Chapter 3

Lily's POV

It was evening, and I was slowly rounding up at work. The best part of work is forgetting my worries and losing myself to the rhythm of just working. Even though the pay was small, it provided enough to cater to me and my dad. With the tips from some of the lovely customers, I was able to save up just in case something important came up later on.

“Lily, are you done there?” The boss's gruff voice asked from his office.

“Coming.” I replied. I cleaned the last of the tables in the restaurant and walked back to the kitchen, spreading the wet towel on a railing.

I wiped my wet hands on the apron and dropped it in the dirty laundry by the narrow corridor.

Clearing my throat I knocked on the open door to my boss's office. I had once made the mistake of just entering his office without knocking, and I'd had an earful from him the whole day after.

“Come on in.” He said, not looking up from his desk.

I walked in and stood behind the seat. “What do you need me for, sir?” I asked.

“Have a seat.” He offered.

I hesitantly lowered myself into the seat. He looked up at me, his wrinkled fingers interlocking each other as his stare intensified.

“I must admit, you work pretty well. My only concerns are your late comings, which affect my business.” He addressed.

“I'm sorry, sir. It won't happen again.” I promised.

“That's what you always say.” He reached into his drawer and pulled out an envelope, which he passed across the table. “That is your full pay for today. I didn't dock anything.”

Even though that was great news, the look in his eyes didn't let me celebrate. He wasn't saying something. “Thank you, Sir.”

“Don't thank me yet.” He said, pulling off his glasses. “Lily, I'm afraid this is the last time I'll be tolerating your late-coming. There are several others out there who want your job, and I'm very much inclined to give them a chance. So this is what we'll do: the next time you come late, you're fired.” He said with a tone of finality.

My eyes widened at this. I didn't expect it would resort to this. I’d only been late about four times, and it wasn't my fault. There were situations I couldn't control. But he obviously wouldn't hear that.

“Do we have a deal? If we don't, you can just consider this your last day here.” He had made up his mind already. There was nothing I could do or say that would change his mind.

“It's a deal, sir.” I hesitated for a while before replying.

“Good. You may leave. I'll lock up.” He dismissed me.

I nodded and stood up solemnly, walking out of his office. Grabbing my bag from behind the counter I put the envelope into my bag. All my thoughts came swirling back in full force—the thought of the man I would meet at home and the arguments we might have.

“Hey, Lily.” Ben called out, gaining my attention.

“Hey.” I said flatly.

“Overheard you and the boss back there. Sorry about that.” He said. He had always been trying to get close to me. It wasn't a secret that he liked me, but I wasn't ready to be in any relationship just yet, especially not in this state. I don't think I could handle anything romantic much less platonic.

“Thanks. I'll be taking my leave now. Goodnight, Ben.” I said before stepping out of the restaurant.

I unhooked my bike, got on and pedalled slowly back home. Ever since my mom left, I had gotten used to doing things myself without anyone's help. My mom didn't turn back for me; she didn't care. She was too selfish, and I was too stubborn. I should have left with her, but I couldn't bear the thought of having another dad.

I turned the corner leading to my house. I could make out a black SUV parked in front of the house, which was weird. I wasn't expecting anyone, and I doubted my dad was either.

I hurriedly parked my bicycle around a corner and stormed to the front door without thinking. The sound of laughter from the living room caused me to knock, and then there was silence.

“Dad.” I called out, knocking again on the door. “It's me.”

I heard the shuffle of footsteps and heard the lock click. The handle swung open, and I was met with a gun to the face by the guy whose car I almost hit this morning.

“Well, wow.” He said, smirking as he aimed the gun at my forehead, the look of realization crossing his face.

“W—Who are you?” I stammered in fear.

“Don't make a sound and come in.” He ordered, motioning for me to come in.

I slowly walked in, the cold muzzle of the gun resting on my forehead. He locked the door behind me and pushed me forward.

I stepped into the living room and noticed there were two more people apart from my dad in the house. My dad was kneeling, bloodied and battered on the floor, facing a man who sat cross-legged on the couch.

“Dad? What's going on?” I asked with a shaky voice.

“Isn't this the kid who walked out on you earlier this morning?” A buff, intimidating-looking man with bloodied fists standing behind my dad asked.

“Yeah. It's her alright. Isn't this world so small?” The man pointing a gun at my head chuckled.

“What's your name?” The man sitting on the couch asked in a deep voice that sent shivers down my spine.

“Lily.” I replied. My heart was pounded severely. I didn't understand what was going on.

“Well, Lily. Your dad here owes us a lot of money, and we've come to collect. But it looks like he doesn't have anything for us.” The man explained.

I turned to look at my dad. His eyes were swollen, and he was bleeding from his nose. He looked really beaten up and even more miserable than before. I knew he dealt with some bad people, but I didn't know it was that bad.

“And we can't leave without taking something.” The brute said, staring at me.

“I—I've saved up some money. I don't know if that would be enough.” I offered.

The man seated scoffed. “Some change wouldn't be enough to pay for his debt. Quite frankly, I'm running out of patience.”

“I—” My dad struggled to speak but ended up in a fit of cough. When he eventually recovered, he pointed at me.

My brows furrowed.

“Spare me, please. You… You can take her, till I find a way to pay.” He finally managed to say, to my absolute shock.

I think I stopped breathing because his words failed to register in my head. What did he mean take me? He was selling me off? I'd been dealing with all the crap he presented to me since mom deserted and this was the payment for all of that. Hot tears fell from my eyes coating my cheeks.

“That sounds nice.” The bigger man said, approaching me.

“Dad?” I called out again. He refused to look at me. He wouldn't dare to. “Dad, are you kidding me? Look at me damn it.”

The man seated shared a look between us, a flash of irritation evident on his face when he set his eyes fully on my father.

“You have a horrible excuse for a dad.” He commented, looking down at him. I couldn't agree with him more, but I wasn't going to let them take me that easily.

Just as the man touched my face, my sorrow turned into something else. Even with a gun aimed behind me, I kicked out and between his legs.

“Fucking hell.” He cursed. His face reddened as he doubled over in pain.

I couldn't even think of running before the other one from earlier this morning grabbed at my hand yanking me backwards. Before I could register anything I felt a sharp hit to the back of my head and everything went black.