THE BILLIONAIRE DOLL: his to keep

It was already 9 PM in Los Angeles. The neon sign of Mabel's Cafe on Melrose buzzed faintly as the evening shift ended. The air smelled like rain and fresh coffee. "Oh my God, I'm so tired," Crystal Morgan sighed, staring at her cracked phone screen. Her apron was stained, her curls were messy, but she was still beautiful in that effortless, untouched way. "We're almost home, babe," Jenny said, sliding her arm into Kelvin's as if the world belonged to them. "I'd love another day just like this," Philip said, smiling at his girlfriend Zoey. "Yeah, today was actually lovely," Perry added, pulling Tessy close and kissing her temple. Crystal froze. _Uhh?_ Then it hit her like cold water. Jenny and Kelvin were a couple. Philip and Zoey were a couple. Perry and Tessy were a couple. They had all spent the day working _and_ loving. And Crystal? Crystal was alone. The seventh wheel. > _She was surrounded by love, but untouched by it._ A few minutes later, they reached their little shared apartment in West Hollywood. Crystal forced a big smile. "Finally, I can breathe," she whispered. She waved goodbye to the boys and rushed inside. Her bag landed with a thud on the table beside her bed. She peeled off her uniform and stepped into the bathroom, letting the cold water kiss her skin. She closed her eyes and let it wash the day away. But she didn't stay long. Her eyelids were heavy. Her heart was heavier. She stepped out, a white towel wrapped around her body, slipped into her soft pink pajamas, and stared at herself in the mirror. Her fingers traced her own cheek. > _If I'm a doll, why does no one want to keep me?_ Her thoughts were interrupted. "Ready for bed already, Doll?" Tessy's voice rang from the doorway. "Doll..." Zoey called softly. "Not now, Zoey. Go take a shower. We all have work tomorrow," Crystal murmured, eyes closed, voice heavy. "Okay, Doll, if you say so," Zoey giggled. -