Chapter:1

Aurelia's POV

I rub my sore feet as I finally take a seat after being on them all day. Glancing around the cafe, I close my eyes and let out a breath as I realise that I am finally done for the night.

"I know that bed of yours hates to see you coming. You look exhausted." My friend and coworker, Amy says. Opening my eyes, I see her standing with her handbag on her shoulder and her coat in hand, ready to leave.

"You have no idea, Amy. I'm going to sleep a hole through it once I get home." I say fully prepared to do so as I remembered that I still need to stop by the store to get some food for the house.

A groan leaves my lips as I drop my head into my hands. "What's wrong?" Amy asks and I let out a deep sigh. "I forgot that I had to get the groceries." I say and she frowns. "Come on. I'll give you a ride to the store and to your house." She says and I immediately begin declining but she shuts me up with a stern look.

"I'm not taking 'no' for an answer, Aurelia. Get your stuff and get your ass in my car." She says and I chuckle. "So pushy." I joke as I get up from the chair. I get my stuff from the back, we lock up and we're on our way.

Soft music plays in the car as we make light conversation. She pulls into the parking lot of the store after a while and we hop out.

It's cold and wet outside as I step out of the car and I pull my flimsy sweat shirt closer to my body. I have to tough it out because all the money I make already has an owner. No room for buying anything that is not absolutely necessary.

"I won't be too long." I tell Amy and she nods. "I have to grab a few things aswell. Take your time."

The real reason why I won't be taking too long is because I can only afford a few things.

I pull out my phone and set it on the calculator app before setting off to get what we need at home.

Bread, butter, milk, eggs, sugar, coffee, ground beef, spaghetti, tomato sauce.

I check off everything from my mental list before walking up to the cash register. My phone lights up with an incoming call as I load everything onto the counter and I see that it is my dad.

"Hey, Dad." I say answering. 

"Hey. Where are you? It's getting dark." He starts off sounding a little off.

"I'm at the store, Dad. I'll be home soon. Are you okay?" I ask and he stays silent for a second. "Dad?" I ask before I hear him clearing his throat.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Just hurry back." He rushes out and hangs up. My dad never hangs up until we've said bye a million times, My stomach twists and I can't seem to shake the tought that something's going on. I quickly  pack my stuff into a bag and I look around for Amy only to spot her at the resigster loading her stuff onto it.

I patiently wait by the door until she finishes before we walk out together.

"You okay? You've been quiet since we left the store." She states and I shake my head. "I have a headache. I just need to rest." I tell her not wanting her to worry.

We pull up to my house and two black escalades are parked infront of it.

What the hell?

"I've never seen those here before." Amy says and I nod. "Yeah, me neither." I say my eyes trained on the cars. "Are you going to be okay?" She asks me still looking past me, at the cars.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Probably my dad's friends." I say as I get out of her car. "Thank you for the ride. I owe you one." I tell her and she smiles, waving me off. "You owe me nothing. I'll see you tomorrow. Call if you need anything." She says and I smile before backing up and closing the door. She rolls her eyes before sending me a smile and a wave. I watch as she drives off before walking to my door.

"Dad?! I'm home. Do we have guests?" I yell from the front door as I push it open. I walk in and shut it with my back before making my way to the kitchen to set everything down.

"Dad?" I call out to the man who eagerly wanted me home but is nowhere to be found. He usually meets me within seconds of me entering the house. "In the office , Lia." He calls out and I furrow my brows.

"Office? You're never in the--" I say walking in only to be met with three huge men standing around our tiny home office. The looks on their faces are stern and void of emotion. "What is going on?" I ask looking at my dad and a fourth man who is sitting infront of him.

My father avoids my eyes. Shame.

That is all that is plastered on his face.

"Dad. Who are these men?" I ask, my voice shaky as the worst thought come to mind. "Good evening, Aurelia. My name is Stephano. We are here to collect what your father owes my boss." The man with salt and pepper hair explains as he gets up and walks towards me.

"I don't understand. We've been making payments to clear the debt. Why are you here?" I ask and the man scrunches up his brows. "Payments?" We haven't received a single payment from your father." The man says and my eyes immediately shift to my father. "Dad?" I call but he is still avoiding my eyes.

He didn't even have to say anything and I already knew what he did. My heart breaks at the revelation of my father's lies and I feel the tears building up in my eyes.

"I know it's alot to ask but could your boss please give us a few more weeks? I'll come up with the money. I promise." I practically beg this man and his eyes soften.

"I'm afraid I can't ask him that. Him and your father already settled on a payment method that clears the debt." He tells me and I look at him, confusion all over my face.

"What payment method?" I ask looking to my dad for an answer and he finally looks at me with tears in his eyes.

"You, Ms. Aurelia."