded. "Yes, Willie, I agree."
In my mind, a mechanical voice sounded, tinged with an almost imperceptible urgency.
"Annika, do you really want to choose this path? If you succeed in this game, you will die."
Willie seemed to have anticipated my reaction. He scoffed and turned to leave the library.
"Annika, you're just like a dog.
"But having such an obedient dog by my side is rather exciting."
His tone was cold as he showed no regard for the other people in the library.