Chapter 4

I rushed out of the house because I didn't want to be late. She always scolded me for arriving later than I was supposed to. Luckily, I arrived at the restaurant just in time, the elegant facade a stark contrast to the shabby apartment I called home. I pulled out my phone and called Miss Maureen.

"Hello, it's Iris. I'm here already."

"Oh dear, I'm running a little late. Please wait at the entrance."

Now she's the one running late.

"Of course," I replied, hanging up the phone.

I took a deep breath, as I surveyed the scene. The restaurant was buzzing with activity, it was full of well dressed faces, their laughter and chatter mingling with the clinking of glasses. They all looked so expensive and I couldn't help but feel a wave of self consciousness wash over me. I was so out of place, my simple dress feeling drab compared to the designer gowns and tailored suits that shimmered around me.

A waiter approached me, his expression a mixture of disdain and impatience. "What are you doing here miss?" he demanded.

I cleared my throat, feeling a blush creep up my neck. "I'm… I'm waiting for someone."

He looked at me skeptically, his gaze lingering on my not so stylish shoes and the frayed edges of my bag. "Well, you might want to move to the side. You're blocking the entrance."

My heart stung at his words. I knew why he was treating me this way. I was a Forsaken, a ghost, invisible to the eyes of the elite. I forced a smile, trying to ignore the sting of his words. "Of course."

I stepped aside, my shoulders slumping as I sighed but then I bumped into someone, a tall figure I didn't notice at first.

"Be careful!" The gruff familiar voice growled.

I turned to apologize, only to find myself face to face with him. Again. His eyes narrowed as a frown etched itself onto his face. It was Leigh.

"You," he spat, his voice laced with anger. "Are you following me?"

I recoiled, my heart pounding. "No! I'm… I'm waiting for someone."

He scoffed, his eyes gleaming with suspicion. "Don't lie to me. I warned you to stay away from me. I didn't know you were a stalker too."

"I wasn't following you!" I protested, my voice trembling. "I swear."

He growled, his eyes narrowing. "You definitely are a menace to society."

I was speechless, unable to form a coherent sentence. The waiter from before stepped in, his face a mask of disdain. "Sir I'll handle this. This woman is causing a disturbance." He turned to me, his voice sharp. "I'm calling security."

Just as he reached for his phone, Miss Maureen arrived and she was confused by the scene. "What's going on here?"

The waiter quickly explained the situation, his voice dripping with disdain. "This woman seems to be harassing the gentleman Miss."

Miss Maureen looked at me, her eyes searching. "This is clearly a misunderstanding sir," she said, her voice firm. "I invited her here. She's with me."

She bowed apologetically to Leigh. "I apologize for any inconvenience sir, but it's a misunderstanding."

He was still looking furious as he glared at me one last time before stalking off into the restaurant.

Miss Maureen gently took my arm pulling me inside. "Come on let's get you a drink."

The incident had shaken me to my core. I felt small, insignificant, like a bug crushed beneath the heel of a giant. The whispers of the Forsaken, the disdainful glances, the constant fear of being judged. It was all too much.

Miss Maureen watched me with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "You always seem to attract trouble Iris. It's uncanny."

I chuckled sadly, sinking into the plush chair. "I know, I know."

"So," she said, her voice changing tone, "why did I drag you all the way here? Well, I got a rather… substantial paycheck recently." She gestured around the opulent restaurant, its chandeliers sparkling, "And I've been wanting to try this place for ages. Apparently, it's the place to be seen."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Only the rich and famous come here."

Miss Morgan chuckled. "Precisely. I'm certainly going to get rich and famous soon. Now, onto more important matters. I have a job for you."

My ears perked up immediately. "A job? Really?"

Miss Morgan leaned forward, her eyes twinkling. "Yes, a very good one at that. The pay is excellent, I assure you. But there's a catch."

"What catch?"

"You'll have to move in."

My enthusiasm deflated at once. "Move in? Where?"

"With the family. They're… quite prominent. A very reputable pack. They need about fifty live in servants."

I slumped in my chair, the vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant suddenly feeling suffocating. "I don't know Miss Maureen. I don't think my father would allow it."

She hissed, her voice low and urgent. "You're old enough to make your own decisions Iris. You can't be cooped up in that house forever. And the pay is… well, let's just say it's a number that would make your father's eyes bulge." She paused, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Besides, I already recommended you to the employer."

My eyes widened. "You did?"

"Of course. They were looking for someone specific, and I thought of you immediately."

I felt a surge of gratitude, washing over me. "Thank you Miss Maureen. Thank you so much."

"Don't thank me yet," she said, her voice serious. "Think about it. It's a big decision."

I nodded, overwhelmed. This was a chance, a real chance to escape the stifling confines of my life, to finally be independent. But the thought of leaving my father, filled me with a pang of guilt.

"I'll… I'll let you know of my decision soon," I said, my voice trembling slightly.

She smiled, her eyes filled with understanding. "Of course. Take your time, but not too much time dear." She teased.

As I left the restaurant, I couldn't help but think of ways to present the issue to dad. Whatever. I have to try. I needed to get away from my usual life for a while. Challenge myself a bit. I really needed this job.