0003: Shiela Lockheart

"Aunt Marie, can you watch over Mom for a bit? There are many visitors at La Cresta now, so there's plenty of work for me to hustle," Shiela reminded her neighbor, who she entrusted with her mother, who has Alzheimer's disease. She’s washing the dishes, the phone tucked between her shoulder and ear. She couldn't risk neglecting her mother, as it could lead to accidents.

Shiela couldn't just stay at home and watch over her mother because they would both go hungry. Fortunately, she knew the caretaker at La Cresta, Aunt Nadia, so she managed to get in as a firedancer at the resort. She took up extra shifts in the morning when they were short on staff.

During these times, she barely had enough sleep or eat due to the hustle, but it’s worth it because she earned more money compared to regular days.

'Oh, no problem, dear. I'm not doing anything at home anyway. It gets boring being alone there too. When are you coming home?' Aunt Marie asked on the other end.

"It will be about five more days, Aunt. I signed a contract, so I can't go out until I finish what Aunt Nadia and I agreed on. I'll be sleeping here too. Please take care of Mom, okay? She needs to take her meds on time. I'll pay you when I get back. I need to finish the promised works first," Shiela replied, still washing the dishes. They’re all busy in the kitchen, each doing their respective tasks.

She’s assigned to Sunset Grill today—the largest and busiest restaurant in La Cresta. She’s washing dishes, wiping tables, taking orders, and sometimes called to help grill fresh seafood ordered by customers.

"Shiela, could you help us clean the tables near the entrance? We have new customers coming in. As you know, the ones who come here are well-off and don't want to see a mess," Betty requested. Betty was Shiela's close friend who regularly worked at Sunset Grill.

"Sure, I'll follow, Betty," Shiela responded with a smile, promptly wiping her hands on her apron. She took it off and replaced it with a cleaner one to appear presentable to the customers.

"Oh, Shiela. What are you wearing?" Aunt Nadia scolded her upon seeing her. He fanned himself with a large abaniko, his face bombarded with makeup. Being gay, unmarried and business minded, he devoted all his time to managing La Cresta. Shiela's mother worked for him before she got ill.

"My apron is clean, Aunt Nadia, I just changed," Shiela politely replied.

Aunt Nadia chuckled slightly. "It's not your apron but your demeanor. What's this? A nun's outfit? Wear shorts so our wealthy customers will be pleased," he ordered and handed Shiela a pair of denim shorts.

Shiela felt uncomfortable. She wasn't used to showing her legs, especially with so many men around. The other staff were not dressed as revealing, some even wore pants. She’s the only one Aunt Nadia seemed to be fixated on, deeming her the most beautiful in the area and quickly catching the eyes of the men. Aunt Nadia even advised her to work in the Bidding Hall as a firedancer because of the high earnings there. However, Shiela refused as she knew the tasks of the women working in the Bidding Hall weren't just dancing—they also sold their bodies for nights of pleasure for the wealthy.

"Will you take those shorts and wear them? I'm getting sore," Aunt Nadia demanded, annoyed.

Shiela swallowed her pride and took the denim shorts given to her by her superior. She didn't want to disappoint him as she might lose getting jobs. Despite her reluctance, she put aside her pride and shame for her mother's upkeep.

"I-I'll change first," she excused herself to Aunt Nadia before going to the restroom. Her boss had a broad smile, knowing Shiela would also earn significant tips by showcasing her body. Many customers' eyes would feast on her when she did that display.

A few moments later, Shiela emerged from the restroom. She discreetly pulled down the tight shorts she’s wearing, making her feel like her underwear was visible. If she wasn't wearing an apron, her femininity would have been too obvious. Though she wanted to complain, there’s little she could do as her boss had the final say. She reluctantly decided to continue working extra shifts, even if she’s uncomfortable.

"That's it, just like that! Perfect!" Aunt Nadia praised with joy, guiding her to the dining area where eager stares of wealthy customers greeted her.

Young, old, lanky, or plump. Shiela captured the attention of everyone there.

Although Sunset Grill wasn't a bar, it’s a decent dining place. But when the men's attention was fixed on Shiela, she surpassed the appeal of an actual pimp. She felt uneasy.

She admitted it. Her body had appealing curves. Her chest was ample, and her hips were shapely. She’s often told she’s the most beautiful woman in La Cresta and their area. Yet sometimes, that wasn't a good thing. Nearly every man who saw her wanted to possess her and do harm.

"Serve over here," Aunt Nadia pulled her to the guests who have a records of disrespecting women at La Cresta. This included Mr. Smith, who seemed to make even prostitutes uncomfortable with his lustful behavior.

"Can we order the waitress?" Mr. Smith made a disrespectful remark, squeezing her thigh, followed by boisterous laughter.

Shiela wanted to cry, but she fought back. "Can I take your order, Sir?" she asked.

Mr. Smith shook his head. "She's so innocent. Doesn't she know we ordered her from Nadia?" he sneered to his companions. Shiela gulped at the comment, her chest tightening, and took a step back, alarmed.

"Where are you going? Stay here," Mr. Smith held her tightly, and she struggled to break free.

"Let me go," she said menacingly. If it weren't for her mother, she might have hit the old man with the serving tray.

"Why? I paid for you. I'm the one who decides when and where I hold you. If I tell you to undress here, you will," Mr. Smith stated firmly before standing up. He’s about to make Shiela undress, but she pushed him away.

"Don't touch me, you animal!" Shiela shouted, her body shaking. She grabbed a knife from a nearby table and aimed it at the man.

"Why so feisty?" He moved closer to her, but Shiela kept the knife pointed at him, causing him to step back.

"Go on! Try it! I won't hesitate to slit your throat!" she hysterically threatened, startling everyone.

Mr. Smith signaled Aunt Nadia to calm Shiela down. He quickly approached their table to reprimand Shiela.

"What are you doing? Don't embarrass me in front of the customers here. If they don't return, you won't be allowed to work here at La Cresta anymore," Aunt Nadia subtly threatened Shiela before smiling at the customers. "It's fine, just eat. La Cresta is a bit busy, so our staff isn't in the mood. Please bear with her," he apologized to everyone before giving Shiela a menacing warning. "Shape up," he added before glaring at Shiela and leaving.

Reluctantly, Shiela approached Mr. Smith's table.

"There, look who's obedient," the old man commented to his companions.

Tears welled up in Shiela's eyes as she felt she might break down any moment. Aunt Nadia walked over to check on the other customers, while the other waiters and waitresses kept a watchful eye on Shiela, sensing her discomfort.

Mr. Smith again reached for Shiela, but this time someone stopped him.

"She said don't touch her," a deep baritone voice spoke. Everyone froze upon recognizing the man.

"Mr. Harrington? Just mind your own business," Mr. Smith dismissed him. Edward then pulled Shiela towards him to protect her. He detested seeing a woman being disrespected. That's how the tension between Edward and Mr. Smith began.

Aunt Nadia wanted to intervene, but Edward was one of the esteemed guests at the resort, so he didn't want to offend him.

Even though their initial encounter wasn't pleasant, Shiela felt safe and secure by Edward's side. Her fear gradually dissipated.

"I told you! Give her to me! You're not deaf, Mr. Harr—"

"Whoa!"

Everyone was taken aback after Edward struck Mr. Smith. The old man held his bleeding nose, falling to the floor after losing his balance.

"Mr. Smith!" Aunt Nadia shouted as he quickly approached the fallen man. He called for the staff to take him to the nearby hospital.

Chaos ensued, but Edward remained standing. Shiela felt a mixture of fear and anticipation, uncertain of the impact of Edward's actions on her.