Chapter three

Ivory's pov

I sat alone in the quiet room, munching on my cereal while a movie played in the background. This has been my routine for two years now. No friends, no family. Just me and the silence. Living alone in this harsh world, I've grown accustomed to the silence.

At first, it was terrifying. Memories of my father's violent outbursts haunted me, his rage echoing in my mind, The fear of him returning to this home never faded. And my mother's death? That still torments me, creeping into my dreams, and turning my nights into restless battles. I would scream and cry for help. But the only response was silence.

A few months ago, I started taking pills. They help me cope with the trauma. They became my refuge, a way to escape those relentless memories. When dark thoughts creep back in, I take the pills. They dulled the pain and soothed my anxious mind until sleep finally came. I've become dependent on them. Without those pills, I doubt I could make it through the day.

Today feels empty. But yesterday, When I recall how my interview at le Clair de Lune went, feeling confident. I nailed every question. A smile crept onto my face at the thought of working there. I hope they call me back. I can't wait to start that new chapter in my life.

I turned my focus back to the movie, letting the scenes pull me in again. Crunching through my cereal loudly. Each bite echoed in the room as the characters unfolded their drama on screen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was deep in my work when a knock broke my concentration. It was Elijah.

"what's wrong, Elijah ?" I asked, barely glancing up from my laptop. He settled into the office chair, a hint of urgency on his face.

"We found Petrov's location," he said.

"Good for you," I replied, still focused on the screen. "Where is he now?"

Elijah leaned in. "He's getting protection from the Russian mafia. That's why tracking him was tough. But we've got a lead on a relative of his."

I looked up, my mood shifting, my irritation rising. The Russian mafia? Even after everything we'd thrown at them, they dared to think they could strike back now. "Make sure you keep tabs on all their movements," I instructed. "I don't want any mistakes this time.

"Got it, boss," he replied, nodding.

I pressed, "Which relative did you find?"

He hesitated. "His wife's already gone. Just a daughter left. We've got info on her." He slid a picture across the desk.

I picked it up, examining the face. Familiar. But where had I seen her? I returned the photo to him.

Elijah continued with updates about the casino, and other operations. Then casually mentioned, "Oh, the Greeks send their regards. They're hoping to arrange a lunch date with you and your girlfriend." he added with a grin.

I shot him a serious look. "You too, Elijah?"

He chuckled, clearly pleased with himself, and left my office.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The beep of my phone sliced through my sleepy haze. Groggy, I snatched it up and saw it was an email from le Clair de lune. My heart raced with a mix of fear and excitement. Could this be the good news I'd been hoping for?

I opened the email, and there it was—a positive response! Joy bubbled up, and I couldn't help but scream, ecstatic to have landed a job at that fancy restaurant. Finally!

The pay was $10 an hour, stacking up to $50 for a five-hour shift. I couldn't contain my excitement and let out another happy shout. This called for a celebration.

What could I do to celebrate the good news? A trip to the store would be the best, I needed something special. Groceries! I craved a delicious homemade meal tonight. I quickly changed my clothes, my mind racing with ideas for what to cook. Ready to celebrate, I dashed out of the house, buzzing with joy. Off to the store I went!

As I made my way to the store, curious eyes followed me. I recognized that look, though its meaning always eluded me. Was it pity? Maybe they saw my thin frame and thought of hunger and struggle. I am indeed a slender girl—no curves, no shape. I even wonder if my reflection broadcasts my hidden battles.

But today, I chose not to dwell on those gazes. Today was meant to be joyful. I took a deep breath, pushed aside their stares, and kept moving forward. I wouldn't let anyone spoil this moment.

I arrived at the grocery store, ready for my shopping journey. I grabbed a trolley and rolled it through the aisles like a kid in a candy store.

First stop? Ingredients for tonight's special dinner. I carefully picked fresh veggies and spices, and all the right flavors danced in my head. But then something funny happened. I started tossing in items I didn't need. Snacks, gadgets, and a few random picks made their way into my cart.

Why? I had a little daydream about becoming rich soon. The thought fueled my excitement, so I kept adding more.

After an hour, I was finally satisfied with my collection. I steered my trolley to the checkout, ready to pay.

I paid for my groceries, excitement bubbling inside me. Bags in hand, I strolled home. I thought about My plan for tonight. A special dinner followed by a movie night. But which film to pick? The questions spun in my mind.

The street was eerily quiet, almost too quiet. Anyone passing by might have thought I was losing it.

Suddenly, a bus careened toward me, blocking my path. Before I could react, the door swung open and Men in masks came out from the bus. Panic surged through me as they grabbed hold and pulled me inside.

I fought and yelled, desperation clawing at my throat, but they were too strong. A sharp sting in my arm stole my voice, and then? Everything faded to black.