My Best Friend's Camera Trap - Chapter 7: Chapter 7

My resolve to save Sophia burned hotter than ever. That online comment—whether true or not—changed everything. If it was real, then this wasn't just about abuse or hidden videos. Derek was profiting off her.
I ignored my husband's objections and raced back to her apartment. I had to know—was this really her choice? Or had he warped her mind so badly she couldn't see the truth?
Six years of friendship. I refused to let her be treated like some disposable object.
But when I got there, Derek was home.
The scene in the kitchen stopped me cold.
Sophia stood at the sink in a flimsy top, playfully flicking water at Derek as he chopped onions. He wiped his hands on her face, and she laughed, dodging away. He chased her, turning off the stove like it was some adorable game.
The whole thing made my stomach turn.
"Jasmine! You're back!" Sophia called between giggles, ducking Derek's teasing.
It was sickeningly sweet. Last night's tears, her desperate pleas—had I imagined them?
But the photos on my phone didn't lie. The videos showed their apartment—same living room, same table—marked by struggle. Some clips showed her willing. Others? Her cries for mercy before the camera rolled.
I waited days for a moment alone with her.
At first, she played dumb. When I brought up the lingerie photos and videos, she acted like I had the wrong girl.
But when I described her apartment—when I threatened to go to the cops—she cracked.
She begged me not to. Admitted she knew everything.
Derek had shown her the videos. He'd been good to her, she insisted—never letting her face be seen, no matter how much clients offered.
"Good to you?!" I nearly screamed.
Selling videos of her online was good just because her face was blurred?
She sniffled. "I didn't want to at first. It started with photos. Then suddenly, he wanted videos. I fought back, but… it was just us at home."
She claimed she'd been forced at first. But over time? She gave in.
The most violent clips—the ones where she resisted the hardest—sold the best.
And afterward? Derek took her out to eat.
That was her payment? A few meals?
Disgusted, I cut to the chase: "Has he made you sleep with other men?"
I expected a hard no. She'd been with me outside of work.
But she hesitated. "I… don't know."
"Don't know?" I stared. "It's yes or no!"
"Sometimes he blindfolded me for… roleplay. I couldn't tell who it was."
Her eyes told the truth.
After all this time with Derek? She knew.
"You've been brainwashed. This isn't love—"
"It's my life!" she snapped. "If you're really my friend, drop it."
Sophia was too far gone.
I left without another word. She didn't stop me, just watched silently, her expression unreadable.
I swore I was done. But guilt gnawed at me. I checked Derek's post and commented:
{Aren't you afraid someone will report you?}
The reply vanished instantly.
I went to his gym—he hadn't shown up in days.
One last try. I'd confront him at home, warn him he was breaking the law.
But when I reached his rundown apartment in the old district, people were coming and going.
Before I even stepped inside, I heard Sophia's moans.
I burst in—
And froze.
Sophia lay on the bed, surrounded by Derek and five other men.
"Stop! This is illegal!" I shouted.
Derek snarled at me to mind my own business.
But Sophia's scream cut through: "Jasmine! Help me!"
I shoved past them, grabbed a lamp, and shielded her.
She sobbed—after I left, Derek had dropped the act. Lured her here for these men.
Derek sneered. "What's the big deal? She's a cam girl. Everyone's seen her already."
I yanked out my phone to call the cops.
Then Sophia shrieked—and lunged at me, pinning me down.
Before I could react, Derek was yanking at my pants.
I fought like hell, but Sophia held my arms—just like that night when Derek had tried to assault me.
"What are you doing?!" I screamed.
Her voice was eerily calm. "Just try it, Jasmine. It feels amazing once you let go. Derek's good. They're all good. The videos are thrilling. You'll have men worshipping you. You'll be more popular than me."
I thrashed, but my clothes were being torn away.
One guy hesitated. "This… this is rape."
Derek grinned. "Who cares? Once we film her, she'll keep quiet. Five against one—you think she'll risk her reputation?"
Another chimed in. "Might as well have fun. Then we've got leverage. She won't dare talk."
Derek leered. "A trust fund baby's wife. A ballet teacher. Prime material."
Terror clawed at my throat. I kicked, but Sophia held fast, whispering, "Shh. It'll be over soon. You'll join me in my world."
I gritted my teeth. "Never. I already called the—"
Sophia clamped a hand over my mouth.
I couldn't scream.
I couldn't breathe.