Chapter 1: He’s Back? [1179 WC]

 

Lily

I had already sacrificed a lot for them and I wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice more. My somber life as a wolfless single mother may be hard, but at least I got my twins to put sunshine on my dull life. They’re the main reason I’ve got to keep going no matter what.

As soon as I pushed the glass door open, the chit-chatting voice of my other co-worker shut down. Their squinted eyes were fixed on me as I bowed down to greet them, but instead, they moved away from me as if I were infectious before their mocking laughter reached my ear.

Ignoring them, I went to the staff room and put on my apron because the restaurant would open anytime soon.

The door pushed open, letting my coworker barge in.

“I don’t feel well, so I’m gonna ask you to fill in for me today,” she arrogantly began, crossing her arms across her chest.

I simply nodded in response.

“You were the only one who’s gonna serve the customers and wash the dishes later. Do you get it?”

“Yes, I hope you feel better soon,” I replied, forcing a smile.

Another tiring day at work began. I did everything they asked me to do without any hint of disapproval or even dismay just to please them so they’d stop throwing hateful comments about me and my life.

Because being a wolfless she-wolf only means getting the least opportunity and poor treatment is just normal as I am nonetheless but useless in everyone’s eyes.

I was holding a tray full of drinks and food, walking towards the last table on the corner to serve it when I felt my feet trip over something.

Everything happened so fast, and the next thing I knew my face reached the floor with the drinks and food scattered everywhere.

I immediately got back up, disregarding my bleeding wrist caused by the shattered glass on the floor, and attended to the wet customer.

“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry, Ma’am,” I kept on apologizing, but it was all put in vain when her palm hit my cheek sharply.

“You’re so stupid! I want to talk to your manager!” she shrieked, pushing me aside.

I stepped back in pain with my palm on my aching cheek.

By looking behind, I found Sarah, my other coworker, smiling from ear to ear, holding a mop.

“You may want to meet our manager in the break room,” she playfully chuckled, smirking before cleaning up the mess I made.

With a heavy heart, I walked back to the break room to change and clean up myself. But when I entered, another two workers of mine were there.

“Sir, she’s here,” one of them called, and all I could do was take a deep breath, knowing what would happen next.

As soon as my manager stepped out, I bowed my head and began apologizing countless times.

“We’ve just lost one of our regular customers here, Lily!” his angry voice roared, causing my shoulders to shake in fear.

“I didn’t mean to do it, Sir. I just… tripped over something,” my voice was shaky.

“Can a wolfless she-wolf like you get any stupider?!”

Being reminded of how powerless I am, couldn’t get any painful, but I composed myself. “I-It’s true, Sir,” I mumbled, lifting my head as tears welled up in my eyes.

“Well, I don’t care what your reasons are. The amount of food you’ve wasted will be deducted from your salary,” he said with finality in his tone before walking away.

The set of tears that I’ve been holding since then pooled down my cheeks.

“I’m starting to think that the father of your children left you because you were good for nothing.”

“Being a single mother must be hard. But I think you deserve it.”

Both of my coworkers laughed, shaking their heads with a smile on their faces.

I knew I should have left this job a long time ago. But I’d rather endure their judgement and terrible attitude than see Evan and Zoey starve.

At exactly 7 in the evening, my shift finally ended. I gathered my things and hastily headed out.

A black Lexus car that was parked right in front of the restaurant was the first thing I noticed. The window pulled down, and seeing Aiden inside, I didn’t waste any time and approached the car.

I shut the car door and put my seatbelt on, waiting for him to start the engine, but he didn’t.

“Why? Is there something wrong?” I asked, puzzled, looking up into his hazel-brown eyes.

His forehead creased before his hands reached my left wrist, and asked, “What’s this?”

I immediately drew my wrist and back, hiding the cut I got a while ago.

“J-just an accident at work,” I reasoned.

“Be honest with me, Lily. Are you even treated right at your job?”

“Y-yes, of course. I’m good, you have nothing to worry about,” I lied as I knew telling him the truth wouldn’t change anything.

I’ve been through enough hardships in life, so I’m certain I could take it. And I don’t think this irrelevant problem like this should be of his worry anymore.

“You know I can offer you work at the Packhouse instead. The tasks there would be easier and Alpha can pay you a good amount of money.”

“No, Aiden. You’ve given me enough help already and I’m grateful for that. But I’m happy and contented at my job right now.”

In the end, Aiden just agreed with me and drove me back home.

My lips automatically widened into a smile upon hearing little voices inside as I reached the door.

Evan and Zoey were seated on the small single couch, facing the little TV I bought with my first salary.

“I’m home.”

Both of them rushed and hugged me tightly as they went on by my side to kiss both my cheeks.

The warmth of their embrace reminded me that I was truly at home and the huge burden on my chest vanished by just seeing bright smiles on their faces.

They resumed watching TV while I grabbed myself a glass of water by the small kitchen when I overheard a familiar name being mentioned on TV.

My heart skipped a beat upon hearing his name once again after a long time.

As if my feet had their own brain that leaped from the distance to see the TV.

Despair and regret lanced through me seeing his photo flashed on the screen. It was small but was enough for me to confirm it was him.

“The popular business tycoon Wade Johnson’s on his way to take over and claim the whole Milford of Pennsylvania—”

My jaw dropped upon hearing the newscaster’s statement, causing my entire body to run cold. I was glued at my place, unable to move when the glass of water I was holding slipped onto my hand, causing a loud and sharp noise of breaking glass.

Does that mean he’s coming here? To claim the land I’m living at.