Chapter 2: A strange presence

Ayla’s POV

I paused, staring at the shards on the floor. Then I looked up to see Alex, my cousin. A glass in his hand, he looked at me and smirked. He was drunk.

“Oooops! Sorry cuz, I had no idea you’d be walking in.” He grinned and staggered back upstairs.

I stared at the sparkling shards blocking my path, my heart hammering against my ribs. What if the bottle hit my face, he could have blinded me.

With a silent sigh, I walked over to the utility closet for the heavy push broom and metal dustpan. I swept the heavy chunks, making sure not a single piece of glass remained. This was my routine: cleaning up their mess.

I climbed up the stairs, heading to my room. I passed by my guardians’ room and heard voices, like some sort of argument. I paused and listened.

‘What the hell, Lucas? How could you borrow money from someone that dangerous. That man will kill all of us!’ my aunt shrieked, her voice radiating with fear and worry.

‘Shut up, Rosalind! You have been basking in wealth all thanks to that same money, so do not dare raise your voice at me. Or do you think I have no idea about what you did five years ago?’ my uncle roared.

I have no idea what the argument was about, but who did my uncle borrow from? And what did my aunt do five years ago? I sighed and walked to my room.

Turning the knob, I walked in and slammed the door shut, double checking that I had shut it properly. I always ate dinner before I came back because there is usually no food left for me when I return.

I turned on the light, and looked around at the small space I’ve lived in for the past five years. The mansion had other better rooms, but my aunt thought this would be more fitting for someone like me.

I showered and lay on my small bed, curling up like a ball. The strange dream from earlier today replayed in my mind, but I shoved it aside and fell asleep.

The next morning was just like every other morning. I woke up, brushed my teeth, did house chores. I showered and got ready for work before heading downstairs.

I paused mid-stair and looked at them. The family of four were seated at the table, having breakfast, basking in the hard earned wealth of my family. I slowly came down the stairs and announced my departure.

“I’m off.” I announced. They ignored me, as if I didn’t even exist. Sighing numbly, I headed for the door, but Elena’s voice made me pause.

“Nadia, I’d like to ask,” she paused, clicked her tongue and continued, “how much does working in a bar pay you? Huh?” I could see the mocking grin playing on her face.

“Uhm… let’s see, probably pebbles and pennies.” Alex chimed in, they both burst into laughter. My eyes drifted to Alex, hatred burned my gaze.

He thinks I have forgotten everything he did to me. I turned the knob and stepped out, slamming the heavy door shut, briefly wiping off the tears that rolled down my face.

I boarded a cab and headed to the bar. When we arrived, I noticed that place was strangely quiet. The close sign was still on the door, it wasn’t meant to be that way.

I quickly stepped down from the cab, paid the driver and headed into the bar. Jaxon was already there so I walked to him and asked.

“What’s wrong? Why’s the whole place quiet? I asked.

“He’s here. He booked the bar.” He responded.

My brows shot up in confusion. “ I don’t understand, Jaxon. Who booked the bar?

“Lorenzo Romano.” He responded. My eyes widened in horror.

Oh God. Not again. Why does he keep coming here very often these days?

“Why is he here so early?” I asked.

“I have no idea, Nadia. I am as surprised as you are.” He murmured.

“Nadia.” I turned around as the manager approached. “Go and get changed. You will be serving Mr Romano today.” He didn’t wait for a reply, his heavy shoes thumping against the floor as he walked away. My blood ran cold.