Eternally Pérola: Divas Series - Book 3, #3

By Barbara Ricch

Pérola is a hard worker and works hard to help with the expenses of the house and take care of her special adopted daughter. She meets a charming man who promises her love, certain that she is reciprocated, leaves with her boyfriend for an international trip, but upon arriving at her destination, she discovers that love never existed and was just another victim of the international trafficking of women.
Samil, is an Arab sheik, a beautiful and upright man, knows Pérola in an unusual way. Touched by his situation, he decides to help her return to her country, but since the first encounter something has changed in her feelings. He gets confused and decides to stay away, but circumstances bring them back together, and this time the attraction is inevitable.
Pérola and Samil will live a torrid romance, but they will have to face many obstacles for love to prevail, including the difference in culture. Will this love be strong enough?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbara Ricch
• Release date: Jun 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781071552360

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Months before...

I'm sorry, Pérola, but we don't have structures and qualified professionals to accept your daughter here at our school.

I got up angry from the chair and hit the table hard.

That's absurd, it's my daughter's right to go to school.

I agree, ma'am, but our school is not prepared to receive mentally challenged students like...

My daughter has Angelman syndrome, by the looks of it, you haven't even read her file, have you? Her disability is intellectual, and I suggest you learn more about your students' condition before you turn them down.

I abruptly pulled my daughter's papers out of the principal's hands and walked out the door. It was just another negative received from the many schools I have visited, but I cannot give up, my daughter deserves and has the right to attend and interact with other children.

As I walked to the bus stop, I looked again at the list of schools I had planned to visit. I had just gotten off a twelve-hour shift, I was exhausted, but I needed to fight for my Bianca.

The bus was crowded, I tried to hold on, and even on my feet, with the driving bouncing back and forth, my eyes weighed and insisted on closing. Tiredness and a lack of good hours of sleep charged its price.

At the end of the morning, there were seven schools visited, I had one of the most varied receptivities and responses, but practically all were unanimous in their refusal, only one of them gave me hope, there were a specific room and qualified professionals to deal with special students, I was very delighted with the work they were doing in school. I talked to a psycho-pedagogue, and there was a team with several professionals who seek to promote strategies to enhance the social, cognitive and motor skills of these children, always according to the individualized needs of each student, everything was perfect, but unfortunately, there were no more vacancies, even so, my Bia was in the waiting line.

Even Bia in the waiting line, I prayed to my little Nazinha[i] as I returned home, I confess that full of hope and certain that I would never give up. I will always fight for her, for my little one, there is no tiredness or discouragement, only an unconditional love that gives me the strength to follow firm and strong.

***

Two weeks later...

I arranged Bia's hair while she was holding her stuffed butterfly Nina, it was the only gift her birth mother left before she disappeared from our lives.

She's been going to school for a week, luckily, I got her an opening at the school she wanted. My mother took her daily, it was a little far from home, but it was the only school that accepted my daughter, and luckily for us, they are wonderful and act in a partner and inclusive way with special children, treating them with all respect and attention.

Bia is enjoying it very much, I went together for the first few days and I followed her emotionally, how much she has interacted with the other children. At first, she had a little bit of fright and fear, after all, it was something new for her, but then she got used to it easily. I'm very happy with every progress she's made.

There you go, you look beautiful, Bia. Grandma's going to come with you today because Mommy needs to work.

Shall we, Bia? - My mother came into the room.

Hi, Mom, she's ready now.

Are you going to work now? she asked in surprise.

Yes, today I'm on duty at the asylum, I'm leaving soon, I'm even taking my books to study, it's usually quite there.

My daughter, you work so hard, you're so responsible and you still make time to study. You are my pride.

I can't give up on my dreams, Mom. I'll be a doctor, you bet.

I don't doubt it, Pérola, you're very smart.

My mother spoke with emotion, I still remember when she bought my first white coat, just before I started the nursing technical course, I still keep it as a trophy, especially the memory of how happy she was to know that she had a daughter who graduated.

I accompanied them to the bus stop and returned home. My family was just me, mom, my maternal grandmother and, Bia, the most important woman in my life.

My mother is an example of a woman, a fighter, and a warrior. She supported our family alone for many years after my father left for work and never gave the news, he left her with two small children to raise. She did a bit of everything, worked as a maid, sold vegetables at the fair, was a laundress, and lastly a chambermaid at a hotel, where she retired. She worked hard to raise us, and since she didn't have a chance to study, she always charged us a lot for good school performance. Today she no longer works outside, she is retired and helps me take care of Bia and also my grandmother, her mother, 86 years old who is still very lucid and healthy. I turn as I can to help her with the sustenance of the house and mainly of my daughter.

My older brother, unfortunately, got involved with the wrong companies, was killed in an exchange of fire with the police after robbing a gas station almost five years ago.

I work two jobs, in the morning in a clinical analysis laboratory and at night I shoot shifts at an elderly shelter maintained by an NGO. And I still get time to study and try to get into medical school, I even save money to buy the books and study materials necessary to fulfill my biggest dream, which is to be a doctor.

I'm 27 years old, four years ago I met my mother's love, my little joy called Bianca. Her biological mother abandoned her on our doorstep with a few months of life, claimed she was the daughter of my late brother. Since then, I have taken responsibility for her raising, caring not as a beloved niece, but as a daughter, like a piece of me.

I left a little early not to be late, I met Deise, my friend, and neighbor at the bus stop.

Hi, Pérola, I needed to talk to you. Remember that friend of mine who photographed you the other day while you were dancing at the Docks?

Yeah, I remember, what about him?

He asked a lot of questions about you; I think he's interested in getting to know you better.

Really?

He's a businessman, he's got a lot of business around the world, he came to Belém just to negotiate with exporting companies in Açaí, he said he's going to take it to his family's entire network of restaurants and snack bars abroad. I'm waiting for him to come to pick me up, will you take a ride?

Is he coming here now?

Yeah, I'm going to my college, I'll lock up this semester, I'll be gone for two months, I'm going on an exchange in Canada, isn't that great? Robert got it for me, a friend of his owns an employment agency, all it took was one phone call for him to get me a job as a babysitter too.

Robert, is that his name?

That's his name?

A few moments later a luxurious car parked next to us, the window came down and it was this Robert, Deise's friend, she waved quickly and pulled my hand towards the car.

Come on, you're going with us.

I didn't protest, I needed that ride.

He was even a handsome boy, dressed well, wore expensive clothes, watches, and gold strings around his neck, not to mention the valuable car he was driving.

Go ahead, Pérola.

She opened the passenger door for me to get in, I was disconcerted, obviously, barely knew him, but I got in, and then she did the same in the back seat.

Robert introduced himself and gave me a long kiss on the cheek. He smelled good and had a soft, delicate hand, whose notoriously never picked up the heavy to make a living.

We took Deise to college first and she soon dismissed us, then he left me at the asylum I worked at, we talked the whole way through, he was polite, funny and very kind, he offered to pick me up at the end of my workday and before we said goodbye, he handed me his cell phone and asked me to save my contact in it. So, I did, saying goodbye with a long kiss in the corner of my mouth, and then I left.

My duty was calm, as I had predicted, I managed to study a little. I left towards the bus stop, but I was surprised by Robert who was leaning against his car waiting for me in the asylum parking lot. I was surprised, I didn't expect him to be serious, I went towards him.

Did you come?

Of course, I'm a man of my word.

He kindly opened the door for me, and we left, I gave him the address, we chatted animatedly on the way, and when we arrived, he parked in front of the house.

Thank you, Robert, if it wasn't for you...

My thanks were interrupted by his soft lips that came up against mine. I reciprocated his kiss and enjoyed it.

I'm sorry, Pérola, I shouldn't have done that...

Don't be sorry, I liked it too.

Can I call you back later?

Yes, you can, Robert. Now I have to go, good night.

We exchanged another quick kiss and I got out of the car. I slept sighing and thinking about that kiss, it was wonderful.

***

A month later...

I had arrived from a tense duty at the asylum I worked in, Robert always picked me up and left me daily at my two jobs. We were dating, he was very caring and kind, he filled my mother and grandmother with affection, cuddles, and even gifts, even against my will. Even Bia was happy when she saw him.

I got up exhausted hearing a deafening noise, there were several men inside the house, all in uniform, I was surprised at the fact, I saw my mother signing some papers and went to her.

Mom, what's happening here?

She turned to me with a huge smile on her face.

He said it was a surprise, but you've woken up, so you'd better see how it turned out.

He who, Mom? What are you talking about?

Come with me.

She pulled me towards Bia's room, she didn't sleep much there, because it was too hot. When I opened it I was impressed, it was renovated and beautiful, it looked like a doll's room, all butterfly-themed, my little girl's favorite toy, with pastel tones, provincial furniture, colorful curtains, a huge shelf full of toys, plus an air conditioner and crystal chandelier with beautiful butterflies hanging.

How did you do that, Mom? I asked perplexedly analyzing every detail.

During his shifts, Robert ordered everything in secret to surprise you, child.

My God, it's beautiful, Mom.

I had tears in my eyes, I had always dreamed of reforming my daughter's little room, but I still couldn't afford it. And everything got a lot better than I dreamed it would. Still overcome with emotion, appreciating every detail, Robert showed up at the bedroom door and asked excitedly:

Did you like it, love?

I ran to him and kissed him. I was in ecstasy. 

It's beautiful, Robert, but you didn't have to spend so much to do it all, I don't even know how to repay you, it's...

My voice was interrupted by his question that left me even more surprised and somehow perplexed.

I know-how, will you marry me, Pérola?

My mother screamed with emotion, I was paralyzed by his request, I don't know if I was afraid or happy, but I was momentarily without a reaction.

I... I don't know what to say, we hardly know each other and getting married is something very serious, I don't know if...

Calm down, love, here's what we'll do, I'll take you to meet my parents in Canada, after we meet them, we'll make our engagement official and plan our wedding calmly, ok?

Canada?

My heart was pounding, I'd never left the country and going to Canada right now, it was wonderful news.

Yes, my parents are going to spend some time there, they are opening some enterprises in the region, so, I will take you to meet them.

All right, I'll...

Accept it, she accepts - my mother answered for me.

I... I accept.

We exchanged a new kiss, my mother left, and we were alone, I looked again at every detail of the room, it was spotless and my Bia would certainly be very happy.

Robert every day charmed me with his affection, attention, and zeal for me and my family, it was impossible not to be in love, even with a sudden proposal, which surprised me, but I was happy and sure that I found someone to share my life with.

Two weeks later, I was all set, I got a vacation from my two jobs, I packed my bags and was ready for the trip, although I was very happy, I was a little worried about my daughter, it would only be five days, but still, I was tense and with a tight heart, we never spent so much time away from each other.

I woke up hearing the plane taxiing on the runway, we were finally on Canadian soil. Robert seemed tense, the whole flight was cold and distant. I asked him a few times about what was going on, but he got disconnected and said everything was fine.

Are you sure it's okay, Robert? I asked again as soon as we got our bags.

Yes, Pérola.

He smiled, but he didn't look like my usual caring Robert. Still, I believed him, he was too happy to notice anything wrong.

There was a car waiting for us with a finely dressed driver. The journey was long and while the two of them were talking in English, I looked at the enchanted city.

A few minutes later we entered a property, it didn't look like a residence, it looked like some kind of enterprise, maybe a nightclub, nightclub or even a bar, I couldn't be sure, the signs were in English. We got out of the car and the three of us entered through a door on the side of the property, which gave access to a huge room. I figured it was a nightclub, judging by the decor and the furniture.

Two men sitting near the wooden counter, we walked towards them.

Since we got out of the car, Robert hasn't looked at me anymore, he hasn't talked to me either. He walked away and talked quickly with the other two men who seemed to be waiting for us. He pointed a few times at me, then took a suitcase from the hands of one of them and greeted them cheerfully.

As if I was a stranger, he passed me by and did not look at me or speak any words, left me alone with the driver and the other men, I didn't understand his intention and tried to follow him.

Robert, what's happening? Robert... I screamed.

He didn't answer and the doors closed before I could cross them. As soon as I touched the door handle, I was stopped by two of the men, who grabbed me by the arms with all their strength, preventing me from continuing.

Let me go, please, I need to talk to him.

Take it easy, cutie, it'll be all right. one of them said with a loaded accent, seemed to speak Spanish or French, maybe.

I sneezed and tried to get rid of both of them, I screamed and begged, and they didn't sketch any reaction. I saw one of them with a syringe and a needle, at that moment I was even more desperate, then I felt a slight sting in my arm and soon my eyes went dark.

My whole body was lethargic, I heard some distant voices, but I couldn't react or say anything, I was lying down and apparently in a moving vehicle, I couldn't open my eyes, much less move my hands and legs, they seemed to be tied up, I heard male voices and again everything went dark.

I woke up with a lot of headaches, I was lying on the floor of a dark room, I had no idea where I was and for how many days I was in this condition, certainly doped. I heard the door open and the light invading the room, a man came in and before I could even ask for help, he suddenly lifted me and dragged me by the arm through huge corridors, as if carrying a worthless object.

I need to see Robert, please, I begged.

Shut up, you little bitch, don't you understand? Robert's just a trafficker of women, he's paid to bring sluts like you to us. You belong to us now, you're our merchandise.

No, no, he's my boyfriend and I came to meet my parents-in-law, there's something wrong here, they're confusing me with someone.

He laughed debaucherously and said some words in another language that I had no idea what they meant.

I have to admit, he was pretty creative this time, girlfriend? Parents-in-law?

He kept laughing and led me down the hall. He opened a door and threw me into a glass box. I looked perplexed, incredulous, I was on some kind of stage, and there were several women inside other boxes, which looked more like cages, just like mine, as if we were merchandise on display in a window for sale.

My despair was huge, that image was the confirmation of what I did not want to believe: Robert sold me like a cheap object.

I watched in shock, some women showing off and smiling as if they agreed and were happy with the situation, and others, like me, crying and protesting uncontrollably.

There was an audience evaluating and pointing in our direction, even with our desperation, they seemed not to care and continued with their choices as if we were merchandise.

I couldn't believe what I was seeing, how could Robert fool me to such a point? I kept crying, put my hands on my face, and only then did I realize what I was wearing, it was ridiculous and tiny, my body was practically all exposed. At that moment the naked reality outlined itself before me: I was sold as merchandise by the man I thought was the right one to share life with, with whom I truly fell in love.

I desperately hit the glass, then two lugs pulled me by the hair, shouted an infinity of curses, although in another language, for the gestures and screams were certainly not pleasant words. One of them slapped me hard in the face and pulled my hair back, exposing my neck, squeezed it tightly and pressed me against the wall.

His Spanish accent was perceptible, he took a deep breath, still very angry, and spoke in a slightly softer tone:

Listen here, Paola, you're our property, you hear me? You'll only leave here dead or if you've bought, and you'd better behave yourself or your demented daughter, what does she call it again? he paused as if trying to remember. Bianca, I remembered, she'll suffer the consequences.

His words were like a punch in my stomach, I shut up in the face of her threats, my world collapsed there, the moment I realized that my daughter was at risk for her life, I can't allow anything to happen to her, my little butterfly.

No... don't go near her I murmured almost inaudibly.

So, behave yourself, you're worth a good deal of money, you'd better sit tight, or you'll know...

Another man has approached us.

A client wanting to see you.

Your name is Paola now, be good merchandise and don't get in the way of our business, I think we understand each other, right?

Your tone was threatening, I nodded positively, but I would never agree to be sold. The second man led me to a reserved room.

Don't look at their faces, he warned me.

When we entered, two men wore loose clothes, a sort of robe and had their heads covered, they looked Arabic, I didn't look directly at them, I kept my head down.

While they were talking, in a language I didn't recognize, certainly negotiating me, the only thing I could think of was how to get out of this hell and get revenge on Robert.

Speak your name, Paola. the man squeezed my arm tightly for me to speak.

I am not Paola, my name is Pérola.

He pressed harder and approached my ear.

You were the one he said you were, now your name is Paola. Put a smile on that face and repeat your name to them, and pray they buy you or I'll have the greatest pleasure in fucking you with a gagged mouth, you bitch.

He spoke so naturally as if he was reciting poetry in my ear.

What's your name, honey? he repeated the question satisfied.

My name is Pérola, eternally Pérola.

I felt his fury strike my neck, I tried to avoid his blow, but he was much stronger than me, I still looked at the two men in front of me, who seemed not at all bothered by the situation, until my eyes half-closed and I lost my senses.

CHAPTER 1

Pérola

3 days later...

I've spent the worst days of my life since I got here, a strange country I wasn't even sure which was. I was isolated in a dark room, like a prisoner, receiving water and food once a day, through a small crack in the door.

For three days I haven't slept properly, I haven't showered, and I can't stop crying, I still can't accept that I fell into a cunning trap like that.

The walls of the dark, stinking room were the only things I have seen in the last few days. I slept on the floor in the cold, went hungry, and cried thinking about my daughter, my little girl, and my mother and grandmother. I was powerless, helpless, and unable to help them because I know that they are also at risk for their lives.

I needed to calm down, try to think wisely, and find a way out of all this. Minutes later the door opened, and two men came in, I sat down quickly and before I could even say anything, one of them raised me by the arm sharply.

Are you calmer, little nervous?

They put a dark hood over my head and immobilized my hands back. They drove me a long way and threw me into another room, took off my hood. and then left.

I was in the back of a truck, there were six other women with me, all immobilized like me, some were crying, others were more serious, harassed, and silent. Behind us, there were several boxes possibly to keep us hidden.

Does anyone here speak my language? I asked.

I do, I'm Brazilian, and you? one of them answered.

Me too, how did you get here?

I was tricked, they promised me a job as a nanny in Portugal and here I have been in their hands for two months, I am Dalila.

My name is Pérola, how can we get out of here?

I have no idea, we always get isolated and from time to time they throw us in trucks like these and take us to new places. I've been forced to prostitute myself, starved, humiliated, beaten up, and live in hell ever since I fell into the hands of these damned.

The car started to move, the other women were silent and looked at us scared as we talked. Their gaze made me desperate, there was real fear which scared me and gave me an idea of the hell I was in, and the atrocities I would still face.

I can imagine, I am so far unable to accept that this is real, I still think I am living a nightmare.

I understand you, I've gotten too much to accept and allow those pigs to possess my body. I am disgusted with myself, disgusted with my body, with my mouth, with those hands touching me, I get desperate when I see the night coming because I know that I will have to prostitute myself again.

We need to find a way out of here, Dalila.

I'm sorry, Pérola, the only way is by paying the debt we're supposed to have with them, and even though we work hard and earn huge tips, the debt still only increases. They know everything about us, they know about our relatives and they don't hesitate to kill us and even less those we love.

We can't give up, Dalila, we have to find some way to get away from them.

I have seen women being killed, raped and family members have the same end, I have two sisters and I can never offer them that risk, so I will bear it until the day I can get rid of them.

You can't give up, we have to try something.

It's too dangerous, Pérola, believe me, I know what I'm saying, but you have a very real chance to get rid of them.

How?

She pointed at my arm.

That red ribbon on your arm is your passport to getting rid of them. That indicates you're already sold, which means somebody's already paid a lot of money for you.

What do you mean, someone?

They sell us to very rich men, some treat us like wives, others like sex slaves, it's lucky, but I believe it's easier to get away from them than from these bandits who arrest us and think we're merchandises.

How do you know that?

They had two sisters here, one of them was bought by a very rich sheik to be his second wife, then she came back to buy her sister. And she had a red ribbon on her wrist just like you.

You think that's why they didn't do anything to me?

Sure, you must be worth some good money. You're pretty and young.

How crazy, Dalila, I need to get out of here. I have a special daughter, I help with expenses at home, I need to go back to Brazil.

Your biggest chance is when you get out of the hands of these crazy people.

The vehicle stopped, shortly after the doors were opened, the men entered again and hooded us, they pulled us out of the truck abruptly.

It was day, even with the dark hood, I could see that it was day, they drove us for a short ride and put us in a room, then they threw bags with clothes and a box of pizza and soft drinks.

Eat and get ready, in forty minutes I'll be back to pick you up.

He repeated in Spanish and in another language that I had no idea what it was, he went out and locked the door.

The women jumped on the pizza boxes in despair, I was hungry, but I didn't have the mood to eat.

Dalila brought me a piece with soda, we ate together, and then we sat down on the floor. This time the room was a little more comfortable, it had some old bunk beds and a bathroom with a shower, although it was very dirty.

Won't you get dressed?

No, I want to get out of here, Dalila.

You need to get dressed, soon they'll come and get us, as long as you've got this ribbon on your wrist they won't hurt you, because you're worth a lot of money to them.

I still can't believe it.

I know it's hard, but you can be our salvation, Pérola. she turned to me and I saw in her eyes the hope that mine did not have. You'll get out of this hell soon, you can report them to the police and help get us out of here.

How would I do that? Let's say I get away from my buyer, how do I know where you are? We have no idea even what country we're in.

We can think of a way, find some point of reference, here's a window, we can look, ask some client, without him realizing what we want.

And if we tell any client that we're hostages, can't they report us to the police?

No, Pérola, it's too risky, most of the customers in these nightclubs know that we're slaves to these bastards, we can put our whole plan down.

You who've been here the longest can try to get information.

True, they won't let you sleep with anyone, you're sold, maybe you won't even go out to the salon.

Wouldn't they? Maybe I could help I questioned confused.

No, during all these months, I've only seen two girls with this red ribbon on their wrists, they spent a few days with us, and they weren't exposed, they didn't go out to prostitute like us, they were in total isolation. The other day I heard two guys talking while we were changing clubs, one of them said he had an order for two Brazilians, one black and the other with indigenous characteristics. Many of us when we arrive in their hands are already sold, we are like orders, the customers ask, and they cheat us and bring us here. In most cases, they send pictures to pick us up and when we get here, we already have an owner, and usually, they get a good fortune.

How awful! I thought they got me into this because I'm black.

It's not about race, Pérola, but sex, it's enough to be woman and beautiful, that's what they want.

I think we're in an Arab country, I saw men in those long clothes and their heads covered. But I'm sure I landed in Canada.

They always do that, we land in one country and are taken to another, everything is meticulously planned, Pérola, they have been doing that for many years.

We need to find a way out of here. Register every detail, names, faces, everything, absolutely everything, we can both get it done together.

At worst, I want you to look for my family...

Don't talk about it, we'll make it. Now we need to get dressed, soon they'll come for us. I tried to cheer her up, but my heart had only fear and uncertainties.

We barely finished dressing in the ordinary clothes they brought us, and they came in to pick us up. There were two of them, they gave instructions in three different languages, then ordered Dalila, who was by my side, in Portuguese to follow with the other who left with the others. I continued standing, crestfallen, awaiting his orders, and as soon as we were alone, he approached me.

He looked at me from foot to head with greed, I felt a chill go through my whole body. He passed his hands on my exposed waist, then slowly descended between my legs, stopped very close to my groin, only the thin fabric of the tiny skirt separated him from my skin.

My heart seemed to come out of my mouth, my breathing was irregular, he said something in a language I didn't understand and smiled with satisfaction as he felt my fear, he seemed to take pleasure from it. He raised his hand and squeezed my left breast, I jumped up, followed by a scream, scared, bewildered, and he just smiled debauched, clearly enjoying my fear.

I wanted to test you first, you're pretty, girl. Here in the Emirates black women are valued, especially Brazilian women, owners of a sculptural body like yours-he turned around behind me. I like a steep ass, wide hips and a thin waist like yours, it's a shame I can't touch you the way I'd like. The women here are raised to be perfect housewives and mothers, not to satisfy their husbands in bed, which is why you are so valuable. Do you know how to samba?

No, I don't...

Yes, you do, bitch, samba to me, roll that hot ass I want to see now, all to myself. he's positioned himself in front of me again.

His big hands reached my neck so quickly that my only reaction was to try to remove them, even though without strength for it, he pressed firmly, I felt the air leave my lungs for a few seconds, I thought I was going to die at that moment, but he was relieving the pressure and let go of me.

I hope you got the message, now roll your ass, little bitch.

He took his distance and put some rhythm on his cell phone to play, I felt the blood boil in my veins and the hate consume me, I felt like kicking his balls with all the strength in my body, but if I rebelled it would be worse. I could put our escape plan at risk and my family's life at risk.

I began to roll over in disgrace and very scared, I turned my back to him so that he wouldn't see me crying, I tried for a millisecond to forget about this hell, and give the bastard what he wanted. I swallowed my pride, my dignity, and let the tears be my breath, I kept dancing, and my despair only increased when I felt their hands stabbed firmly in my waist.

He leaned his disgusting body against mine and rubbed his erection against my ass, I swallowed