Chapter 3

~ LILLIAN'S POV ~

The exterior was nothing to write home about, the faded black paint had dulled into a weary shade, with scratches all over, it told stories of sun, rain and years of hands that couldn't afford luxury wax. The back bumper bore a strip of peeling tape like a bandage over an old wound.

Inside, the car carried pieces of my life.

The faint smell of coffee from my shift cups lingered in the upholstery, mixed with the sweetness of strawberry gum that I chewed to stay awake on late drives. The dusty dashboard had a tiny crack, the air conditioner didn't blow as cool as it should, the steering wheel was worn smooth in places where my hands always rested, and the radio only caught two stations both cracking with static, but I didn't mind.

Dangling from the rearview mirror was a silver cross, it glinted faintly in the streetlights at night. It wasn't just decoration; it was my anchor, my quiet reminder that even in the hardest days, God still watched over me.

I glanced at the rearview mirror to make sure my hair and face were in order.

I barely had time to look at my reflection in the mirror, I just grabbed my bag and dashed out of the room, ran down the stairs in the most outrageous way ever.

I shouldn't have slept for that long, but my body was overwhelmed from the stress of walking fast, cleaning tables, taking orders and serving drinks.

Being a waitress was not my dream job but it paid the bills. For now , that was enough.

"Ouch" I called out in pain.

I was tired.

I got down from my car and hurried inside to resume my shift.

"You look different today, Lily?"

My colleague, Lojain Bliss teased me.

I frowned. " Different? How?"

"It seems the break up with kaz didn't get to you... you don't look sad at all."

Lojain and I are pretty close.

I signed. " I had a wild night. You won't believe I spent my last one hundred dollars on a prostitute to comfort my broken heart." I said, laughing.

"No way". She snickered.

We often made all kinds of jokes. So I'm not surprise she thought I was joking.

"The VIP customer that booked the bar for the entire night will soon arrive " she announced.

I shrugged.

"I heard he is the heir to nova. One of the biggest fashion brands. Right now... most of the waitresses in the bar are dying to meet him. I'm sure he's so handsome "

I rolled my eyes.

I just hope he is not one of those arrogant customers.

At 11: 45 pm.

My supervisor, Ryan Bucknor came over.

"Mr Javier Blanca has just arrived at the VIP section." He announced.

"Lillian. Come with me. He commanded

I quickly took my notebook and pen and followed him.

I walked towards the VIP section. Although I didn't like going to the VIP section, it was always full of rich people who acted like they owned the world. But a job was a job.

I pushed the curtain aside and stepped into the room. The music wasn't too loud, but it filled the air. The lights were softer; the dim lights cast a golden glow on the room. The air smelled like expensive cologne.

A tall man sat on the leather couch, dressed in a black suit. He was scrolling through his phone.

I took a deep breath and walked up to him.

"Good evening sir. What would you like to order?". I asked politely.

He raised his head to look at me and...

My breath seized when his face registered in my retina.

What?

I closed my eyes and opened them again but it was still him.

The man whom I paid one hundred dollars after we had a one night stand!

My heart started beating fast, it was almost impossible to control.

I was nervous.

Did he actually trace me to where I work?

I thought about what I had said to him.

Ah...

Why did I say that?

I should have been nicer with my words.

No!

I was nervous.

Did he actually trace me to where I work?

I thought about what I had said to him.

Ah...

Why did I say that?

I should have been nicer with my words.

No!

He deserved it to an extent.

Right now, all I was praying for was that he won't recognise me.

With a steady voice, he said, "I would like a bottle of goûte de diamants."

Of course only the one percent of the rich people who lived in New York City could afford the drink.

But, did he really not recognise me?

"Okay sir". I mumbled and walked away.

The first thing I did when I returned back was to tell Lojain everything that happened.

"You're joking , right?"

" Do I look like I am?" I asked.

Her eyes widened in shock . Girl you should be happy you slept with a big fish.

"Mtcheew. Don't give me that . I'm very worried that he might try to get back at me and probably get me fired. I still have my mother to take care of . I can't afford to be jobless right now ."

He traced me to my workplace.

Oh God.

I wish I could turn back time.

I shouldn't have gone to that bar to drink or have a one night stand. I shouldn't have given him one hundred dollars. Infact...

I shouldn't have insulted him.

Lojain tapped my shoulder. " Don't worry too much. Maybe it's just a mere coincidence. Maybe he didn't notice you at all."

I begged Lojain to take his order to him , he might recognise me if I go back there.

Our supervisor's voice suddenly rang out :

"Lillian , Mr Blanca personally asked that you attend to him. Have his order delivered to him now !"

Oh.

Why I'm I so unlucky?

Although I was slightly offended, I hid how I felt.

What is wrong with these rich people? How can he order me like I was on the menu?