CHAPTER THREE

I dragged my leg to the exit, too exhausted to even wave at Miguel, the security officer at the gate.

It was 6pm.

I spent eight hours reviewing the project reports, only for the system to start working properly by 5 pm. George heartlessly dismissed everything I had done.

Even during the break, he ordered me to stay put and finish up.

God, I want to wrap my hand around his neck and choke him until he can't breathe.

The moment I got to my apartment, I kicked off my shoes and collapsed onto my bed.

I tried to sleep, but my stomach kept growling.

With a groan, I dragged myself into the kitchen to find something to eat.

God bless Ariel for always making food.

I heated it and went back to the living room, taking a bite.

A soft groan escaped me.

What would I do without Ariel?

We became friends after I started working at Cloud restaurant.

It was a tough time for me. My savings disappeared six months after I moved here, and my landlord kicked me out onto the street.

I couldn't even afford a motel.

So I curled up on a park bench, resting my head on my small luggage, scared, cold, and crying.

The memory still lingered.

Someone tapped my shoulder. I jerked awake, thinking it was a robber, only to see her—the waiter at the restaurant.

She took me to her house, made me wash up, and forced hot soup down my throat.

We became inseparable. Even when I was a leech for a long time, she never made me feel like one.

She's stunning, with sleek black hair that falls to her waist and bright brown eyes that draw you in.

The complete opposite of me.

She could walk into a room and win a beauty pageant effortlessly.

If I tried the same, I would look like I had survived the wars.

She also loves the carefree life.

When she left her job as a waitress, she told everyone she wanted to be a club manager. They mocked her, calling it inappropriate.

Now she's doing what she loves and bringing home champagne every Friday.

Sometimes, I wish I could do the same.

Right then, the doorbell rang.

Ariel walked in with two shopping bags, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw me.

“You are still in your stinky clothes, and you’re eating.”

I smiled, lifting my plate of spaghetti. “I couldn't resist the aroma!”

She shook her head. “How was work? You looked tired.”

I dropped my fork and groaned.

“George—”

We both said it at the same time.

Our eyes met, and we burst out laughing.

“Girl, you talk about your boss all the time,” she teased. “Are you sure you’re not in love with him?”

I rolled my eyes. “He's hot, but I could never be in love with him.”

“Whatever.” She kicked off her heels. “The club tonight is going to be lit. Are you coming?”

I swallowed before answering. “I’m exhausted.”

“You’re always exhausted.” She grabbed her heels and headed toward her room. “I’ll nap a bit, then head out. You sure you don’t want to come?”

“Enjoy,” I said, waving lazily.

She shook her head and disappeared into her room.

I finished eating and went back to mine, collapsing onto the bed.

I really needed the sleep.

Luckily, tomorrow was Saturday.

No alarms. No George.

Just peace.

I don't know how long I slept, but when my phone rang, it was well past ten p.m.

I rubbed my eyes and squinted at the screen.

Ariel.

She must have already left.

I picked up. "Hey!”

She exhaled sharply. “I know you didn't want to come to the club, but I really need your help."

I sat up instantly. “What's up?”

“I totally forgot about my period, and it ruined my dress. I don’t want to wear the uniform because I have someone coming over and—” Her voice spiraled into panic.

I smiled faintly, rubbing my eyes. “Slow down. What do you need?”

“I feel so bad asking.”

“You’d do the same for me.”

After confirming the dress and a few other things, I dragged myself out of bed. I didn’t bother changing out of my pajamas.

I’d drop everything off and come right back.

After confirming the dress and a few other things, I dragged myself out of bed. I didn’t bother changing out of my pajamas.

In her room, I picked out the dress she wanted, grabbed sanitary supplies, and stuffed some cash into my pocket.

Then I took a taxi to the club.

Starlight.

I had only been there once—and even then, I never went inside.

Ariel always told me wild stories about it. The parties. The people. The chaos.

All in the hopes of convincing me to wear one of her tiny dresses and join her.

I never had the energy.

George Corporation had drained me so completely that sleep became my only hobby.

When the taxi dropped me off, I clutched my bag to my chest and called her.

She answered immediately. “Are you here?”

“Yeah. I’m at the entrance.”

“Come in and ask for the female restroom. I’m there.”

The call ended.

I stepped toward the entrance, the bass already vibrating through the walls like a second heartbeat.

The bouncer barely spared me a glance as I walked in.

Red lights flooded the dance floor, bodies pressed together, jumping in the name of dancing.

I spotted a waiter dressed in black and approached him.

“Hi… where’s the female restroom?” I asked.

He pointed to the right.

“Thank you.”

I moved quickly, the music pulsing through my bones as I made my way down the corridor.

I found the door and pushed it.

Locked.

I knocked lightly. “Ariel? Are you in there?”

There was movement.

Then the door swung open, and she peeked out. “You’re here,” she said, pulling me inside. “God, I hate how this night is going.”

Her phone rang again.

“Gosh, I’m coming! Calm down!” she snapped before tossing it onto the sink.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

She sighed. “I’m supposed to take a key to one of the rooms. They’re already outside, and all the staff are busy.”

“I can take it,” I offered. “You change.”

She hugged me tightly. “I swear I’ll pay you back.”

“You don’t need to.”

I took the key while she gave quick directions. I grabbed the keys, and she explained how to reach the room before giving me her staff pass card.

I left the restroom and took the stairs up to the third floor, where the rooms were.

Room 006.

I slid her pass through the security door.

The hallway was well-lit but eerily quiet.

A shiver ran down my spine.

I saw Room 006 right away, but no one was there. It was just empty.

Was I supposed to wait? I reached for my phone to call Ariel, then froze. I left it with her.

I let out a groan.

Damn.

Maybe they were already inside.

I approached the door. It was slightly ajar.

That made me stop. My instincts kicked in. This didn't feel right. I turned around, deciding to head back downstairs to inform Ariel first.

Crash.

The sharp, shattering noise sliced through the silence.

I jumped.

Someone was inside. My heart started pounding. I should leave. I should get Ariel.

But then—

A low, pained grunt echoed from inside the room.

I froze mid-step. What if someone was hurt and needed help right away?

Damn it.

I turned back.

Each step felt heavier as I moved toward the door.

I pushed it open a little wider.

It creaked.

Inside, a man was hunched over near the table, his back to me, his body tense as if he were holding himself together by sheer will.

A shattered flower vase was scattered across the floor.

“Hello?” My voice came out softer than I meant it to. "Are you okay?”

No response, only uneven breathing. I stepped inside, carefully avoiding the broken pieces. This was a terrible idea—really terrible. Just as I was about to second-guess myself, he lifted his head. And suddenly, everything in me froze. “Mr. Lincoln.”