InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Universe of Illusions ❯ Chapter 2 Wednesday ( Chapter 2 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Chapter 2: Wednesday
 
The taxi stopped before the entrance of T.Y. Harbor Brewery; a restaurant and bar with an urban waterfront appeal serving Neo American cuisine and located in the Tokyo Bay Area. Getting out of the cab, Kagome was greeted by a chorus of whistles proceeding from a building in construction situated at the other side of the street. A suited man did a double take, not stopping his trajectory until he walked into a streetlamp. Stifling a giggle, Kagome entered the restaurant.
 
She had tried to achieve a professional look for this occasion. Kagome wore an ivory silk business suit in a plain design, and held her dark hair at her nape with an elastic cord in order to not obstruct the beauty of her face. Her feet were clad in the tallest pumps she possessed, but even with the added inches to her height, Kagome would still have to incline her head back to meet the golden-amber eyes of Sesshoumaru Matsuki. She had done everything possible to prepare herself for that appointment, yet her heart kept on beating erratically.
 
Even though the place was full of people, she managed to immediately locate him. Sesshoumaru had spotted her as well from his table at the rear of the restaurant, and locked on her stunning blue eyes like some laser ray targeting its victim. He watched her, waiting for her to get closer to his table and for a moment, their last meeting flashed through both their minds. Suddenly, it felt as if Kagome was wearing nothing but that beach wrap again, her bare breasts and delicate rosy buds inviting him to make a closer examination.
 
“Good afternoon Higurashi-san, allow me to take you to your table.”
 
With a voluntary effort, she succeeded in calming herself and thanked the young waiter with a slight nod. Kagome gracefully followed him to her reserved place. Experience had thought her to ignore all the lecherous or envious stares that usually followed her as she made her way to him.
 
Sesshoumaru lifted from his seat and extended his arm to offer his hand in an educated hand shake. He acted as they had never met before.
 
“Sada-Higurashi-san, thank you very much for coming.” greeted Sesshoumaru with an elegant smile.
 
“Konnichi'ha, Matsuki-sama.” Kagome greeted back.
 
She took his hand for the offered hand shake, but quickly reclaiming it back in order to not risk revealing the slight tremor she couldn't control. Ami was already there. Kagome greeted her agent with a smile that demonstrated the relief she felt at not having to be by herself with Sesshoumaru.
 
“Hello, Ami. I hope I'm not late.” Kagome said.
 
“Of course not, we were just very early.” Ami assured. “Have a seat.”
 
While the waited held out her chair, Sesshoumaru was engrossed in a conversation with Ami which gave her the opportunity to study him quietly. In five years, the gorgeous man hadn't change much; save for the longer strands of silvery hair that now reached the floor, at least at the moment since he was currently seated. He maintained the same muscular physic and still dressed semiformal in a red silk dress shirt and matching white slacks without clashing with the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of their surroundings.
 
His facial features conserved that identical arrogance; high cheekbones, intransigent jaw and the same severely print turn of his lips. Sesshoumaru continued to possess a potent magnetism that was impossible to ignore.
 
Nevertheless, Kagome thought, that aristocratic charmer must have something else to hide. The world of photography was a very competitive field; therefore he must have something more to offer than his great talent as a photographer, besides knowing how to treat models, to have been able to get so far.
 
Even that field appeared to be only a phase to a road which looked to take him farther. The fact Sesshoumaru managed his own agency, something so rare in a photographer, had been a very risky wager that earned a lot of talk. However, his was extremely successful. Because of his reputation, all that didn't belong to an agency, the greater talents independent, his business had solicited a lot work, and that is how the Tenseiga Modeling Agency had become one of the most prominent agencies in the country, gaining some of the most creative and shocking campaigns of the resent years.
 
Perhaps it wouldn't be so strange if he had forgotten their first encounter. Kagome must have been a dime in a dozen, or hundreds, of naïve young aspiring girls who have passed by his studio. And Sesshoumaru probably tried the same thing on all of them.
 
Maybe it was just her imagination, but Kagome had detected a slight touch of irony in his greeting. Why had Sesshoumaru called her by her full last name when she utilized her shorter professional name of Kagome Higurashi? Perhaps he did remember their first encounter.
 
“I have been giving Kodama the details of the campaign.” he said interrupting her contemplations.
 
Sesshoumaru was comfortably reclining on his chair, watching her with an air of apathy Kagome remembered oh so well. She also noted with displeasure that even now he still had the power to make her feel uncomfortable.
 
“I believe it will turn out to be incredible.” Ami commented. “A true novelty.”
 
“The key concept in the campaign is `the danger'.” Sesshoumaru carried on. “We are putting an emphasis in `the danger' there is in exposing the skin to too much sun. The laboratories of Shikon Costmetics have invented a new protection from the U.V.A rays and want to introduce a whole line of products.”
 
Kagome had almost forgotten that smooth baritone voice.
 
“All the components are natural.” explained Ami and then addressing Sesshoumaru she added, “Kagome has rejected many offers because she doesn't want to dress in furs, nor wear products that have been tested on animals.”
 
Kagome returned his cold stare. If Sesshoumaru thought this was only about some attitude regarding fashion, she was not about to correct him. Her money problems were a secret she plans to continue to hide under the well constructed appearance of a rich girl that only dressed in designer clothing. Actually, Kagome only purchased garments on sale or worn gifts from the firms she had worked for.
 
Very few people were aware of the scandal that involved her father; fortunately it had attracted very little publicity outside the financial circles of Tokyo. And it is how Kagome wanted to keep things. The embarrassment she felt at discovering what her beloved father had done was painful enough, and in reality, she still hadn't recovered.
 
“Could we please stick to the campaign?” Kagome said sternly.
 
A mocking smirk crossed his features but her request was conceded.
 
“There will be a lot of coverage in the magazines and also interviews and television. The Shikon Girl will give life to the Shikon image: an excessive hedonist for the women who can pay slightly more. It is why we insist on a restricted contract; any other work you do will need to be subjected to my approval. We do not want the Shikon Girl to appear in any catalogs of low category. Of course, we pay that privilege handsomely.
 
Kagome instinctively went on the defensive, keeping her coldness intact.
 
“The money is not the only thing that is important to Me.” she made clear with a firm disdain. “I am only interested in furthering my career.”
 
“I understand.” Sesshoumaru said, his tone apologetic.
 
“You mention interviews?” she hesitantly carried on.
 
Sesshoumaru lounged on his seat and took a sip of his mineral water. His habit for not drinking alcohol was well known.
 
“It is going to be a global campaign. There will be plenty of traveling taking promotional stops at the most important cities here in Japan, North America, Europe, and Australia. I do hope you have a great deal of energy.”
 
Kagome responded to his last comment with an arching her left eyebrow.
 
“I am sure I'll be able to handle It.” she assured.
 
“This Sesshoumaru is happy to hear that. It will be a great inconvenience if you end up ill.” was his retort.
 
“I never get ill, Matsuki-sama. Never have I missed a single appointment, nor been tardy any time, as Ami can vouch.”
 
“You have an excellent professional reputation.” Sesshoumaru stated in a sardonic tone. “Otherwise, I would not have taken you into account, Sada-Higurashi-san.”
 
Kagome wondered, with a small discomfort, why he took her into account. She was not about to be delusional, she knew there were dozens of girls valued the same as her; on the other hand, the circle of rumors, always very efficient by the way, had not mentioned any other name but hers.
 
“What are the work's arrangements?” she asked taking control.
 
“The first phase will be the announcement on television, coordinating with the great coverage in the fashion magazines. We want to commence the campaign in April and continue on till August or September. We want to film a major part of the video in Thailand.” elaborated Sesshoumaru.
 
“When are we to start?”
 
“In December.” he responded.
 
Seeing the effect his response had in Kagome, he added:
 
“Is there a problem?”
 
“Only if it means we won't be back here in Christmas. I normally spend the holidays with my family.” Kagome said.
 
Sesshoumaru shrugged his shoulders; a gesture which demonstrated a positive condescension.
 
“It all depends on the climate in Thailand. December is the driest and coldest time of the year.” he said dryly. “To return back for the holidays depends sorely on how the work progresses during the month.”
 
“I understand.”
 
Not about to keep wasting time arguing with him, Kagome knew she couldn't convince him to commit into canceling any work during Christmas. Sesshoumaru was the type of man that was ambitious and enslaved to his work whereas the sentiment of others were of no importance.
 
“Kagome will be free during those dates. We had some things we had taken into perspective, but we can change the dates. That will be no problem.” Ami intervene. Then, turning to her model exclaimed, “I'm jealous, you're going to Thailand! I have always dreamed of visiting someday. I hope you allow her some tourism, Matsuki. You just have to see the Grand Palace in Bangkok, it is fabulous.”
 
“Matsuki-sama hasn't said he will be offering the contract to me yet.” Kagome reminded her agent, making the effort to keep Sesshoumaru's eyes.
 
Although she no longer was that adolescence whose vanity suffered under the indifference of that man, Kagome knew the rare color of her irises was a fortunate feature she inherited that facilitated in lavishing her future. Even in the world of fashion, where beauty was an exceptionally imperative factor, her particular stare gave a certain touch of distinction amongst the majority of models.
 
Then again, to Sesshoumaru this feature of hers was nothing but another adornment for the subject he had in front, not more important than the lamps and more likely less important than his cameras. If he was able to replace her with a porcelain doll that would follow his every command without any need for rest, the arrogant photographer would probably do that without a second thought.
 
“Do not cut your hair.” he ordered curtly.
 
Kagome felt true indignation. She had never had the slightest intention of cutting her hair, but at the moment, just to defy Sesshoumaru, she was seriously considering the idea. Sure, it was a childish act, after all she was a professional and personal feelings should never influence one's work.
 
“Should I interpret your command as an offer to sign?” she asked.
 
“Only if you want.”
 
Sesshoumaru was provoking a reaction. She felt a bit of excitement in the pit of her stomach. Not just for the money involved, although Kami only knew how much she needed it, but because after sacrificing her own aspirations to support her family, the strong young woman had placed all of her ambitions in her career as a model. Kagome wanted to reach as high as she could, and this was a big step closer. She couldn't allow herself to be frightened by Sesshoumaru's cold and sardonic eyes.
 
“Yes, I do.” replied Kagome with as much calmness she could muster.
 
“Very well then, I will discuss the details of the contract with Kodama.”
 
Kagome shuddered, dominated by contradicting feelings, satisfied with signing a contract so prestigious and lucrative, and she felt relieved to know that, economically wise, she had resolved her future immediately, but she was as well terrorized before the prospect of working with that perturbing man.
 
Fortunately, the waiter appeared bringing with him the first dishes; that mouth watering melon distracted her out of her thoughts. Kagome was one of the few females who didn't need to worry about her figure since she always preferred vegetables and fruits to sweets. She also swam everyday and practiced kendo and archery, activities she learned at the shrine from the time when she was still a child. Thanks to all these, Kagome maintain a strong and flexible body capable of posing during long excruciating hours or repeating the same numbing movement one after another until the photographer captured what he desired.
 
“Melon!” exclaimed Ami. “Why didn't I think of that? I am never capable of ordering anything besides a salad. The girls of this day and age don't realize the luck they have. When I had to pose, we needed to be as thin as a stick unlike today, now models are permitted to have some muscle. Moreover, you're more attractive this way. Wouldn't you agree, Matsuki?”
 
“From the point of view of a photographer, slimness is better for the camera. But if I have to speak as a male… I prefer more meat.” Sesshoumaru enlightened with a smile directed at Kagome. “In fact, a girl with a perfectly thin structure and beautiful breasts has certain advantages. There is no need for them to be huge; the size of a peach is just right.”
 
Kagome swallowed inaudibly, trying hard to control the rapid acceleration the beating of her heart had suddenly suffered. Sesshoumaru was looking at her in such a way; she had to struggle to keep from double checking if she was still correctly dressed. Images of that evening long ago flashed before her eyes and she returned to that innocent and vulnerable teenager, posing seminude for him, and her bare breasts hurting under his inquisitive scrutiny.
 
The more reasonable thing to do, would be to say she was not interested in the contract, immediately stand up and abandon the restaurant, except that will only serve to let him know how much what had occurred between them still affected her.
 
Could he still remember? Perhaps Sesshoumaru did not mention it to leave her wondering, like an entertainment of sorts. Or perhaps so she would see she was not worth remembering. After all, it had not been important to him; therefore it was logical that neither was she.
 
Fine, two can play that game. Her profession was base in the ability to recreate fantasies: a few touches of make-up, a different hairstyle, another dress and she could turn into an innocent girl or a cold and sophisticated woman, a simple peasant or an elaborate geisha. In this game she could be just as good as any.
 
“Who else will be in the crew?” Kagome inquired.
 
“I still do not know.” he replied, accepting the change in subject. “Though, Mizuno Jakotsu will be the make-up artist and Fletcher Yura will be the stylist.”
 
“Fletcher?” questioned Ami without the minimum intention of hiding her surprise.
 
Sesshoumaru nodded, he didn't understand why the employment of an ex-girlfriend would surprise her.
 
“She is one of the best in the country.” he stated.
 
“Oh, I agree.” Ami conceded. “And Mizuno is brilliant, no doubt. Who will be the photographer, you?”
 
“No, we are going to contract Tsuchie Kouga.” Sesshoumaru answered.
 
Kagome experienced immense relief after hearing that.
 
“Tsuchie? Doesn't he have problems with alcohol?”
 
“He has not tasted a single drop for a long time now.” he assured. “He has been working for me this year and this Sesshoumaru can assure you he is back in shape.”
 
“You are very generous to have given him an opportunity.” Ami commented.
 
“He is an old friend.” he replied shrugging. “He helped me significantly when I first started my business.”
 
From the moment she heard Sesshoumaru will not be the photographer, Kagome barely paid any attention. Managing an agency, even the contract with Shikon must be part of his many obligations. She probably won't have to see him frequently. How very pleasant.
 
The bored model drank from her glass of wine while Sesshoumaru and her agent discussed the many rumors circulating their elite world. Looking at them in such a good mood, Kagome remembered there had been talk about a possible relationship between them, a very serious one, or at least that's what some of the rumors said.
 
Sesshoumaru must have a special gift that permitted him to maintain a friendship with his ex-girlfriends, though that glance Ami directed at him was evident of something more than just friendship, while he didn't stay all that indifferent to her sparkling Japanese ingenuity.
 
Ami Kodama kept on being a very attractive woman, not in vane had she been one of the most sought after models in her time. Though now she was close to her forties her figure was splendid; she had great taste in fashion and her perfectly straight tresses at the moment reached the small of her back. Two times divorced, she still emitted an air of independence and classiness. Ami was the type of woman, who didn't need the support of a man, although in spite of all that, she still was not immune to Sesshoumaru Matsuki's enchantment.
 
Kagome speculated if they could still be together. Even though in reality it was not important to her, the only relationship she plans to maintain with Sesshoumaru will be strictly business. She had seen how the lives of many women became exceedingly complicated when being involve in an affair during filming, so she preferred to keep her personal life separated from the professional. And in case she changed her mind, that last man she wanted to be involved with was Sesshoumaru Matsuki.
 
Finished now with their meal and drinking coffee, Ami spotted an acquaintance at the terrace part of the T.Y. Harbor Brewery. She excused herself and made her way over to greet her friend. Kagome began to stir her coffee continuously without her realization. It was incredibly difficult to maintain her cold demeanor when she noticed a pair of golden eyes locked to hers.
 
“Are you done stirring your coffee?” Sesshoumaru asked with a slight laughter in his voice. “I should inform you that you haven not yet added any sugar.”
 
Kagome turned red and immediately placed her spoon next to her saucer. She cursed Sesshoumaru mentally, a man she couldn't seem to get rid off. With immense exertion she looked into his eyes.
 
“When will you announce you have found the Shikon Girl?” she suddenly queried.
 
“As soon as the contract is signed.”
 
Kagome look at him defiantly, marginally narrowing her blue-gray eyes.
 
“Who else was in your list of candidates?” she asked.
 
“Surely you do not expect me to answer that question.” Sesshoumaru replied with a smirk that was cruel and sensual at the same time. “It would not be very… professional.”
 
Kagome scoffed.
 
“I'll soon find out. Wine can be a very effective form of persuasion.” declared Kagome as she swirled her forgotten glass of wine.
 
Sesshoumaru released a malicious chuckle.
 
“Indeed. Well then, it surprises me you bothered to ask.” was his retort.
 
“How many models were in the list?” she insisted.
 
The glimmer in Sesshoumaru's eyes showed he appreciated her persistence.
 
“There was no list.” he confessed. “It is not my style. I have a list of requisites and I utilize contacts to find the perfect girl. This is an exceptionally important compromise for both parties; selecting a girl simply from some personal interview would be no different than deciding on a wife after only one night.”
 
Trying to calm her racing heart, Kagome lifted her cup of coffee to her lips and took two sips. The coffee was so hot; she scalded her tongue and choked. Sesshoumaru removed the cup from her hands while she tried to recover her breathing, conscious of the many eyes looking her way.
 
“Gomen ne” she said with difficulty, “it was… hotter than I expected.
 
“I am aware of that.” Sesshoumaru replied.
 
There was no doubt, from the look in his eyes; he knew exactly what had caused her embarrassment.
 
The only thing left for Kagome was to hope his other duties kept him from implicating himself too much in the campaign for Shikon. Yes, their first encounter had had a truly devastating effect in her life. Sure, in the course of five years, she'd grown into a very mature woman, though she had the feeling that fact wouldn't help at all against Sesshoumaru Matsuki's treacherous charm if he decides so to use it against her once again.
 
 
 
“Tennis? Why do you want to join classes for tennis?!” Kagome exclaimed.
 
“I have always loved tennis very much!” her mother snapped. “Even if I never had the chance to join when I was in college. Anyways, it's a very good exercise for me.”
 
“Sure. Demo… why does it have to be in such an expensive club?” she tried to reason.
 
“You don't expect me to go to one those filthy public facilities, do you?” the offended Erukiyo Sada-Higurashi protested. “If you want the best sensei, you have to go to an elite club. It is not something you cannot consider just to save a few yen.”
 
“Hai, but mother, his fees are outrageous.” Kagome complained. “Who is this professor anyways?”
 
“This way, I'll be out of the house.” Erukiyo Sada- Higurashi rambled on in a caring tone without paying much attention to her daughter's question. “I'll tell you, it isn't much fun to sit all day and not have anything to do. Unlike you, you practically live in the States…”
 
“Mother, I have to live in the States. It's were most of my work is involved. If I don't work, you wouldn't be able to join a tennis club at all.” admonished the exasperated daughter.
 
“Magnificent job you have,” the thoughtless older woman criticized, “having your picture taken all day. If you want my opinion…” Erukiyo trailed off after hearing the noise of an automobile parking on the gravel of their garden. “Oh! Souta is here.”
 
“My boy” the proud mother supplied, “promised to come at the end of the week and here he is; always keeping his promises.”
 
Kagome couldn't help the smile that erupted on her face while watching her mother stand up and run toward the front door to receive her younger brother. Souta had always been the favorite in her mother's eyes. It was surprising that in spite of having been spoiled as a child; he grew up into such a pleasant young man.
 
He entered the house beaming, like always, and accepted his mother's embrace.
 
“Konban'ha hahaue.” Souta greeted Erukiyo, then his sister, “Anue. I brought my friend Kohaku over to spend the weekend with us. Is that alright?”
 
He pointed to a lanky young adult with long dark hair climbing their front porch.
 
“Oh dear.” Erukiyo said frowning. “You should have let me know earlier to have had Kaede prepare the guest room.”
 
“It's not necessary.” her son assured unworried. “Kohaku can sleep on floor in my room. He brought his sleeping bag.”
 
“I don't want to be an inconvenience.” the other young man apologized. “I told Souta he should have called first.”
 
“Of course not.” Erukiyo guaranteed, proud in playing the role of hostess. “Come, Kohaku-san. Would you like some hot tea? I'm sure you are feeling cold after having to travel from Kyoto in Souta's old wagon with a broken down heater. Why he persists in keeping that old thing when he can just buy a new car is beyond me. I supposed it must be a youth thing, it that right?”
 
Souta exchange a sympathetic smile with Kagome. Both knew perfectly why he still kept the old Mitsubishi Delica Wagon. A scholarship was not enough to buy himself a new car; used nor especially brand new. And Souta refused to accept any more money from his sister.
 
“Kagome, be a good girl and place the teakettle on the stove.” ordered Erukiyo kindly.
 
“I'm afraid today is Kaede's day off,” she continued now addressing Kohaku while leading the way into the living room, “so we will have to manage by ourselves. I believe there is some cherry cake left. I advice you have some; it's homemade.”
 
The poor guy had been transfixed the moment his obsidian eyes landed on Kagome. He blushed at the thought of having the living `Goddess of Japan' prepare him a cup of tea. Kagome had noticed and sent him a smile.
 
“Konban'ha, Kohaku-kun.” she greeted amiably, “Why don't you sit down? The tea will be ready shortly.
 
“Oh, h-hai… domo arigatou gasaimazu.” the stuttering young man thanked.
 
Kagome headed over to the kitchen. In a moment, her brother joined her.
 
“How are you doing?” Souta asked holding her by her shoulders. “Sorry for getting here so late. The old wagon got overheated in the highway and we were forced to make several stops. How has hahaue been behaving?”
 
“Same as usual.” she responded with a grin. “She can't help it; these past years have been very difficult for her.”
 
“Hai. All that deal with Kaede-baa-san and the homemade food…” scoffed her younger brother, “Who does she think she's fooling? It's not like Kaede-baa-san is our house maid. She only comes to help because of Jii-chan.” Motioning to a covered cake in the middle of the table, Souta asked, “Is that the `homemade' cake?”
 
“Mmhmm. Does your friend like sugar in his tea?”
 
“Yes, two. Poor Kohaku, he was dying to get to meet you, did you know that? Just like all my friends. They have voted you the `Goddess of Japan'.” Souta stated.
 
“How flattering.” Kagome replied with a smile. “How are your studies?”
 
“Terrific. It's been hard, but that's was I expected. The only thing that bothers me is you sending me more funds. Now that I'm almost finished with college, I should be helping you; not adding to the load.” he responded.
 
“You are doing no such thing.” she firmly admonished, while searching for a knife in the kitchen drawers. “Besides, I wanted you to be able to finish college with excellent marks. If you leave it now, it would all have been in vain. If it will make you feel any better, you can look at it as a loan. When you are a world famous surgeon you can repay me.”
 
“I promise.” Souta affirmed taking the piece of the cherry cake Kagome had just sliced. “Are you not going to add a tablecloth?”
 
“Ah, yes, I almost forgot. Please bring it out; I think Mother stores it in the second drawer.”
 
“What to do think of her latest occurrence?” he questioned as he moved to do her bidding.
 
“What? The tennis?” she said chuckling lightly. “Well, like she says, it's a great exercise and she can leave the house. I don't like her being at home sitting all day long.”
 
“Yeah, except she could have looked for something less expensive. The fixed rate of the registration must be a fortune alone, so just imagine the rate for the tennis court rental and the classes. And she expects you to pay for them. It's not fair.” criticized Souta.
 
“Oh, it's not important.” she reassured. “What's more, starting now, we will no longer have money problems. One of the most important cosmetic companies in the world has offered me a contract. And I'm going to get paid very well.”
 
“Really? That's fantastic!” he exclaimed with sincere enthusiasm.
 
“It's not that big a deal.” Kagome shrugged. “After all, it's just another job as a model. Even though it will be on television.”
 
“Deep down, it's not what you wanted to do with your life, is it anue?” Souta asked her affectionately. “I mean, being a model. After I finish medicine, why don't you give veterinarian another shot? It's still not too late.”
 
“I'm afraid it is.” she sighed then added with a smile, “It's been two years since I utilized my brain. I won't be able to get used to studying enough to pass. Moreover, I'm not sure that's what I want anymore. I would try something different, maybe television. This contract might be just the thing I need.”
 
“Does hahaue know?” he suddenly queried. “If I were you, I would not let her know. As soon as she finds out you'll be making more money, she'll go out and spend it before you earn it.”
 
“I already told her; however, I don't think the news impressed her at all as much as your first weeks as a medical assistant.”
 
“Well, that's only because she dying to be able to boast, `my son is a doctor, blah, blah'. The fact that it's being made possible thanks to you has not cross through her mind.” Souta argued and added, “But I do. I really appreciated it a lot, anue. You have no idea.”
 
“Oh, come on.” Kagome interrupted. “Please, grab the cake and go to the living room. Rescue your poor friend who probably is about to go insane.”
 
“Kami, I forgot all about Kohaku!” he exclaimed disappearing through the kitchen door.
 
Kagome leaned on the kitchen table and exhale a big breath fluttering her bangs. She signed the contract with Sesshoumaru Matsuki. She sold her soul in exchange of her family's well-being. Well, not precisely her soul, but, speaking correctly, her body. However, she couldn't find the difference.