2

"What? You're unusually kind, Sean," Hera's heart raced as she remained kneeling in her current position. Well, at least she could identify this kind man. His name was Sean.

"Thank you, Mr. Sean. I'm deeply sorry for what happened tonight," Hera said afterwards.

Sean looked at Hera, even smiling faintly upon hearing her, "Stand up, it's not nice if others see you like that."

Hera blushed again. Oh, this kind man made Hera regret her actions so much. She had been so reckless.

Obediently, Hera stood up and nodded, "I'll replace your drink with a new one. Please wait a moment."

Hera immediately left and was followed by David afterward.

"You're very kind, for once," Nick, Sean's friend who had been instigating the situation, said.

"It's none of your business," Sean replied, then smiled to himself.

On one hand, David immediately instructed other staff to make a new drink for Sean.

"No, let me do it. After all, I'm the one at fault for what happened," Hera said. But still, David shook his head.

"Sit with me, as we agreed before, okay?" David said to her.

Hera sighed. She nodded and then followed David towards table number 6. It could be said that the table between Sean - Nick and David - Hera wasn't too far.

"I feel you've been very tired lately. How's your mother?" David asked suddenly.

"Getting more critical, according to the doctors," Hera said, bowing her head.

Both of them fell silent for a moment after hearing Hera's answer.

"Just let me know if you need anything. I'll help you, gladly," said David, a statement Hera had heard very often. Moreover, Hera had often received help from David.

But this time, Hera would try to manage on her own. Besides, she hadn't repaid all the money she borrowed from David so far.

"Sure, thank you. You and the staff here are very kind, I'm so-"

Drrt! Drrt!

Hera paused her speech, and then she asked David for permission to take the call.

"Hello, good evening, Hera."

"Hello, good evening, Sus. Is my mother okay?"

"Your mother is fine. I'm calling you tonight on the orders of the doctor who is handling your mother. He wants you to meet him tonight or tomorrow. Don't rush, the doctor just wants to chat and give you something."

Hera took a long breath upon hearing it. This time, Hera thought she knew what it was about.

Of course, about the next expenses.

"Okay, thank you for the information."

"You're welcome, Hera."

The call ended. Hera then returned her focus to the details of the hospital expenses she had learned earlier that morning.

"100 million, that's a lot of money. I don't know how to get that much money quickly," Hera muttered to herself.

"Hera, is something wrong?" David asked suddenly.

Hera blinked, then smiled, and tried to put aside her thoughts about hospital expenses for the time being, "Nothing. I'll get back to work before my shift ends."

Before Hera could stand up, David suddenly stopped her. This instantly made Hera turn, "What's wrong, David?"

"Come back earlier and take care of your mother. Even tomorrow, you can have your day off again," David said then.

Ah, Hera didn't know how to repay this man's kindness.

***

Hera decided to return home earlier that night. She didn't even say goodbye to David, as he was meeting an old friend. So, Hera decided not to disturb him.

"I have to go to the hospital, and it seems I'll be staying there tonight," Hera muttered as she opened the back door and then walked away from the kitchen.

The atmosphere was so quiet and dark, in contrast to the bustling and brightly lit front of the restaurant.

Hera wasn't afraid because she was used to going through the back door when she returned home.

But suddenly, she heard something behind her.

Hera paused for a moment; somehow, her heart was pounding heavily that night.

"No need to be afraid, it's me."

Hera frowned upon hearing the voice. It certainly wasn't unfamiliar to her. Instantly, she turned to the back.

"Ah, Mr. Sean. But, why are you here?" Hera asked, looking surprised. There was Sean, who had just finished his activity, smoking and leaning against the wall near the back door of the restaurant.

"Waiting for you, of course," Sean replied.

Hera fell silent for a moment. Waiting for her? What did he mean?

"Wait, but why are you waiting for me?" Hera asked.

Sean widened his eyes. Even the white shirt looked brownish for now, "Did you forget your mistake?"

Boom!

Hera felt the situation was becoming more frightening, especially since there wasn't a single passing vehicle between them.

"Uh, sorry, but isn't everything settled? I've already apologized to you, sir," Hera said slowly.

Sean then smiled meaningfully as he walked towards Hera, but she took a step back, "Settled? Oh, come on. Don't you know about deceit?"

"S-so, all of that.."

"Yes, fake. Of course, I demand compensation from you for this," Sean said instantly.

Hera widened her eyes. Oh no, what other problem was this?

"Sir, forgive me. But, if it's about compensation and buying you a new shirt like this, of course, I can't afford it. But if it's about cleaning it, of course, I'll try," Hera said, bowing.

Sean raised an eyebrow, somehow he was very curious about one thing this time, especially when Hera knelt before him.

"Have we met before?" Sean asked suddenly.

Hera shook her head, "No, sir. I don't even know you."

Sean nodded, "So, why did you spill the drink on me?"

Hera fell silent. Why did this man ask her such a question?

"Should I answer it?" Hera asked.

"Of course, it's a form of compensation you have to do too. By answering my question, I'll know what you need to do to make amends," Sean said immediately.

Hera took a long breath. Oh, it was complicated indeed. But at least Sean

didn't ask her to buy the same shirt he was wearing. Because the price must be very expensive.

"My mother is sick, and she's in the hospital right now, and all of a sudden, it made me lose focus," Hera said, pausing her speech.

Sean chose to let her continue talking.

"I need 100 million," Hera said then.

"Okay, I can help you with that," Sean replied quickly without further ado.

Hera looked at Sean with a puzzled look, "Are you sure? But, I'm not sure I can repay the money you lend me."

"You don't need to repay all of it. I just need your body to satisfy me. Beyond that, you're free to do whatever you want," Sean said casually.

Hera widened her eyes upon hearing that. She certainly couldn't do it.

But, on the other hand, Hera really needed that 100 million. As soon as possible.

Sean then handed Hera a business card with a phone number on it. Of course, she accepted it.

"I'm waiting for your answer tomorrow. Or maybe a few hours from now. The sooner, the better," Sean said with a meaningful smile. Then he left Hera.

Hera was still frozen in her position with a business card containing a phone number.

So, what did he mean by "compensation"?

***