Chapter 4

Dalma's POV

"Who do they think they are?" I murmured, pacing around the kitchen in fury. "Taking advantage of me because I'm in uniform?" I scoffed.

Who does she think she is laying her hand on me because she couldn't tame the womanizer of a man she has.

Pervert! Looking at my boobs obviously wasn't enough and he thinks he can do whatever, just because he's rich?

"You should take it easy," Ethan said, sneaking up from behind. "The manager isn't happy with your reaction," he continued

"Wait what? But... I got hit for no reason."

"He said you'll be doing the dishes for the rest of the day, so get to work," Ethan instructed before heading back into the restaurant.

Did I just get demoted on my first day? I really do have bad luck. I just had to serve that pervert on my first day.

It was past 10pm and the close of work. I wrapped my coat tight around myself as I walked home. The night was unusually cold, the wind biting at my exposed skin.

I had chosen the longer route home, hoping the fresh air would help clear my mind after the chaos at the restaurant.

The path I walked was flanked by tall trees, their branches swaying ominously in the breeze. My footsteps echoed in the stillness, the only sound in the otherwise silent night.

As I rounded a bend, I heard it. The unmistakable sound of footsteps behind me. I paused, listening intently. The footsteps stopped as well.

I turned around, peering into the darkness, but saw no one. My heart began to race. I quickened my pace, the sound of my own footsteps louder now.

The other footsteps got just as loud as mine, matching my speed. I glanced over my shoulder but still saw nothing. My breath came faster, my chest tightened.

I turned on my phone flashlight and tried getting a clearer view. "Looking for us?" a masculine voice came from behind me.

I immediately felt an adrenaline rush, I clutched my bag tight. "What do you want from me?"

One of them stepped into the light of my phone flashlight, revealing a menacing grin. "Just a little chat," he said, his tone mocking. "You seem to be in such a hurry."

Another one emerged from the shadows, his face partially obscured by a hood. "Yeah, we don't like it when people don't have time for us," he added, cracking his knuckles.

I took a step back, trying to steady my trembling hands. "I don't have anything valuable on me," I stammered, hoping to defuse the situation.

The first man laughed again, a harsh, grating sound. "Oh, we ain't after your stuff, sweetheart. We just wanna have a bit of fun."

The second man moved closer, his eyes cold. "And maybe teach you a little lesson."

Fear gripped me, but I knew I had to stay calm. "Please, just let me go. I won't say anything to anyone."

They exchanged glances, clearly amused. "We'll see about that," the first man said, his grin widening. "But first, let's get to know each other a little better."

Just as they closed the gap between us, another deep voice emerged from the shadows. "Let her go," his footsteps became louder as he slowly approached us.

I took advantage of the distraction and hid behind a car. And in less than five minutes, the man from the shadows had both gangsters on their backs.

I could barely see his face but I could see how fast he threw punches and kicks. I stayed behind the car till I was sure the coast was clear.

"You can come out now," he said out loud.

I slowly approached him, my legs still shaking from the adrenaline. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice calm and reassuring.

"Yes, I think ," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

As I got closer, I could make out more of his features under the dim streetlight. "YOU?"

"Are you kidding me right now? You?" he retorted, his voice filled with disbelief. He immediately turned on his heels to leave.

I felt my face flush with a mix of anger and embarrassment.

"Wait," I called out, my voice trembling. "Why did you help me? Where did you even come from?"

He paused but didn't turn around. "I'm not a jerk, I don't enjoy seeing people get hurt. Plus, you should seriously reconsider following dark alleys at night, it was foolish of you."

Feeling my face flushed,I took a hesitant step closer. "But you…"

He finally turned to face me, his expression impassive. "Yes I did and you slapped me. We became even. I saved you, so you owe me."

I shook my head, feeling a knot in my stomach. "That's not the same. You humiliated me."

"I'll take you home, but stay off my path unless you're ready to pay what you owe," he grabbed my hands and headed for his car.

I clenched my fist on my trouser the whole drive, only pointing in the direction that led to my house.

"Get down," he said, breaking the silence once we got to my house.

I hurried down and he zoomed off immediately. "Thank you," I murmured since he didn't give me a chance to say anything.

Why do I feel bad? He messed with me first and I don't owe him any apology. He deserved the slap. He saved me, so what?

I opened the door as quietly as I could and tiptoed to the staircase so I wouldn't wake anyone . "And where do you think you're going?" My mom's voice echoed from the dining room, leaving me startled.

I halted and turned toward her direction. "My room of course."

"Your father and I have been trying to reach you but you chose to ignore us. Still being rebellious even at this old age."

"Do you think you're still a teenager?...Do..."

"Mom! Mom please!" I interrupt.

"I don't even have the time for this. I had a rough day," I replied aggressively.

"A rough day serving the rich and mighty. You brought it upon yourself, make things right and you'll have people serving you instead," She said impassively.

"Mom! That's really all you care about, huh?"