A Greek God

Ava felt a surge of bitterness rise in her chest, and her eyes began to water. She gazed down at the table, but no one looked up at her—not even a glance. She felt invisible. Her gaze rested on Emma, her mother, and an ache in her heart spread, sharp and unyielding. She couldn’t understand why Emma had always detested her. Even as a child, Ava had wondered if Emma was truly her mother. But of course, she was in no position to ask. Emma had never treated her like a daughter. All her love was reserved for Charlotte.

Ava stole a glance at her father, Dylan. He was chewing his beef slowly, his fingers licking off the sauce with enjoyment. Seeing him so engrossed in his meal, a quiet disappointment washed over her. Even her father no longer cared. Once, Dylan had been her protector, standing up to Emma when she was too harsh. They had their disagreements, of course, but he had always been in her corner. Now? He was just as cold and indifferent as Emma.

Ava stood still behind the table, her tears falling silently. A satisfied smirk tugged at Charlotte’s lips as she watched her sister’s silent suffering. She thrived on seeing Ava in pain. It was the only source of satisfaction she could claim. Ava wiped the tears from her face, took her shoulder bag, and turned to leave.

Charlotte’s voice cut through the air like a whip. “I’m done eating, Ava.” Her words dripped with arrogance. “Hurry up and clear the dishes.”

Ava froze, turning to face her sister. Charlotte’s complacent smile only deepened Ava’s feeling of alienation. Without a word, she began to clear the table and moved into the kitchen, the dull weight of their indifference pressing on her. “Bye, Mom. Bye, Dad,” Ava muttered, but there was no reply. Her heart sank further. She was nothing more than a ghost in her own home.

She forced herself to leave, stepping out of the house and onto the familiar path to work. Her stomach growled in protest, empty from the lack of food. She had hoped Emma would at least provide breakfast, but that was a luxury she had to forgo this morning. She couldn’t afford to be weak, couldn’t let the hollow ache take over her. She swallowed the discomfort and pressed on, her pace steady, but her mind swirling with thoughts of rejection and hurt.

When she finally arrived at the coffee shop, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the hum of quiet conversation welcomed her. Mrs. Perez was already arranging chairs, her back turned. Ava smiled softly as she entered. “Good morning, Mrs. Perez,” she greeted warmly, setting her bag on the counter and reaching for her apron.

Mrs. Perez paused, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. “How are you, my dear? I thought you wouldn’t be coming back after all the pressure I put you through yesterday.”

Ava’s smile turned more genuine, her mood lifting slightly. “Come on, Mrs. Perez, that’s why I’m here. To do my best. No excuses.”

Mrs. Perez studied Ava for a moment, her gaze softening. Ava was so diligent, so eager to work. It wasn’t just her looks—though Ava was undeniably beautiful—it was her attitude. Ava never complained, never gave less than her best. Mrs. Perez made a mental note to adjust Ava’s allowance, but she said nothing. Ava, oblivious to the silent admiration, was already tying her apron and preparing for the day ahead.

The morning passed quietly, with only a few customers coming in. Ava, however, felt the weight of exhaustion creeping in. She was hungry, too weak to focus completely, but she pushed the discomfort aside. She reached into her bag, hoping to find some change for a quick snack. But when her fingers fumbled around inside, she realized there was nothing. Her savings were safely tucked away at home, but she hadn’t anticipated Emma withholding her breakfast this morning. She cursed herself for not preparing better.

Just then, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

“He’s just so charming, isn’t he?”

Ava looked up to see Layla Brooks, a regular customer, clutching a magazine to her chest with a dreamy look on her face. Cora, her friend, followed her into the coffee shop and sat down across from her. Layla was already lost in the pages, her finger tracing Zac’s face on the glossy paper.

“You’re obsessed with him,” Cora commented dryly, glancing at the magazine before looking away.

Layla beamed, unaware of the quiet discomfort her obsession caused in Cora. “I know, right? Zac is just… too gorgeous. Can’t you see it?” She pushed the magazine towards Cora, who took a fleeting glance at the handsome man on the cover.

Layla sighed dramatically. “I just wish he’d finally agree to partner with my dad’s company.”

Ava blinked, trying to push aside her feelings of inadequacy. Layla’s fixation on Zac seemed absurd, considering she had never even met the man. But it wasn’t her place to judge.

Ava walked over to their table, putting on a friendly smile. “Welcome! What can I get for you today?”

Layla barely acknowledged her, her eyes glued to Zac’s picture. Cora, however, offered Ava a warm smile.

“Water, please,” Cora requested.

Ava nodded and turned to fetch their drinks, but when she returned, disaster struck. As she bent to set the tray down, she accidentally spilled water on the magazine.

“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry!” Ava exclaimed, immediately reaching for the magazine to wipe it off.

Before she could touch it, Layla snatched the water cup and splashed it directly in Ava’s face. Ava froze, her eyes wide in shock. The cold water stung her skin as it dripped down her face.

“How dare you?” Layla hissed, standing up from her seat. “You’re so clumsy!”

Ava quickly opened her mouth to apologize, but before she could speak, Layla’s hand slapped her across the cheek, the sting sharp and sudden. Ava’s face burned, her cheek swelling slightly as Layla’s words echoed in the quiet of the café.

“Who do you think you are?” Layla’s voice was full of venom. “Do you even know who I am? You think you can just ruin things for me like that?”

Cora stood up, trying to intervene, but Layla wasn’t having it.

“Shut up, Cora,” Layla snapped. “Can’t you see what she did?”

Ava’s heart pounded in her chest as the pain from the slap surged through her, but her face remained impassive. Layla’s cruel words continued to sting, each one like a jab to her heart. “You’re just jealous, aren’t you?” Layla spat. “You know someone like you will never meet Zac.”

Ava flinched as Layla’s anger intensified. But just as Layla prepared to lash out again, Cora’s gaze shifted toward the door. “Layla… look at the door,” Cora mumbled.

Layla turned sharply, her heart skipping a beat as she saw him standing there—Zac.