Chapter 1

ELENA

I moved tirelessly, like the tide taking down orders from the various customers scattered around the cafe. It felt like I was the sole worker today, but rush hours like this were part of the job. Every now and then, my eyes would drift to the wall clock, silently hoping for my shift to end soon.

"Sweetheart, where's my coffee?" A middle-aged customer winked at me with a sly smile.

I was irritated, but I managed to flash him a facade smile. "Coming right up, sir."

Making my way to the kitchen, I let out a tired sigh, dropping my empty tray in the sink.

"Your shift ended a minute ago. You're free now, Elena," Daren, my colleague, cheekily remarked.

"You can say that again. See you tomorrow, Daren." I waved my goodbye before heading out.

A group of four burly men in black entered, drawing numerous eyes with their imposing presence. Unfazed, I moved forward to where I'd drop my apron when one of them called out.

"You there, did you not see us? Come take our order," he rudely ordered. The audacity.

Walking towards them, I was unfazed by their scowling profiles. "My shift ended minutes ago. My colleague will take your order, sir," I replied boldly.

"What's stopping you from taking it now, miss? Isn't that your job? To serve us?" Another retorted. I tried to get a good look at his face, but his head was lowered.

"I just said my shift ended minutes ago. If you can't wait for my colleague to take your order, then you can leave as well," I spat. Damn all these customers!

They exchanged glances amongst themselves. Still unbothered, I pivoted to walk away, feeling their unwavering stares following my every step towards the glass doors.

My apartment was just a stone's throw away, so I decided to walk. The calm breeze whipped my hair across my face time and time again. The street was buzzing with life, the sun casting a golden glow across the horizon.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I quickly pulled it out to check. It was a message from my best friend, Sarah.

'Club tonight. You and me. No buts. 12am. Your birthday is tomorrow. We have to celebrate, don't you think? I'll pick you up by 11:30.'

I chuckled at her text. I'd rather spend my day in my room than go to some wild party at 12 in the morning. But knowing Sarah, she wouldn't take no for an answer, especially not on my birthday.

Tucking my phone back in, I walked further down the street. I was turning twenty-one. Twenty-one years of nothing but pain, regrets, and a life filled with unending troubles. Debts to pay, a younger brother to feed, and a father to take care of.

Happy birthday to me then. Suddenly, a tap on my shoulder got me spinning around.

It was one of the men who had demanded I serve them. Had he been following me? "Have you been following me?" I asked, apprehension in my voice.

"My boss wants to talk to you," he replied, evading my question. These men must think I'm a puppet they can control.

"I don't want to talk to your boss," I said, sweetness laced with bitter venom.

Yanking my wrist, he gritted out, "You've got a lot of guts, young girl. Don't anger him, just see him."

"What the hell? I don't want to see your almighty boss, whoever he is. To hell with his anger. I don't give a damn," I snapped, yanking my hands out of his grip and sharply turning to walk away.

"You'll regret this" I heard him say behind me, but I didn't give a hoot as I walked on with quickened steps.You