Chapter 4

Isabella’s POV 

When I saw him, I was furious. He stood there with his hands in his pocket like the world revolves around him. I wanted to punch him really hard for disrespecting me but I held myself. I didn't want to create a scene. I swallowed the lump in my throat, unclenched my fists and walked right past him without a word. 

“Are you okay? We could give you a lift if you don't mind,” he called out behind me with concern. 

I didn't stop or respond. I didn't even turn to look at him, I just kept walking. Why was he even acting nice? As much as I needed help, I wasn't going to accept it from him. Not after humiliating me. 

I didn't even realize when a black SUV pulled up beside me until I heard a voice. 

“Hey, are you alright?” 

“Uhmm…. yeah. I'm good,” I said turning to face the man in the car. He looked like he would be in his late twenties. He wore a fitted navy hoodie and his hair was dark brown. One of his arms was resting casually on the window frame. 

“I saw you running from back there. You look like you’re in a hurry so I was wondering if you needed help. I can give you a lift?”

I hesitated a bit, not sure whether to accept it or not. My legs were really aching badly. I could feel my heart beating with anxiety, not from fear of him, but from the time I was wasting just standing here.

“I’m…I'm headed to work,” I said, cautiously.

“Where at?”

“Just a restaurant two streets down.”

“Okay, that’s not actually far from where I'm heading. Come on, hop in. Let me give you a ride.” 

I was reluctant for a while, debating if I should trust him or not. “ I hope you're doing this because you want to do it and not out of pity?” I asked, observing his reaction closely. 

“God no,” he laughed, raising both hands. “It's just a ride.” 

That made me chuckle softly. “Alright… I’ll take the ride.” 

He nodded with a grin, pushed open the door from inside and I slipped into the passenger seat. 

The ride was quiet for the first minute. I kept looking out the window, silently cursing myself for how chaotic my life had become. My phone buzzed in my bag, but I didn’t check. I already knew it was a reminder from the hospital about my mom’s surgery bill and I still didn’t have the money to pay. 

“So,” he said, breaking the silence, “ you planned to actually run to your destination?”

I turned to him with a slight smile. “Sounds crazy but yeah. I missed the first bus and couldn't wait for the second one.”

“That’s crazy,” he said smiling while looking at my face. “Why do you have that look on your face?”

“What look?” I asked, pretending not to know what he was talking about. 

“The one people wear when their minds are somewhere painful.”

I didn't answer. I just kept starting outside. He understood I wasn't in a good mood to say anything and didn't press further. 

When we got to my destination, he slowed to a stop and turned slightly toward me.

“I’m Tony, by the way. Here’s my card,” he said, pulling a sleek, black card from his wallet. “In case you ever get stranded or need urgent help just don’t hesitate to give me a call.”

I took it quietly, studying his facial expression for a moment. 

“Thank you so much… for the ride and the kindness. I’ve got to go,” I said with a small smile. 

“You’re welcome, but are you just going to leave without telling me your name?” he asked jokingly. 

“Oh… I’m Isabella. Isabella Monroe.”

“Monroe… the daughter of the…”

“See, I’m super late and I really have to go,” I cut him off before he could finish his sentence.

“Maybe another time I’ll get to answer your questions.”

“Alright then, Isabella Monroe. Take care.”

I stepped out of the car and hurried inside. I made my way straight to the small changing room tucked behind the kitchen where the female staff changed into their uniforms. I quickly changed into my black dress uniform, tried my apron and joined the others.

As soon as I stepped out, I was immediately greeted by Andriana, my closest friend at work. 

“Oh Bella, thank God you’re here! What happened? I've been calling you God knows how many times but no response. You’re really late today. The manager asked about you, but don’t worry, I got you covered. I told him you were on break and I had seen you a minute ago.”

“What? Really? Andriana, thank you so much. You’re a lifesaver,” I said, pulling her into a quick hug, as my eyes stung with unshed tears. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

I knew I'd be fired if the manager found out I was late. He despised lateness, and made it very clear from day one. This job was the only steady thing I had.

“Don’t mention it, but you owe me coffee. Expensive one to be precise,” she teased.

I let out a small laugh while fighting back my tears. 

“Alright, let’s get down to work. Can you help me serve this coffee to table number seven?” she asked, giving me her signature puppy face I could never say no to. 

“Of course I will,” I said with a smile, taking the tray from her.

As I made my way across the floor, my mind was flooded with all that had happened today. From the ride to the money I still didn't have for my mum's surgery, to Damien and the money he offered that I turned down. 

Was I a fool for refusing? God knows I needed it now more than ever. Maybe he was right. After all, I am an escort. I sold my body for money but what he didn’t know and what no one knew was that it isn't who I really am. 

“Oh goodness, are you blind?” someone barked furiously, bringing me back to reality. 

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t see the man in front of me until I bumped into him. 

“I’m so, so sorry,” I said quickly, as I tried to clean him up. “I promise it was a mistak…” I froze mid-sentence as I looked up and saw his face.

“What? Are you stalking me?”