Chapter 1 The Insult

Aria's POV

The city never sleeps, and neither do the people who serve it. Nights at the Aurilia Grand Hotel always carried their own rhythm heels clicking on marble floors, the soft clinking of glasses, the low hum of expensive conversations. From the outside, it looked like paradise, but for us behind the uniforms, it was another battlefield. Every smile was rehearsed, every bow timed perfectly, every word carefully measured.

Sometimes I wondered how long I could keep pretending. The perfume of the guests always seemed to cling to my skin, mixing with the sweat of endless hours. I would stand there, silver tray in hand, wishing I could vanish into the night air, free of the weight of debts, responsibilities, and the constant reminder that my brother’s life depended on my every paycheck.

But dreams don’t pay hospital bills. Work did. And tonight whether I was ready or not, work demanded me once again.

Tonight the air felt heavy,almost damp with fatigue. My body screamed for rest but my mind wouldn't allow me.

I decided to get some rest at our veranda area, work has been really stressful these days,and I know why . I had to save up for my brother's meds.

Just when my eyelids closed shut,my managers voice powered the air.

“Aria,I need you to head up to the VIP lounge right away, Table 3 is requesting service”My manager said

“ Yes sir ,pls what does our guest prefer tonight” I asked politely even when I felt stressed.

“He asked for a bottle of moët& chandon,chilled,and aside of premium cheese platter,with medium rare steak.Make sure you offer him the option of Cabernet Sauvignon as well,you know they switch to red halfway” He said

“What sought of a quest would ask for all this ,while others are looking for money to cater reasonable problems,some are ravishly throwing it in the air , and wait it's a HE” I thought

“Do you have a problem with that” my manager overheard me .

“ No sir” I said quickly .

I went straight to the chef ,packed my orders and headed halfway to the lounge.I met my manager halfway. He's always been strict with his rules

“ always smile , dress well ,speak well,it attracts expensive guests”He always says

“Smile,smile ,even if your feet are killing,even if your life is falling apart,always smile”

Mr Alister has been working for Aurilia Grand hotel,he knows how to treat us right,which has been improving our hotel,ever since he's been working everything has changed , customers are increasing, profit growing ,hotels going more popular.

I carried the order to the lounge. And then I saw him .

He was alone , sitting like he owned the air himself.Tall, seductive in a suit than probably cost more than my apartment lease. He didn't even glance at me ,as I approached ,I guess I wasn't good enough,he only stared at the window,like the city existed only to amuse him.

I cleared my throat “your champagne sir”.

Finally he looked at me .His eyes were intense,cold as if they stripped me bare in an instant. My fingers fumbled on the cork.

“Having trouble” His voice was so smooth

“I've got it,” I snapped. The cork popped, foam nearly spilling. His eyebrow arched,amused.

“ Careful.That bottle cost more than what u make in a year's salary, one slip and it's your job”

I kept my composure and smiled politely like my manager always says,but something in me wasn't satisfied with my actions, maybe the exhaustion.

I set this glass down harder than necessary.

“ Don't worry ,I won't waste a sip . I wonder why men like you waste thousands for flavored bubbles, anyways I suppose when money grows on trees it doesn't matter”

The air went still “ Men like me”.

Heat rushed to my face”you heard me”

I continued “it may be a year's salary for me,but just one night of bad decisions for you,and it won't buy you class,yet you're drowning it down like a cheap beer”

I stood there and watched him poke the steak like it had personally offended him. He lifted the fork,sniffed at the meat and gave me this look , like I had dragged the cow in myself .

I kept my smile yet losing patience,that's medium rare sir . The chef is very precise.

“ precise” He scoffed and shook his head .

“This looks like it's still alive. Do you think I pay this much to be served raw meat?”

I watched him cut a piece and shove it into his mouth. He chewed loudly like he was trying to prove a point .I folded my arms and couldn't stop myself from saying “Maybe if you actually knew what medium rare was ,you'd appreciate the chef's effort”

His chewing slowed and his eyes snapped to mine.

“Excuse me ,did you just insult me?”

I should have stopped there, I should have apologized.

“ If the shoe fits….”

His fork clinked against the plate ,and I knew instantly.

I've gone too far.

I've had numerous encounters with different men with the same attitude. I don't know why they'll be wasting money rather than investing it in something more profitable,I know I said much but like they say “ one word is enough for the wise”.

What I didn't know was that he took it as an insult little did I know was to come .

“ What's your name ” he asked softly

I swallowed hard “Aria”

“Aria ,I don't forget insults and u don't forgive them” He said it like a promise and a threat

My hand trembled “ I didn't mean to…., I wasn't…”

I spun on my heel,tray rattling in my hands as I fled practically.My manager met me halfway,he noticed my face was pale.

“What did you do” He asked

“Nothing,” I lied ,breathless “just served the drink and others”

“That man could buy this entire hotel if he wanted . Do you have a death wish?”

I didn't answer.

My chest was tight,ears burning and his voice replaying in my head on a loop.

“I don't forget insults…..,and I don't forgive them”

I told myself I'll never see him again .

And it didn't matter.