CHAPTER 18

Another day arrived so quickly, and I sluggishly sat up straight on the bed. It felt strange waking up in a new place, different from my usual surroundings.

I hadn't had a chance to take in my new environment yesterday like I wanted to. Now, I looked around the slightly large room, appreciating its features. The walls were painted a warm color, casting a cozy glow throughout the space. A few pretty artworks were hung around, and a vase with rose flowers sat by the bedside. It was nothing like the fancy Douglas household or my previous apartment, but it had a sense of comfort and peace I had long yearned for.

I picked up my phone to check the time. It was past 7. "Shit! I am late for work," I muttered, scrambling off the bed in a panic.

But as I rushed into the bathroom, reality hit me like a cold splash of water: I didn't have a workplace to return to.

I let out a loud sigh as I returned to sit back down on the edge of the bed, burying my face in my hands. "This is for the best, Eliza