Awaken to Reality

BRIANNA

I woke in a rush, remnants of a heated dream clinging to my thoughts. Blinking away sleep, I checked the clock and bolted out of bed.

'Fuck, I was going to be late for my day job.'

It took me a while getting dressed to remember I had been fired, so I shuffled to the kitchenette to make breakfast.

'That left my night job to sustain our small family.'

The TV murmured in the background, the news anchor's voice a drone. But my attention zeroed in on Jayden Steele, a familiar face on the screen.

His name came with a lot of emotions and unwanted memories. The billionaire's return had become the talk of the town, a spectacle I couldn't escape, even in the sanctum of my private space. That was probably why I was having those crazy flashbacks.

I shifted my focus to the present as a noise caught my attention. My adorable toddler, Leo, had woken up. Leo, a cherubic figure with wide eyes that mirrored mine, toddled towards me with outstretched arms. I scooped him up, the warmth of his embrace momentarily grounding me. The room echoed with my son's innocent laughter; amid morning rituals—diaper changes, giggles—I tried to push away thoughts of the man who left me.

I spent the whole day playing with Leo; he was growing fast, and I had much to catch up with. I usually left him with the neighbours while I worked, but this was a time to unwind. The poor baby was initially confused but soon decided he liked having me around during the day.

The evening brought a semblance of normalcy as I donned a simple yet elegant uniform, assuming my role as a server at the bustling restaurant, "La Parfumerie," where I eked out a living. The aroma of spices and the murmur of conversations provided a temporary peace from the storm brewing within.

It was a place where the elite dined. I had become skilled at blending into the background, offering impeccable service while keeping a low profile. I moved between tables, expertly serving each course, my auburn hair neatly pulled back in a bun and my crisp uniform accentuating my slender figure.

I glanced around the room swiftly, scanning the space until my gaze halted briefly at the entrance, where the familiar chime indicated new arrivals. While looking away, a table in a secluded corner drew my attention. Jayden was already seated there, a ghost from my past, effortlessly drawing attention in the restaurant with confidence.

What caught me off guard was the presence of a woman by his side—a strikingly beautiful, elegantly dressed companion. Her demeanour echoed his icy composure. He leaned in, murmuring something to her, and I couldn't help but watch, my cheeks warming as memories flooded back. The revelation added another layer to the emotional chaos swirling within.

"Get it together," I scolded myself.

The weight of the moment settled over me like a suffocating blanket.

"Damn it," I cursed under my breath, my impulse to flee intensifying.

My boss snagged my hand before I could swiftly escape to the kitchen.

"You deal with those guests. They're important. Don't screw this up," he commanded, his grip tightening before I freed myself.

"Yes, sir," I muttered, massaging my hand and cursing him out in my mind.

I glanced back, only to meet Jayden's gaze. Our eyes locked, sparking an inexplicable connection in the charged atmosphere. It felt like a jolt of electricity, momentarily halting the world around us. As quickly as it ignited, the moment dissipated when he turned to converse with the woman.

A strong jawline and piercing eyes enhanced his commanding presence. Jayden carried that familiar air about him, dressed immaculately in a tailored suit, exuding authority and confidence.

No way in hell was I going over there. I signalled a coworker, Taylor, to step in and take care of their needs.

"Taylor, could you assist the guests at that table?" I murmured, nodding subtly toward Jayden's area.

Taylor, ever observant, acknowledged my signal and smoothly took over, confidently smiling at Jayden and his companion.

A nearby table erupted in discontent as a displeased customer voiced dissatisfaction with their meal.

"This is unacceptable! I demand to speak to the manager," his voice pierced the ambient hum, drawing unwanted attention.

I rushed over to diffuse the situation, but his dissatisfaction only escalated. The heated exchange grew tense, his words becoming sharper and louder.

"You're incompetent! Are you even listening to me?" His voice echoed, causing several heads to turn in our direction.

The man suddenly raised his hand, and I instinctively flinched, bracing for a blow. However, when I opened my eyes, I found Jayden standing protectively between us, his posture unyielding, his eyes cold and narrowed.

"This is unnecessary. The staff here is doing their job," Jayden ground out.

The client's anger shifted toward Jayden, and his agitation was evident. "Who are you to step in?" he retorted, clearly irked.

"A patron trying to have a meal in peace," Jayden replied, his tone composed as his grip tightened.

"Arghh! Let go of me, bastard," the customer yelled as he snatched his hand back.

The restaurant manager rushed to the scene, visibly flustered by the commotion.

"What seems to be the problem?" he asked, sweating.

"This bitch here seems to think she can talk smack to me and have her boyfriend beat me up!" the man screamed, pointing between me and Jayden while cradling his arm.

The manager hesitated, his eyes widening when he noticed Jayden. "This must be a misunderstanding, esteemed guest. This is—" he attempted to explain but was cut off by the furious customer.

"the fuck? Are you kidding me? Is this how you run your business?" he shouted.

"You think I don't know what I'm saying?"

People were starting to look at us now. My eyes met Jayden's date, and my cheeks heated up.

Aware that the situation had escalated, the restaurant staff swiftly escorted the irate client out, assuring him his bill had been waived.

Granger's face was a horrible shade for the rest of the night. He turned to me and the waitress and began to scold us publicly. The experience was humiliating, and I felt my cheeks burn as I fought back tears.

Jayden had returned to his table and motioned for me to come over.

"Come here," he ordered, his tone brusque.

I approached him, avoiding direct eye contact. "Is there something else I can assist you with, sir?"

Jayden's gaze bore into me, his voice low and cold.

"You've managed to turn a simple meal into a spectacle," he scolded, disappointment dripping from his voice.

"You're here to serve. Keep your problems out of my dining experience. I expect nothing less than perfection," his date piped in, tone dismissive as she waved me off.

With those words, he dismissed me, leaving me with an even worse feeling of humiliation and a growing anger that I couldn't shake. I returned to the kitchen, rattled. I needed to regain my composure.

The night went on slowly. My gaze kept drifting to the table in the corner. Jayden and his partner were having a great conversation.

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Finishing my shift felt like walking through a haze. My head spun, replaying the whole thing with Jayden on a loop. The clatter of dishes and the hum of conversations faded into the background, drowned by the roar of my racing thoughts. Stepping outside, the chilly wind slapped my face, snapping me back to reality.

A guy in a sharp suit came up to me. He handed over a business card with Jayden's name and office address. I stared at it, feeling a weird mix of surprise and confusion.

"Uh, what's this for?" I asked, squinting at the card.

"He wanted you to have it," the guy replied smoothly.

"W-wha"

"Mr. Steele expects you at his office for business. Don't keep him waiting," He grunted before slipping away into the night.

I stood there, card in hand, my mind racing faster than the wind. What did Jayden want now? Was this some accident, or did he plan it? The card felt heavy and held answers I wasn't sure I wanted.

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As I stumbled back into my cramped apartment, my mind swirled with conflicting thoughts. Every decision weighed heavily on me, especially as a single mother. The unexpected encounter with Jayden added more weight to my already burdened shoulders. The mere thought of facing him again sent shivers down my spine.

Reality hit hard. The struggle to make ends meet and the constant worry about providing for my child loomed over me like a dark cloud. Despite the fear and uncertainty, there was a nagging realization that perhaps, just perhaps, Jayden's offer could be the lifeline we needed.

I sat at the edge of my tired, worn-out couch, staring at the sleek surface of the card, his name standing out starkly. It wasn't just about meeting him—it was about securing stability for my child. And in that moment, that was all that mattered.

In the late afternoon sunlight streaming through the window, I knocked on Sophie's door; Leo clutched to my side. Sophie, a kind-hearted soul in her early thirties, opened the door with a warm smile.

"Hey, Ria! Leo, look at you, growing so fast," Sophie's eyes sparkled as she ruffled Leo's hair.

"Hey, Sophie. Can we come in for a bit?" I asked, offering a faint smile.

"Of course, come on in," Sophie ushered us inside her cosy apartment.

I settled Leo on the carpet with some colouring books, hoping to be alone with Sophie.

"So, how's everything?" Sophie asked, concern etched in her features.

"I... ran into someone today," I began hesitantly, fidgeting with my hands. "Someone from my past."

Sophie's brows furrowed. "From your past?"

"Yeah, it was Jayden," I admitted, the name feeling heavy on my tongue.

"Jayden? The guy who—" Sophie trailed off, looking down at Leo.

"Yeah, him," I confirmed with a sigh. "I didn't expect to see him."

Sophie leaned closer, her expression filled with curiosity. "And?"

"And... he wants to meet," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.

A sympathetic understanding washed over Sophie's face. "What do you want to do?"

"I don't know, Soph. It's complicated. I mean, I can't just..." I paused, searching for words.

Sophie placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Listen, Ria. I know it's tough, but sometimes we must face things, especially if they could improve things."

I nodded slowly, absorbing her words. "It just... Leo, he's my priority. I can't mess this up."

"You won't," Sophie assured me. "If this meeting could bring some stability for Leo, maybe it is worth considering."

"But what if it is a mistake?" I voiced my fears.

Sophie smiled gently. "What if it's not? What if it is a chance for something good?"

I glanced over at Leo, immersed in his drawings, and then back at Sophie. Her words lingered; the uncertainty was still present in my mind but was starting to thaw.

"I'll think about it," I promised; maybe I should see what he has to say first.

The conversation with Sophie left me torn, but her encouragement planted a seed in my mind. The card in my coat suddenly felt heavy. We talked about other things, cursed out our landlord, and had lunch together. As Leo and I left her apartment, thoughts swirled, pondering what might unfold if I took that chance.