Chapter 003

Bianca's POV

For a moment, there was silence. And then, he smiled—a slow, dangerous smile that filled my whole body with fear instantly.

I had made a mistake. A huge mistake. My mind raced with only one thought: “Get out of here.” I glanced around the room; all eyes were on me, shock etched on every face. And why wouldn’t they be? I think I just slapped a Mafia boss.

I didn’t wait for anyone to react. Before my brain could catch up with my legs, I bolted. On my way out, I crashed into a waiter, knocking a bottle of wine to the floor. The sound echoed behind me, but I didn’t dare stop.

I burst into the changing room, stripped off my uniform, and pulled on my clothes with trembling hands, barely able to grab my bag before rushing out. I slipped out of the club, blending into the crowd. No sign of the manager. Thank goodness.

Outside, I waved urgently at the first cab I saw. As the car pulled away, I let out a breath I didn’t know I’d been holding. I just slapped a Mafia boss. I can't believe I almost got myself in trouble on my first day at work.

My stomach twisted as I leaned my head against the window, “What am I going to do now?” I couldn’t go back to Silver Stork, not after this. “What the hell was I thinking?” I rubbed my temples.

Back at my apartment, I collapsed onto my bed, my mind spinning. Rent. Bills. How was I supposed to pay for anything now? “Maybe Tessie could loan me some money,” I thought, but even that wouldn’t last. I’d need to find a new job fast if I wanted to avoid complete disaster.

“I knew Silver Stork was a bad idea.” I groaned, tapping my forehead in frustration.

My phone buzzed, and I took it beside me. “Oh, finally.” A snug smile tugged at my lips.

It was him. Three years ago, his last unexpected message was to remind me that I still belonged to him. I had sent countless texts, photos—anything to get his attention. But nothing. Not a single reply.

When I came back to the city, I messaged him again. Maybe, just maybe, he wanted to see me. But seeing his reply now? “Just ok?” My throat tightened. “What was I expecting?”

Memories of our kiss six years ago flooded back. He had saved me that night—held me so close I could still feel the warmth of his touch. His eyes had held mine like I was the only person in the world.

Now, as I lay on my bed, staring at that cold one-word reply, I felt foolish. “Who was I kidding?” I rolled over and closed my eyes, trying to escape the growing knot in my chest until I drifted off to sleep.

----

The next morning, my phone's loud ringtone jolted me awake. Still groggy, I fumbled for it, not bothering to open my eyes.

“You work for free or for fun?” a voice barked. I blinked at the screen, Who is this?—an unsaved number.

“Or is this some charity you’re running?” the voice asked again, irritated

“What… who is this?” I mumbled.

“You got paid that much at the Red Lounge, that you decided to gift us your shift?” I sat up in bed, It was the manager.

“I… I don’t…” I stammered.

“Spare me the excuses. Be at the early club tonight. And see me before your shift.” The line went dead.

I stared at the phone, stunned. “Wait… I’m not in trouble? What a relief, but Why didn’t he report me?” I thought.

A small smile tugged at my lips. “Maybe I wasn’t completely screwed after all.”

Two hours later, I pulled my hoodie over my head, adjusting the sleeves as I stepped out of my apartment. My stomach grumbled in protest—I hadn't eaten all day, and the stress from last night wasn’t helping.

The streets were busy as usual, filled with people moving in every direction. I walked past a row of street vendors, the smell of roasted meat and fresh bread teasing my empty stomach. Spotting a small convenience store up ahead, I quickened my pace.

I grabbed a bottle of water and a sandwich, handing some cash to the cashier. As I stuffed the change into my pocket, a strange feeling settled over me, I felt like someone was watching.

I turned my head slightly, scanning the crowd outside through the store window. Nothing seemed out of place, but the unease in my gut didn’t fade. Shrugging it off, I stepped out of the store and onto the sidewalk.

That’s when I saw them.

Two men. Dressed in dark clothes, moving at a steady pace behind me.

I told myself it was nothing. Just random pedestrians. But as I kept walking, I noticed they matched my steps. When I slowed down, they did too. When I sped up, so did they.

My heart began to beat fast.

I took a sharp turn down a smaller street, hoping to lose them. The buildings here were older, the road quieter. But the moment I glanced over my shoulder, my stomach dropped.

They were still following me.

“Oh no!” My grip tightened around the sandwich bag as I picked up my pace.

I turned another corner and began to run.

Footsteps pounded behind me.

I ran faster, weaving through the narrow street, dodging parked motorbikes and crates stacked against the walls. My breath came in loud gasps.

Suddenly, my foot caught on something.

Pain shot through my palms and knees as I hit the ground hard. The sandwich slipped from my grasp, rolling onto the pavement.

I tried to push myself up, but before I could move, a boot scraped against the concrete and I felt a shadow looming over me.

“Please don't kill me.” I begged.