A MAZE OF GREED

As she reached the second floor by descending the wooden staircase, she heard some faint voice coming from the third room on the left. Ruth couldn't help but halt for a minute. It was a usual thing to hear voices loud enough to be heard from where she was standing.

Florence was a young, mischievous woman in her late twenties. Ruth has met her occasionally but never talked to her more than the general conversation. Florence was not as beautiful as Ruth, but she had that charismatic personality that drew many men towards her and got women jealous.

She was a bold and carefree woman who did what she wanted. She was not one to care about the world as she had only one motto in life- earn as much money as she can and in any way. But she was not a selfish person.

Even though the neighbours disliked her very much, Ruth has concluded that there was a good heart hidden under that mask of ignorance.

Florence was also an orphan just like Ruth and lived a pain-staking life in her young age, but as she grew up in a confident woman with a body to die for, she knew what she had to do to fulfil her life's motto. Thus, she chose the easiest way to earn money which Ruth could never imagine for herself no matter what.

Many rich men from the western side were frequent visitors of Florence who spent the uncountable nights behind those close doors with her. People around knew what business they got there, but no one dared to reprimand Florence as she had good relations with the wealthy masters of the town. Besides, she owned that room a few years ago when she earned enough money from her 'business'.

Ruth has seen many men belonging to different ages visit Florence, and she knew exactly the meaning of those voices she heard every time she used the stairs. But she was not someone to judge people quickly. She was aware of what people in the town think of Florence, but she also knew that one should not judge a book by its cover.

Her opinion about Florence was that even though she didn't like her 'business' it was Florence's choice and she had every right to do as she pleases unless and until it didn't harm anyone. Who knows she might have left with no other choice than to accept this profession against her will.

A loud giggle brought Ruth out of her world of thoughts, and involuntary her ears strained a bit to catch the voices coming from behind the closed doors. She bit her lower lip unable to move from her spot. She could hear some faint conversation but couldn't decipher it from the distance.

Suddenly the door burst open and a bald man with a potbelly stepped outside. He was covered in a dress made of a good quality fabric which had wrinkles here and there with jewellery adorning his petite figure. He was not aware of Ruth's presence as his eyes were fixated on the figure behind him.

Followed by him, a woman appeared in the door. Ruth could see only half of her form from where she stood and yet she could figure that the woman was wrapped up in a white cloth that barely covered her hourglass-shaped body. Her brunette curls were descending loosely from her head. Her square-shaped face had exotic cat-like brown eyes which glinted with naughtiness. Her luscious, full and glossy lips curved in a Cheshire smile showing off her pearly white teeth.

She stood leaning on the door frame gazing at the man in front of her with a seductive look on her face while the said man was still gawking at her barely covered body as if he was not satisfied even after a whole night.

Florence tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and spoke in her sugar-coated sweet voice, "I wish you could stay a little longer, my master." A small frown appeared on her forehead as her lips curled up in a little pout. She even took measures to run her delicate finger seductively on the man's face from his temples to his chin.

The man visibly gulped trying to wet his dry throat. "Don't worry, dear. I will be back again tomorrow night with a small gift for you." The man stated, trying to control his lust.

His statement brought a full smile on Florence's face as she loved the gifts she got from her visitors as they usually consisted of an ornament, money, gold, pearls or expensive fabrics.

"Of course. I will be waiting for you, master!" She winked at the man then laughed heartily.

Her reaction made the man smile too. "Ok then. I have to go now. See you tomorrow." He turned after bidding goodbye, and that was when they noticed awkwardly standing Ruth, who was witnessing their exchange with wide eyes and pink cheeks.

Florence was the one who saved Ruth from further embarrassment. "Oh, Hello Ruth. Good morning!" She said with a genuine smile.

Ruth was too stunned to reply instantly. "Uh- Hello. G-Good morning, Florence!" She stuttered.

"Now who is this lovely young lady here?"

And that was when Ruth looked at the man, who stared at her intently, taking in her form from head to toe.

Ruth felt her skin crawling under his lustful gaze, making her want to slap a sense into him.. Before Florence could answer, Ruth ran down the stairs without sparing them another glance.