Chapter 1

(Evelyn’s POV)

The moment my eyes opened it automatically went towards my family photo, dad making weird faces with me and mom smiling at our antics with one hand on her swollen belly. This was my happy family who was waiting for a new member but everything got destroyed that day.

“When will we be a family again, dad?.. I miss you alot, pls come back to us. Mom and I can’t live without you…pls” I clutched that photo frame tightly to my chest and tears flowed continuously from my eyes.

After an hour, I could see the sun shining brilliantly in the clear blue sky as soon as I left my house.  It was a bright light in my otherwise drab life and began to go in the direction of the bus station, where the sound of my heels became less audible through the haze of nearby people going about their business in a world that is definitely brighter than mine.

Even at the age of 24, the burden of all my responsibilities keeps me from leading the free life that a twenty-four-year-old girl ought to lead along with her family, the life that could have been different. While thinking about my miserable life I reached my destination and opened the glass door. 

“Oh good morning, my child” Ms. Marie greeted me. When I woke up in the hospital, she was the first person I saw and did her best to cheer me up. She has been a significant part of my life ever since.

After greeting each other, we both got busy with our own work. 

“I have kept some of my special dessert for you in the fridge at the back. Do eat it at lunch, don’t forget” she said while arranging the counter. 

“Yes my honour” I bowed. Marie started this cafe 5 years ago, I am glad she considered me first when she opened this cafe and since then I have been working here with two other staff members.

But this was not the only job I had, I always did 2-3 jobs simultaneously to earn something and this job was my permanent one since the time I joined.

Ms. Marie got me out of my thoughts and informed me about what all ingredients need to be stock. 

“Sure, don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything” I walked towards her while she was collecting her bag and hugged her before saying ‘bye’. Then, she left after giving a kiss on my forehead and with a bright smile on her face.

I was alone until two other staff members came, bringing more noise to the previously quiet cafe as they spoke and laughed. Sasha and Derick, as usual, brought me into their stupid banter while talking about their college life which I was never able to live. For a few minutes, we talked or mostly they did. Then we went back to work when customers started coming and the cafe got busy. 

“Ok guys, see you tomorrow. Goodbye” I waved at them when they were still teasing each other and left the cafe. 

Now in my busy routine, a second job starts that is housekeeping at a prestigious hotel. I went straight to the staff room to change my clothes and then went back to the front desk to sign. 

Today my job was to clean rooms on the 5th, 8th and 11th floor along with one more staff member.  I entered the cleaning room, collected my stuff and walked out

“Hey, Evelyn!” while walking towards the lift my only colleague with whom I get along well called me.

“Did you hear the grand news?” she started jumping in front of me with excitement as if she got her dream car ‘Rolls Royce’.

“And what is it, Mia?” I tried to ask her with the same excitement.

“I know you don’t take much interest in all the gossip that goes around but being your only best and loyal friend, I’ll tell you everything” she said while bowing in front of me like I am some kind of royal figure.

“Ok, I got it. It might be very big news. Now will you give my ears a pleasure of hearing what that great news is, my only best and loyal friend?” Mia is the only one who tries to bring out a bubbly, cheerful girl in me and she does get successful in it at a few moments.

“I heard there are some very hot and handsome men staying in our hotel. They are very important people and influential people. That's why our owner himself escorted them to their rooms on the 15th floor…” in between she got lost in her own thoughts.

“Mia, Mia, MIA!” I had to literally scream into her ears to get her back into the real world.

“Oops sorry, I just started imagining them. They must be so delicious” she said seductively while biting her lower lip. 

“My god Mia, you are so horny. If anyone sees you he will die of shame. That kind of lust is flowing in your eyes" This girl is not a slut or anything like other people think just because of her figure.

“What? Can’t a girl dream also?” she said with an innocent face.

“Ok, dream whatever you want. I am going back to my work, see you later” and left after waving at her.

Then, I entered the lift and pressed the button on the fifth floor. But before reaching my floor it stopped on the third floor. The door opened and a tall man with broad shoulders, a perfectly trimmed beard, wearing a black suit, and both hands inside the pockets entered. However, I had the impression that time had frozen when I met his eyes, which were fixed on me.

For a few minutes, there was no movement from either of us until someone called him from behind.

“Mr. Alexander Knight?” This was the name my manager said and I didn’t know at that moment this name would become part of my life from now on.