Chapter 1
“Elara Ashford!”
I jolted awake, confused and tired. My heart was pounding, and I couldn’t even see clearly
because I was still half–asleep. My manager stood at the doorway, looking very angry.
“Elara, this is the third time I’ve found you sleeping in my store this week. This isn’t your house.
“No sleeping during working hours!”
she scolded, putting her hands on her hips and frowning at me. It was four in the morning, and I had barely slept for an hour. I was exhausted, running on nothing but stress and lack of sleep for the past week. But my boss didn’t care about that.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Milly. I barely got any sleep after my last shift.”
I explained. Exhaustion had completely taken over. I had just worked an eight–hour overnight shift from 9 am to 11 pm after a long day and only managed to sleep three hours. I needed to rest for a month, but I was already in debt, and my bills wouldn’t allow that.
“I don’t care if you ran a marathon without sleep before coming here. When you walk in, none of that matters. No one will do your job for you, and it sure as hell won’t get done in your dreams.”.
I flinched at her loud voice. My heart raced. I knew something bad was about to happen; my instincts told me so.
“I think it’s time for you to find another job. One that’s not so demanding because you clearly can’t handle this one.”
“Ma’am” I stuttered, my voice filled with desperation.
“I–I need this job. It’s just been a tough week. It won’t happen again,” I pleaded.
“Yes, it won’t happen again. You don’t have a job here anymore. 5 minutes… I will give you 5 minutes to pack and leave”
The rent was due in two days,and I had no savings to fall back on. My nails dug in my palm as I closed my eyes and fell to my knees, clasping my hands in front of the proud woman. I can see her lips tugging up word in a smirk. She liked seeing her employees on their knees begging.
“last chance,” I begged.
“Please” If I was the same women as three years back I would have step on her face with my heals digging in her eyes balls. But voilance had always created trouble for me.
Her eyes narrowed. She crossed her arms before warning me.” darling“.
“P–please… just one ”
“Don’t force me to call security.” Tears filled my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Not here. Not now. Not after everything I had been through. I clenched my fists and got up.
I don’t have any belongings here. I just picked up my bag and walked out of the store the bell over the door jingling mockingly behind me.
The cold harsh December air bit at my cheeks as I stepped onto the sidewalk, my breath puffing out in small clouds. I had no idea what I was going to do next. After walking for an hour in the freezing, snow–covered streets, all I wanted was to get back to my tiny one–bedroom apartment and sleep for a bit. I paused at the door to the building, taking a deep breath before pushing it open. The hallway was dim and dirty, just like always, with the smell of mildew and stale cigarettes hanging in the air. But something felt wrong. I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling building inside me.
My apartment was at the end of the hall, and as I got closer, my stomach sank.
My stuff clothes, books, and the few personal things I owned were scattered outside the door.
My suitcase was leaning against the wall, its zipper broken. The door was slightly open, and I could hear someone moving around inside.
“What the hell?” I whispered, my heart racing. I rushed forward and shoved the door open.
Inside, I found Mr. Clay, the landlord, a greasy, balding man with a scowl, digging through my drawers. He was throwing the rest of my things into a messy pile on the floor.
“Mr. Clay!” I shouted, anger and disbelief rushing through me.
“What are you doing?”
He didn’t even bother to look up.
“You’re late on rent he said in a harsh voice. Giving me a dirty smirk “You can’t stay here anymore.”
10:01
Chapter 1
“I still have two days!” 1 protested. I hurried forward, trying to pick up my things, but he grabbed my arm and yanked me back.
Two days? You can’t pay, girl. I know your type,” he sneered coming closer to me, his eyes cold and cruel. I hate being helpless. This was wrong but what could I do? I had nothing no money, I just lost one job and another wasn’t even paying for my two time meals. I had no one to help me. I was completely and utterly alone.
Tll leave,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. I was exhausted. At this point I will just spend a night on street, away from the trouble.
Mr. Clay stepped back, a satisfied smirk on his face as he watched me gather the rest of my belongings into the broken suitcase. His expression made me feel even smaller, he looked me up and down, his gaze lingering far too long.
You’ve got a nice face and body,” he said, his voice dripping with sleaze.
“How about paying with that?”
I promise to let you stay rent–free. He said coming close.
A wave of disgust washed over me, my skin crawling as his gross words sank in. I instinctively took a step back as he moved closer, his eyes full of something sickening. I pushed him away beforing slapping the shit out of this man.
He dare think he can take advantage of my vulnerability.
You bitch” He cursed. Before I knew it, his hand roughly yanked my hair, making my scalp sting. I barely had time to think before I felt his disgusting breath against my neck. His other hand snaked beneath my top, inching closer to my chest. Panic surged through me, and with a desperate burst of strength, I swung my broken suitcase and smashed it against his face..
He let out a furious curse, stumbling backward with a loud groan. Seizing the moment, I bolted, running for my life.
Behind me, the old man’s enraged voice rang out. “You crazy bitch, stop!*
His footsteps pounding behind me. Tears blurred my vision, but I didn’t stop. I ran with every ounce of energy I had left, not daring to look back. Everything around me was a blur through my tear–filled eyes.
Suddenly, a bright light flashed in front of my eyes. I heard the screeching sound of tires against the road, and then a sharp pain shot through my leg. I screamed in agony, the pain hitting me like a jolt of electricity. I stumbled to the ground, gasping for breath.
“Catch her!” a voice echoed behind me. My eyes widen, seeing Mr Clay with a group of guys coming toward me.
Without hesitation, I reached for the small pocket knife strapped to my thigh. My legs protested every step.
I stumbled into the middle of the road, knife gripped tightly in my trembling hand. Limping forward, I yanked the back door open and slipped
inside.
The air inside was warm, thick with the scent of leather and the man’s cologne, maybe, or danger. I didn’t care. My vision swam, but my grip on the knife stayed steady. In one fluid motion. I lunged forward, pressing the blade against the throat of the man in the passenger seat and looked at the driver.
“Drive or I’ll slit his throat right here!” I hissed at the driver, my voice raw. My heart thundered, waiting for their resistance, to fight back or to do something. But he didn’t.
The corner of man’s lips quirked up, almost as if he were amused by her audacity, which went unnoticed by Elara. The man tilted his head toward his driver and signalled him to drive, leaving the driver stunned and lost in disbelief.
Where to amore?‘ He spoke for the first time, his dark eyes finally locking onto hers.
272
