(Aurora)
*Two days letter(Monday evening)*
The event of the past week has been the strangest, the eeriest dream ever and a painful heartbreak but I still have to make a living.
"Why are you getting ready, I thought your shift was later in the night?" Zeoy asked with her mouth full of food while pressing her phone.
"I owe my colleague a cover," my voice came out weak while she raised an eyebrow at me.
"still having weird dreams about a strange man?" She asked with an amused expression while I rolled my eyes. I still strongly believe it's not a dream. That day at the club I am sure of what I saw but apparently I was found passed out on the cold tiles of the restroom and my two friends believe I either was dreaming or hallucinating.
I also want to believe I was dreaming because if not that would mean that there is a strange entity going around abducting weak women and he is not human. A demon perhaps...
"By the way, when are you going home?" I asked while she immediately rose from her position pretending not to hear my question.
"Don't tell me you are having issues with your parents again?" She smoothly changed the topic purposely avoiding my question.
"I told you to avoid reading Selene's Fantasy stories now you are dreaming of Men with powers," certainly she must have a fight with her family again but doesn't want to talk about it.
"None of her stories talks about a creature whose eyes change color," I hissed, putting my hair in a ponytail.
"Dreams tend to put in a different touch sometimes, call it a remix."....
Usually, my shift would start as late as 9pm but my colleague already covered for me so I had to turn up early but I was already late because of the state of my car. It's a weathered, aging vehicle that has seen better days. Its exterior paint is faded and chipped, with visible rust spots on the body. The once-shiny chrome accents have dulled, and the headlights are cloudy from years of use.
Inside the car, the interior tells a story of endurance. The seats are worn and frayed, with patches covering tears. The dashboard is cracked, and the upholstery is faded and stained. The air conditioning and heating system no longer works correctly, forcing me to rely on open windows for ventilation.
The engine emits a rough, sputtering sound when I start it, and sometimes it struggles to purr to life. The car's mileage is high, indicating that it has been through countless journeys. It may occasionally emit a puff of smoke from the exhaust pipe, a sign of its age.
Despite its shortcomings, this car is my lifeline, my means of survival. I will continue to maintain it to the best of my ability, even if it means frequent DIY repairs and occasional visits to the local mechanic.
It was never a new car to begin with. I bought it from a desperate student with the money my parents sent me while in college and it has been serving me just sometimes slower, especially when I need to be at work early.
"I am so sorry," I apologized upon arriving, seeing Sarah with a frown immediately she sighted me.
"Don't tell me it's your car again" she whined as we went straight to our shared changing room.
"What do you even do with your money? It's time to change that car?" Sarah continued to say as I just smiled. I have a family back home at ELDERMOOR in the countryside who I have to send money to.
It wasn't always like this, since I took an essay competition where I placed second and was granted a scholarship alongside the winner. I studied mass communication without really thinking deeply about it. I had no passion for it and just did it only to realize later just how challenging it was to secure a job because of how competitive my field is.
My parents weren't getting younger either. Mom has suddenly developed a heart disease and needs regular hospital visits so I have to send as much money home as possible even working at a top Hotel like STONEFORGE as long as I am not a full-time worker yet I can't afford to change my car yet.
"I heard a VIP will be coming in today," Sarah said as I finished changing into my uniform and I struggled to put my hair back into a ponytail.
"I see," I said nonchalantly. I mean it's a regular thing working in such a hotel.
"It's the special kind of VIP, I am just telling you because I think you might be assigned to personally serve somebody," she said as I paused, turning to look at her.
"You mean the lazy type?" I asked as she nodded while I scoffed, rolling my eyes. Every once in a while we get a different type of Vip. Where you have to literally follow them around like their personal maid. And pour their wine for them standing beside them and sometimes they put your patience to test and get pushy once I get asked to hand-feed their kids as if I was their nanny.
Already grumpy I forced the most beautiful smile I could muster as I went straight to my post going straight to my manager.
"Oh Miss Hawthorne, thank God you are here, there is a very important client you have to serve," she said upon seeing me with a smile. She only smiles when she assigns me this type of work. Before I would gladly accept with a smile because I thought I might become a full-time employee if I continued to serve special VIPs but boy was I wrong.
"This is the older brother of CEO Kealen Stoneforge," she whispered as my eyes widened in shock.
Wait, what? Why am I getting assigned this sort of job? Instead of the senior staff who are full-time workers.
"The CEO's elder brother?" Already sweating and panicking, my heart was leaping but she continued to smile as if she just told me the best news ever.
"Yes, there is a reason I picked you for this, please don't disappoint me, order came from above not to annoy him, do not let him find a fault in anything unless we are all fucked!" she screamed in lower case as her smile disappeared while I swallowed hard.
I swear this is going to be the day they finally fire me for real because for her to look this worried then what about me?. I can already smell my hot discharge from the premises.
"He has been checked in,"A Porter ran to our direction as my heart began skipping immediately she shoved me to his side while I raised my brows at her.
"You are not coming?" I asked, normally she would come to welcome and introduce me but seeing her panicking I knew I was doomed. I forced a smile as I lowered my gaze following the Porter. Internally I began to rehearse how to introduce myself. I can't afford to lose my job not yet.
Headed straight to the presidential suite with my heart pounding. Thankfully he has settled into a room which means I don't have to show him around at least I won't be the one since I don't work in the morning.
A knock on the door I waited to hear him call me in even though the door was open. I adjusted my dress just in case as I breathed in and out wondering why I needed to introduce myself if he was already settled in his room. I already hate this and it hasn't started yet.
I hear a voice inside, not sure I waited for a while before walking into the room. The giggle of a woman filled the place as I rolled my eyes, unable to hold myself back. With my head lowered I quickly introduced myself.
"Good evening sir/ma, my name is Aurora Hawthorne, I have been assigned to you and I am here to assist you throughout your stay in our hotel, please how may I be of help to you?" I said under one breath as I stood waiting for his answer.
"Au..roRa?" he rolled my name as I smiled looking up to meet his gaze only for my jaw to drop. It was him again, the devil. Shocked and taken aback followed by a sense of fear I watched the smile on his face spread.
"We meet again," he said, his voice just as chilly as I remembered.
"You guys know each other?" the young lady sitting beside him asked, making me finally tear my eyes away from his.
"Uhm No," I answered, trying to force a smile and be professional but quickly realized how impossible that was going to be.
"No?" he asked, seeming offended, my throat caught my tongue and I ended up coughing. Again this lady seemed infatuated with him robbing her hands all over his long hair, not even caring that I was in the room with them.
Breathing has become hard because I now know there is no way what I saw that day was a dream. And this lady here is going to be his next victim. And I must save her somehow or the other.
"Uncomfortable?" he leaned in towards the table staring straight into my eyes. This is no coincidence. This is the third time am seeing him and this is definitely no dream.
"No sir_" my voice came out timid.
"Loosen up, perhaps I was wrong, although I rarely am. But I thought we might have met somewhere not long ago. You know at a restroom or was it at a garage?" It was clear he was enjoying seeing me uncomfortable....
.... (Aurora's POV) My heart completely sank. Leaping and almost bursting through my chest, for I have crossed part with the devil himself. And no, he is nothing like the tales told, he is not an ugly red man with horns but rather a beautiful man with luscious hair who can easily bewitch one with just a single stare. His golden brown eyes, which I clearly remembered changing color, shone brighter when he smiled even though I could tell those smiles were fake, all a sham to manipulate another victim.... Not minding that I stood before him, with a wine bottle in my hand waiting to be dismissed. He whispered sweet words to the lady who seemed to have lost her sense of control completely lost in his gaze not even sparing a glance at me. She continuously ran her hands all over his chest giggling as her voice filled the room. "Ahem! Ahem!!" I cleared my throat nervously, still hoping to be dismissed. All my head could think about is the fact that he was real. It wasn't a dream and I de
I watched as his demeanor changed upon getting to the restaurant. I followed him closely, my whole attention on him. Straight to the VIP section, he knew exactly where to go. Thankfully Gabriel was already around, perhaps waiting for him. "Welcome sir, good evening," he greeted with a smile. It was the first time I saw his smile. I must confess, I mean who wouldn't want to be on their best behavior when the CEO's brother is around well all except me so far."So what is it?" Gabriel asked, facing me as I panicked, still not sure of what he wanted to eat."Still not doing your job?" he said in between his teeth with a passive-aggressive tone and smile."What do you mean, her job?" He finally broke his cold silence, looking up at me and Gabriel, his tone was as cold as his face as he folded his hands against his chest closing his legs."Aah... No, I am just trying to know what you want," Gabriel said with a nervous smile as he nodded."The last time I was here, the chief came directly
....Even though I purposely took my time, at 10 am, the traffic was still jammed. Usually, my shift ends as early as 8 am but somehow it's 10 am, and I am on my way home in my withered car hoping it doesn't break down before I get home...Upon getting to my apartment, I needed no seer to tell me that Selena has joined Zeoy, the sound of music coming from my apartment as I input my password. The smell of fresh food filled my nostrils as I walked straight to lay on my floor."What is wrong?' The worried voice of Selena approached me lying on the floor with worry on her face. I immediately pretended to cry as I raised my hand towards her. She smiled and kicked me as she went back with a kitchen spoon in her hand."What happened to you? Exhausted?" Zoey asked, sitting beside me as she lowered the soft music, completely turning on the television instead."How was work?" she asked as I noticed she was eating peanuts, I dragged myself up to sit beside her as I hissed. How do I bring up work
...As the twilight shadows danced across the room, I stirred from a deep slumber, my senses reluctantly surrendering to the rhythmic pulsing of the evening alarm. Its persistent melody sliced through the hushed stillness, a stark reminder that my world awakened as others embraced the caress of night.Beneath the dim glow of the bedside lamp, I untangled myself from the embrace of sleep, my body a canvas painted with the weariness of the day that never was. The city outside whispered with the secrets of nocturnal tales, and I, a mere spectator, prepared to step into the velvet embrace of the night.The sheets clung to me like the remnants of dreams, and as I silenced the alarm, the room echoed with the quiet promise of moonlit adventures and As the twilight shadows danced across the room, I stirred from a deep slumber, my senses reluctantly surrendering to the rhythmic pulsing of the evening alarm. Its persistent melody sliced through the hushed stillness, a stark reminder that my wor
...."Don't you think it speaks of your professionalism if you can't even remember the name of your guest?" Alaric asked, taken aback I scanned through my head, the devil never told me his name."You are not wrong, but wouldn't it be more disrespectful to ask a guest of such caliber what his name is if he hadn't thought of the necessity of introducing himself first," I replied, his expression made me rethink my words, was I being such a smarty mouth."Oh heavens," A chuckle followed, he seemed genuinely amused, making me wonder what was funny about what I had just said."Your logic would have made so much sense, but in the earthly world of the elites you are supposed to know the rich even before they introduce themselves, that is how you survive," he spoke as if lecturing me."Even before meeting you, I knew I would like you, I am very glad at my judgment yet again," he continued speaking, his words only made me more curious as to what exactly their conversation about me was like."Of
(AURORA's pov)The scorching sun beat down on my skin, turning every breath into a hectic struggle. The air hung heavy, a stifling blanket that clung to me as if unwilling to let go. The asphalt beneath my feet radiated waves of heat, making each step feel like a trek through a furnace.Sweat trickled relentlessly down my temples, a constant reminder of the merciless warmth. The sky above was a relentless blue, devoid of any comforting clouds, as if even they had sought refuge from the relentless heat. The air shimmered with a tangible heat haze, distorting the landscape into wavering mirages that seemed to dance in the oppressive atmosphere.Slow and steady I pushed through, my breath accompanying me as I made my way to the garage. The heavy flower bouquet almost dropped from my hand as I panicked, letting out a sigh of frustration."Please don't do this to me" I heard a voice say. "Please we can figure this out!" The voice continued, this time weeping. I immediately halted m
(Aurora cont'd)"So you are saying your boyfriend and his gym bro friend are hooking up?" Zoey asked with her jaw dropped while I sat on the floor, in the middle of my tiny living room with a box of tissues, soaking up my tears with them. My messy blonde hair, all over the place."Stop crying, Rora, it's not your fault that he is gay," Selene tried to console me but for some reason it made my tears worse."What can I do when I am so heartbroken?" I asked offended as they both nodded. By their extravagant dresses, it was obvious they were dressing to either go out or they already went out."This was supposed to be a happy day, your one year anniversary. This is why I am single. Men are full of shit, to think I thought Darian was an exception," Selene hissed as she got me a glass of water to quench my thirst."I know this isn't the time but I knew something was off about him," Zoey said as I just sat down there with no more tears to shed."I really thought I found the one," I said truth
...."Don't you think it speaks of your professionalism if you can't even remember the name of your guest?" Alaric asked, taken aback I scanned through my head, the devil never told me his name."You are not wrong, but wouldn't it be more disrespectful to ask a guest of such caliber what his name is if he hadn't thought of the necessity of introducing himself first," I replied, his expression made me rethink my words, was I being such a smarty mouth."Oh heavens," A chuckle followed, he seemed genuinely amused, making me wonder what was funny about what I had just said."Your logic would have made so much sense, but in the earthly world of the elites you are supposed to know the rich even before they introduce themselves, that is how you survive," he spoke as if lecturing me."Even before meeting you, I knew I would like you, I am very glad at my judgment yet again," he continued speaking, his words only made me more curious as to what exactly their conversation about me was like."Of
...As the twilight shadows danced across the room, I stirred from a deep slumber, my senses reluctantly surrendering to the rhythmic pulsing of the evening alarm. Its persistent melody sliced through the hushed stillness, a stark reminder that my world awakened as others embraced the caress of night.Beneath the dim glow of the bedside lamp, I untangled myself from the embrace of sleep, my body a canvas painted with the weariness of the day that never was. The city outside whispered with the secrets of nocturnal tales, and I, a mere spectator, prepared to step into the velvet embrace of the night.The sheets clung to me like the remnants of dreams, and as I silenced the alarm, the room echoed with the quiet promise of moonlit adventures and As the twilight shadows danced across the room, I stirred from a deep slumber, my senses reluctantly surrendering to the rhythmic pulsing of the evening alarm. Its persistent melody sliced through the hushed stillness, a stark reminder that my wor
....Even though I purposely took my time, at 10 am, the traffic was still jammed. Usually, my shift ends as early as 8 am but somehow it's 10 am, and I am on my way home in my withered car hoping it doesn't break down before I get home...Upon getting to my apartment, I needed no seer to tell me that Selena has joined Zeoy, the sound of music coming from my apartment as I input my password. The smell of fresh food filled my nostrils as I walked straight to lay on my floor."What is wrong?' The worried voice of Selena approached me lying on the floor with worry on her face. I immediately pretended to cry as I raised my hand towards her. She smiled and kicked me as she went back with a kitchen spoon in her hand."What happened to you? Exhausted?" Zoey asked, sitting beside me as she lowered the soft music, completely turning on the television instead."How was work?" she asked as I noticed she was eating peanuts, I dragged myself up to sit beside her as I hissed. How do I bring up work
I watched as his demeanor changed upon getting to the restaurant. I followed him closely, my whole attention on him. Straight to the VIP section, he knew exactly where to go. Thankfully Gabriel was already around, perhaps waiting for him. "Welcome sir, good evening," he greeted with a smile. It was the first time I saw his smile. I must confess, I mean who wouldn't want to be on their best behavior when the CEO's brother is around well all except me so far."So what is it?" Gabriel asked, facing me as I panicked, still not sure of what he wanted to eat."Still not doing your job?" he said in between his teeth with a passive-aggressive tone and smile."What do you mean, her job?" He finally broke his cold silence, looking up at me and Gabriel, his tone was as cold as his face as he folded his hands against his chest closing his legs."Aah... No, I am just trying to know what you want," Gabriel said with a nervous smile as he nodded."The last time I was here, the chief came directly
.... (Aurora's POV) My heart completely sank. Leaping and almost bursting through my chest, for I have crossed part with the devil himself. And no, he is nothing like the tales told, he is not an ugly red man with horns but rather a beautiful man with luscious hair who can easily bewitch one with just a single stare. His golden brown eyes, which I clearly remembered changing color, shone brighter when he smiled even though I could tell those smiles were fake, all a sham to manipulate another victim.... Not minding that I stood before him, with a wine bottle in my hand waiting to be dismissed. He whispered sweet words to the lady who seemed to have lost her sense of control completely lost in his gaze not even sparing a glance at me. She continuously ran her hands all over his chest giggling as her voice filled the room. "Ahem! Ahem!!" I cleared my throat nervously, still hoping to be dismissed. All my head could think about is the fact that he was real. It wasn't a dream and I de
(Aurora)*Two days letter(Monday evening)* The event of the past week has been the strangest, the eeriest dream ever and a painful heartbreak but I still have to make a living."Why are you getting ready, I thought your shift was later in the night?" Zeoy asked with her mouth full of food while pressing her phone."I owe my colleague a cover," my voice came out weak while she raised an eyebrow at me."still having weird dreams about a strange man?" She asked with an amused expression while I rolled my eyes. I still strongly believe it's not a dream. That day at the club I am sure of what I saw but apparently I was found passed out on the cold tiles of the restroom and my two friends believe I either was dreaming or hallucinating. I also want to believe I was dreaming because if not that would mean that there is a strange entity going around abducting weak women and he is not human. A demon perhaps..."By the way, when are you going home?" I asked while she immediately rose from
(Aurora cont'd)"So you are saying your boyfriend and his gym bro friend are hooking up?" Zoey asked with her jaw dropped while I sat on the floor, in the middle of my tiny living room with a box of tissues, soaking up my tears with them. My messy blonde hair, all over the place."Stop crying, Rora, it's not your fault that he is gay," Selene tried to console me but for some reason it made my tears worse."What can I do when I am so heartbroken?" I asked offended as they both nodded. By their extravagant dresses, it was obvious they were dressing to either go out or they already went out."This was supposed to be a happy day, your one year anniversary. This is why I am single. Men are full of shit, to think I thought Darian was an exception," Selene hissed as she got me a glass of water to quench my thirst."I know this isn't the time but I knew something was off about him," Zoey said as I just sat down there with no more tears to shed."I really thought I found the one," I said truth
(AURORA's pov)The scorching sun beat down on my skin, turning every breath into a hectic struggle. The air hung heavy, a stifling blanket that clung to me as if unwilling to let go. The asphalt beneath my feet radiated waves of heat, making each step feel like a trek through a furnace.Sweat trickled relentlessly down my temples, a constant reminder of the merciless warmth. The sky above was a relentless blue, devoid of any comforting clouds, as if even they had sought refuge from the relentless heat. The air shimmered with a tangible heat haze, distorting the landscape into wavering mirages that seemed to dance in the oppressive atmosphere.Slow and steady I pushed through, my breath accompanying me as I made my way to the garage. The heavy flower bouquet almost dropped from my hand as I panicked, letting out a sigh of frustration."Please don't do this to me" I heard a voice say. "Please we can figure this out!" The voice continued, this time weeping. I immediately halted m