Chapter 04

Theo turned around to face Hazel and held the girl's hands.

Concern was written all over his face.

Hazel bit her lower lip, she knows that Theo only cares for Lauren as a little sister, but she can't help it. Her sister is beautiful and she's jealous of Lauren. She's able to get the man's attention without exerting any effort.

“We all know how hard-working Lauren is. Therefore Hazel, as her sister you should remind her to rest." Theo reminded her.

“You know babe, I always talk to her about it, but she's hard-headed. She doesn't listen to me anymore. I don't know what to do with her. Our parents were also worried about her." Theo knows how worried Hazel is for her sister.

"Maybe you need to talk to her again. Persuade her, maybe this time she will understand you. And if she's not still listening, I'm the one who will talk to her about it. I don't want you stressing yourself over a small thing."

Theo hugged Hazel for her to calm down. She unconsciously tightens her grip on Theo's waist.

She shakes her head. “No. It's my responsibility so you don't have to worry about it anymore. I will surely talk to her regarding this matter."

What fears her the most was Theo talking to her sister and they will be closer to each other again.

Unknown to them, Lauren was just outside the kitchen - at the corner. She watches and listens to their conversation. Soon after, the couple left the kitchen. That's the time Lauren could breathe a sigh of relief.

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Lauren finished all the tasks she needed to do. It was almost three in the afternoon when she had time to eat. She just quickly ate and was about to go to her room when Hazel blocked her way. She dragged her into the room.

Just as the door closed, a slap greeted him. She almost lost her balance due to the impact of that slap. She looked up at Hazel. Lauren clearly saw how Hazel hated her.

Hazel looks at Lauren with a gaze of disdain in her eyes. “How many times do I need to repeat myself to you? I said not to roam around when Theo is here. Stay in a place where we can't see you. Because of what you did, Theo might think that you are being neglected here." Hazel said while controlling her anger.

"I-it won't happen again," Lauren muttered while looking down. Lauren could only touch her cheeks. She winces when she feels the sudden pain.

“It won’t really happen again. Because if it happens again… I will drive you out here myself.

Hazel turned around and walked out. She even slammed the door.

She reminded herself, ‘you must endure it… just endure everything for now’ It's just a matter of time. If her savings were enough, she would voluntarily leave this family and then live alone. So that this family would finally be at peace.

A couple of minutes have passed. Lauren's phone suddenly rang. Her friend's name flashes on the screen.

She quickly answers the call.

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Nicole: “Lauren? Where are you?"

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Lauren: “Why? Does something come up?"

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Nicole: “Yes. We need to come early to work now. The club lacks staff and… ah that will do! Just go, I'll explain when you got here."

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Lauren: “Alright. I'll just prepare."

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She was really lucky at that time because she needs to go somewhere else especially when her sister is mad like that.

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It took fifteen minutes for Lauren to reach the club.

She's working at Sky City Club as a waitress now. But she's actually working at Sky City Resort and that club was part of the resort. She has only been working there for a week. Lauren was transferred to the club because there was a shortage of staff there. But she will soon return to the resort because the training for the new set of employees who will work at the club will come to an end.

She has no reason to be picky about a job because she needs money. Her father cuts off her allowance, when the truth is, Stella never gave her that allowance and she can't tell it to her father. Because if she told it, only trouble would likely happen.

“Thank goodness you are here," Nicole remarked as soon as she saw her friend walk inside the building.

“Is there an event?" Lauren asked while heading to the staff room.

“Unfortunately for you, yes. The club was closed to the public today because there's a private party later. So even it's your day off and you have overtime yesterday. You need to work today.”

Lauren just nodded "Well, someone needs money…" she sings.

“Wait, did you put too much blush on?" Nicole curiously asked while squeezing her cheek. Lauren flinches because of the sudden pain.

“Ah! Son of a jerk, who slapped you? Is that your bitch sister who did nothing good in her life? Ha! Just wait what I do when I see her!"

Lauren grabbed her friend’s shoulder who looked ready to take the plunge on someone at any moment.

“I’m fine. This is nothing. Don't mind it, you'll only stress yourself. By the way, the party seems to be grand. They even pick the largest and most expensive room. Better watch yourself, we can't afford to offend those people."

Lauren knows that it will be hard if they offend even just one of them. She knows too well what kind of people they are if you offend them even if it was just a small thing. Better prepare your whole self because they will surely let you pay for it.

“I know, but don't worry… I still love my job. You also be careful."

Lauren just nodded as a response and headed to the changing room. After she changed her clothes, they went straight to the venue to organize it.

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The sky turns dark.

The weather looks good too.

There is no sign that it will rain tonight.

Soon enough, the people invited tonight are starting to arrive. The Sky City Club staff are also starting to serve drinks and food to the guests. Just by hearing their voices and loud music you would know that the party began.

Some of them started to dance on the dance floor, and some casually drank and talked to each other. Surely… It will be a looong night.

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Kaizer was quietly sitting in a corner. He does not want to come to this party, but his friends won't stop pestering him. Thus, he reluctantly agrees with them. He silently and casually sipped a glass of red wine.

He just wants to stay for a bit and leave earlier than others. If it is him, he just wants to rest at his house or do some paperwork.

Young people nowadays seem to have no problems and all they can do is party.

Kaizer frowned when he saw his friends on the dance floor. If they want to flirt by having this private party, why would they pester him to come?

"Why are you alone here in the dark corner, Mr. Alvarez?" Kaizer looks at the woman who openly approaches him just to flirt with him. He did not answer, instead, he sipped his glass of wine and looked at the woman indifferently. He doesn't have any interest in them.

"Oh, ignoring me, huh? Aren't I good enough or do you want the both of us in private?" She courageously coquets with him.

There is a dangerous aura that emits in Kaizer after that woman bravely sits on his lap.

"Oh my, look! It's Kaizer Alvarez, that woman had the guts to sit on his lap."

"Surely she doesn't want to live anymore."

The scene causes others to talk and start to gossip about it. They talked as if he wouldn't hear what they were talking about.

Kaizer forcibly pushes the woman that is sitting on his lap. He threw a cold gaze at her.

He didn't mind their stares.

He stands up and walks away from that table.

"Why are you so rude? Do you think there is still a girl that would tolerate you? I’m the only one whose approaching you here, and yet you have the urge to refuse me."

While the woman keeps on ranting, he continues walking as if he didn't hear those words.

What she said next made him stop.

"Maybe the rumors were true, you are gay!" The woman arrogantly smirks after saying those words.

But that smile slowly faded. The woman flinched when she saw the cold and blank expression on Kaizer's face. For some reason, she felt scared, but Kaizer didn't do anything and just left after that.

"Bro, where are you going? The party has just begun, you know."

"I'm already tired. I want to rest."

"Eh? But you only sit there in the corner!" Jacob seriously looked at him. He furrowed his eyebrows and said, "Wait, don't tell me you're affected by what that woman has just said?"

Marvin nudges Jacob’s elbow due to what he said. Sometimes, Jacob doesn’t have control and says what’s on his mind.

‘What?’ Jacob mouthed.

"Seriously dude? Why can't you just enjoy the night?" Marvin suggested.

He even offered a drink to Kaizer but he was rejected.

"You're too loud. I gave you enough face tonight. I'm leaving."

He already wasted too much time on that place, and it did him no good.