005

One year and half later.

I stirred my black coffee, no sugar, and gulped it down in one go. The bitter taste slid down my throat, sharp and unwelcome, but I needed it. I had a long night ahead.

My phone buzzed on the table, pulling my attention away from the growing fatigue in my body. I glanced at the screen to see it was Hannah.

I picked it up and pressed it to my ear, bracing myself for whatever she was about to say.

Her voice came through, she sounded very excited and squealing, making me wonder what had gotten her so hyped.

“You won’t believe this!” she practically shouted. That I had to take the phone away from my ear a little bit.

I rolled my eyes, my head aching a little as I rubbed my temples. “Hannah, please just get to the point. You know I’m terrible at guessing.” I stated as a matter of factly.

She groaned, clearly not pleased with my lack of enthusiasm, but then she burst out, “Your freestyle video had blown up and gone viral on my I*******m! People are losing it, and they’re already asking who the person who handles the frozen lake as though she is a fairy! Agencies are already reaching out! And one of the biggest offers just came in, can you believe it?!”

I paused, blinking at the phone, trying to make sense of what she was saying. “What offer?” I asked, trying to keep the excitement from leaking through my voice, she probably would tease me for it.

Hannah didn’t waste a second before going into explanation, “Remember our company CEO? The one I always go on about?”

I sighed, already knowing who he was talking about. “The strict, cold one? Leonardo Marquez?” There's no way I wouldn't remember his name when that was the only thing usually on Hannah's mouth whenever she came here, how he ran everything with an iron fist, cutting people down at a single mistake. I might even know the man more than himself now.

“Yeah, him! And guess what—he also happens to see the video! He wants to interview you tomorrow, and who knows? If he likes you, he might even sponsor you! That means no more money worries!”

No more money worries? That means I wouldn't have to run five shifts and even night shifts just to make enough money, but my mind went straight to the one thing that mattered. “I can’t,” I muttered, staring at the table. “Tomorrow’s Ryan's visiting day. I can’t miss it. Not for anything.”

There was a moment of silence on the other end, and then Hannah let out a soft sigh. “Oh, right. I forgot about that. Well, I’ll look into other offers for you then." She sounded a little disappointed.

She hung up without saying much more, I look at the picture of Ryan on the screen, sighed before setting the phone down,

Even though I felt the weight of the situation, no denial, I needed the money, more than she probably understood, but I couldn’t leave my baby for something that might just be a business opportunity. Not when my son needed me.

pushing myself back into the chair. A wave of exhaustion hit me. I stared at the empty cup in front of me, wishing there was an easier way.

Hannah had been all in on the idea of me getting back into ice skating. She was excited for me, always pushing me to get out there and skate again. And we’ve been training together on my off days, just like old times.

The video that went viral? It was randomly shot in our usual practice space and she said she particularly likes it and would like to put it on her Instagram—who would’ve thought it would blow up like that?

And to think It’s been over a year now, though it feels like it was just yesterday when everything changed.

I close my eyes for a moment, letting myself drift back to that time. I had given up, convinced myself that death was the only way out. I didn’t want to live anymore, but who would’ve guessed that the baby I thought I had lost was still alive inside me?

The doctor told me Zoey had offered her a lot of money to terminate the pregnancy, but for whatever reason, Dr. Emily didn’t follow through. I don’t know what stopped her, but I’m thankful for it.

I couldn’t stay in the city, not with the danger to my baby’s life.

So when Hannah showed up, I had left everything of Zoey behind, even her blond hair and followed Hannah to North America, leaving everything that could remind me of the past.

But the stress of everything and I guess the hit from Zoey triggered my premature labor, and I gave birth to Ryan who, at the time, I could only hold once before they rushed him to the incubator.

Ever since, Ryan has been fighting for his life. The surgery he needs is urgent, but no matter how many shifts I pull, no matter how many hours I spend working, it’s never enough.

I exhale, letting the weight of everything settle in before brushing them off my mind. I grabbed my bag and picked my phone off from the table, slipping it into the bag. I still have a shift to run tonight at the club.

~~~

I walked into the clubhouse, quickly changing into my waitress uniform in the back.

Gina, my friend from work, caught sight of me as I was coming to the counter after finishing up. She raised an eyebrow. “You’re late.”

“Sorry,” I muttered, adjusting my apron.

She nodded, her smile softening as she slid five bottles of expensive wine across the counter to me. “Take them to private lounge, 504. They tipped well, but be careful with them. They’re... not the easiest.”

I gave her a quick nod, feeling a bit of tension in my chest, but I forced a smile. “Thanks, Gina.”

This is one of the reasons I couldn't quit the night shift, the tip can add up to my day paycheck sometimes.

With the bottles in a cart, I made my way toward the lounge. When I reached the door, I knocked softly, saying “The waiter is here.”

But a cold voice called from inside, “Come in.”

Taking a steady breath, I pushed the door open and stepped inside, heart pounding but trying not to show it.

The light in the room was dim, so I couldn't see clearly unless they flickered on the light switch. I wondered who’d stay in the darkness like this. I was a little uncomfortable so I quickly made it to the table.

I found the table easily because I've delivered in the other lounge before so I know exactly where the table here might be since I'm familiar with the setting.

After placing them on the table I was about to leave the lounge when his voice—cold, but somehow smooth—stopped me. “Leaving already?”

I hesitated for a second, my hand still on the door handle. “Um… yeah. I already served the wine so I'll be going now.”

He didn’t say anything at first, but he was watching me. I couldn't see his expression but I felt his gaze on me.

Then, without missing a beat, he asked, “How much would it cost me to have you keep me company for a little longer?”

I forced a smile, though it felt like it was a little too tight around the edges. “I’m not that kind of person,” I said, trying to keep my voice neutral. “And, if you don’t mind, I’m heading out now.”

To my surprise, he laughed. And my hand trembled a little on the door knob, although his laughter wasn’t mocking, but it was low and unexpected, making my pulse quickened.

“What makes you think I was talking about that?” he said, the tone shifting into something lighter, more... relaxed. “I just wanted someone to talk to.”

I blinked, slightly thrown off balance. Part of me was relieved, but the other part of me couldn’t shake the feeling that something more was going on behind that laugh. And why does his voice sound familiar as if I'd heard it before from my distant memories.