Hiding the Billionaire's Twins (English)

Chapter 7

After our meal, Sean said his goodbyes and headed out. Left alone, I occupied myself with cleaning the suite. It wasn't particularly dirty, so a bit of tidying and organizing my clothes inside the wardrobe didn't take long. Next, I went downstairs to pick up my uniforms. I requested seven sets all at once so I wouldn't have to keep running back and forth every time I needed a fresh change.

I was on my way back to my room when I bumped into Ella and her friends. She scanned me from head to toe before stepping directly into my path. I swallowed hard, sensing the sharp hostility in her glare, though I couldn't help but feel bewildered by her expression.

I had done nothing to cross any of them; I hadn't even attempted to speak to them or get close. Yet they looked at me as if I had committed some unforgivable sin.

“I thought Farah was the only desperate thief around here, but look at you, Little Fayre,” Ella sneered, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Fresh off the boat and already throwing yourself at Sir Semon. Are you actually a waitress here, or are you just another call girl?”

I shook my head firmly. “I’m not throwing myself at Sea—Semon. And I’m a waitress, not a call girl,” I stated bravely, though a knot of anxiety tightened in my chest.

As I turned to walk away, one of her friends grabbed my wrist forcefully, her tight grip sending a sharp sting through my arm. Was everything a bitter competition to them? I wasn't trying to take anything from anyone, if they wanted every man in this building, they were welcome to them.

“You b***h! We’re not done with you! You’ve got some nerve acting so disrespectful!” Ella shouted as her two friends grabbed my other arm and forced me to face her.

The bundle of uniforms slipped from my hands as both of my arms were pinned back. Ella rolled her eyes, towering slightly over me alongside her two friends. I couldn't tell if it was their high heels or if they were genuinely that tall.

“What did I ever do to you? Let go of me!” I protested, struggling against their grip, but I couldn't break free.

“Tsk! Stop playing innocent! We know Sir Sean was inside your room!” she hissed, stepping uncomfortably close. “Do you have any idea what Sir Haiden will do to you if he finds out you brought a man into your living quarters?”

Her chest bumped against mine as she pressed closer. Was her bosom even real? It was so large it made my own feel completely insignificant. Fayre! Your life is in danger, and you’re thinking about her chest?!

“Answer me, Fayre!” she yelled right in my face.

I squeezed my eyes shut. “I-I didn't know... I’m new here. Neither Ma’am Tessa nor Farah mentioned that...” I answered softly.

She let out a harsh, sarcastic laugh. “You didn't know, yet you brought him in? Are you stupid or just brainless?” She paused, glaring at me. “Do you realize male guests could get banned from the residential floors because of this? If Sir Semon gets banned because of you, that’s a massive loss for us!”

With that, she reached out and grabbed my cheek, pinching it so hard I winced. I tried to pull my head back, but her long acrylic nails dug into my skin, threatening to pierce it.

“O-Ow!” I cried out in pain.

“Don't complain, Fayre! Every single girl who works here has had to pass through my hands before they learned their lesson, and you’re no exception. This is what you deserve!” she shouted, bringing her hand around and landing a resounding slap across my cheek.

The c***k echoed sharply through the quiet locker area. My face immediately throbbed with intense heat, going entirely numb from the force of the blow. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as the sheer impact felt like it rattled my soul.

“That’s just one, Fay. Here’s—”

“What’s happening here?” A deep male voice cut in from behind us.

Ella’s hand froze in mid-air.

My knees instantly buckled at the sound of that voice. I would know it anywhere. Even after nearly five years without hearing him speak, there was no mistaking who it belonged to. It was Rihav.

Panic rushed through me. I didn't know whether to feel relieved that Ella’s second blow had been halted or terrified that I was about to stand face-to-face with him again. I had known this moment would come eventually, but my mind raced with terrified thoughts of what lay ahead. Is he going to try to take my children away from me?

Ella and her friends spun around, but I kept my eyes glued to the floor, terrified of making eye contact.

“S-Sir R-Rihav...” Ella stammered, her arrogant demeanor instantly shattering into fear.

Within seconds, the tight grip on my arms loosened until I was completely released. I kept my eyes closed, refusing to look up as the panic in my chest threatened to overwhelm me.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the girls lower their heads. Heavy footsteps echoed from behind us as Rihav approached our direction. I instinctively brought my hand up to my chest, trying to soothe my racing heart.

“What are you three doing with that girl? I already warned you about this, didn't I?” he demanded, his deep voice cold and authoritative.

“W-Well, Sir R-Rihav...” one of Ella’s friends nudged her frantically, prompting her to speak. But Ella remained silent, staring intently at the floor. “Sir, this girl had an issue with Ella! We were just teaching her a lesson...” She nudged Ella again, who looked utterly drained of her usual bravado.

“Every time I catch you, it’s always the same excuse. Don't you have anything new?” He paused, his shadow looming over us. “What did you do to her? Did you slap her as you did to that girl last time?”

None of the three spoke. Ella merely gave a subtle nod while keeping her head bowed. Even with her admission, the stinging pain on my cheek remained unbearable. I desperately wanted to run away, but my trembling legs refused to move.

Rihav asked them another question, but I stopped listening, using my long hair to veil my face as I bent down to gather my dropped uniforms. Once I had secured them in my arms, I took a tentative step backward, intent on slipping away unnoticed.

Before I could take another step, a hand reached out and caught my arm. “Stop. These three haven't apologized to you yet.”

I gasped in shock at his sudden touch. His hand felt ice-cold against my heated skin. Keeping my head low so my long hair concealed my features, I froze in place and pulled gently at my arm.

“D-Don't need to, S-Sir...” I stammered, terrified that he would recognize my voice.

His grip tightened slightly on my arm. He turned his attention back to the three women, his voice booming through the corridor. “The three of you, get out of here! If I catch you putting your hands on your fellow employees ever again, you’re fired! What you’re doing is unacceptable!”

The sheer power in his voice made even me jump. Quick, frantic footsteps echoed through the hall as Ella and her friends scrambled away. I looked down and saw Rihav’s polished leather shoes stepping right in front of me. Pulling my arm free, I turned and walked away as fast as my legs could carry me.

I hadn't taken ten steps before his hand clamped around my arm again.

“You sound familiar...” he murmured, the words sending a wave of dread straight through my chest.

I tried to pull away once more, but his hold was firm this time. Though his grip was tight, it lacked the malicious aggression Ella’s friends had used earlier.

Slowly, his other hand reached out and brushed the long hair away from my face. As my features were revealed, a sharp intake of breath escaped his lips.

“F-Fayre?” he breathed, his eyes wide with shock.

“Just pretend we never ran into each other, Rihav,” I whispered.

Yanking my arm free with all the strength I had left, I bolted down the hallway toward the residential wing.

I burst into my room, my entire system consumed by overwhelming panic from our encounter. Every heartbeat felt like a sharp jab of pain. I didn't know whether to feel grateful to him for intervening or furious over everything he had done and said to me in the past.

My hands shook uncontrollably as I sank onto the edge of the bed. Hugging my knees tightly against my chest, my mind spiraled with terrifying possibilities. I can't lose my twins. I can't let him hurt them.

Reaching for my phone on the nightstand, I dialed Amer’s number. As usual, he took his sweet time answering, letting it ring several times before picking up.

“Hey girl! What’s up?” he greeted casually.

“Are the kids alright?” I asked frantically.

“Girl, you called literally a few hours ago, and now you’re calling again! They’re completely fine. Stop worrying; they’re in the hands of Super Tata. Just focus on your work over there. And a quick reminder, Fay: don't go falling for any handsome guys there. One wrong move and you might end up with triplets next!” he cackled. I heard laughing on the other side.

“Whatever, Amer. Just promise me you’ll watch over them. Don't take them along on any of your erratic errands,” I warned.

“Got it, girl. Loud and clear,” he said before hanging up.

I spent the remainder of the afternoon trying to figure out how to avoid Rihav during my shift tonight, now that he knew I was working at the club. We were bound to cross paths again. He’s married now... surely he’ll just leave me alone. He has nothing left to gain from me; I already gave him everything I had.

By early evening, I began preparing for my shift. The bright red mark from Ella’s slap was still painfully visible across my left cheek. Being fair-skinned, even the slightest pressure left severe redness on my skin, not to mention the bandage still covering the cut on my forehead from yesterday.

I slipped into my uniform and brushed my long hair. It had grown past my waist, but I simply hadn't found the time to get it trimmed. I resolved to cut it short as soon as I had a moment to spare.

Standing in front of the mirror and adjusting my clothes, a sudden knock sounded at the door. Panic instantly flared in my chest, though I quickly reasoned that it couldn't be Rihav, male guests weren't allowed on this floor. Only Sean had clearance because of his friendship with the owner, or perhaps it was one of the other waitresses.

Letting out a slow breath, I tucked my hair behind my ears, walked over to the door, and opened it carefully. A wave of relief washed over me when I saw Farah standing in the doorway holding a shoebox. She was already dressed in her performance attire, wearing a different outfit from yesterday. A wide smile lit up her face.

“You look startled, Fay. Did something happen?” she asked, stepping past me into the room without waiting for an invitation.

“Where were you earlier? I didn't see you all afternoon,” I said, pouting slightly.

I hadn't seen her when I collected my uniforms earlier, and she was the only person among the staff I truly trusted.

“It’s top secret,” she grinned playfully, holding out the box. “Anyway, I brought you a new pair of shoes. Those old ones you’ve been wearing look as if they’ve been through a war or something...”

I looked at the box, my eyebrows knitting together in confusion. “Are you serious? Why are you wasting your money on me? You should be sending that money back to your family,” I said, gently pushing the box back toward her.

My work shoes were indeed old, nearly five years old, bought by my late father. I held onto them simply because I couldn't afford a replacement, and they carried immense sentimental value to me.

“Look, I didn't actually buy them with my own money...” Farah explained, leaning in. “Besides, you should never reject a blessing, Fay! Just take them and replace those beat-up shoes.” She practically shoved the box against my chest. But before I could take it, she pulled the box away, set it on the side table, and leaned in to stare intently at my face.

“W-What?” I asked, stepping back.

She reached out and brushed aside the hair covering the left side of my face.

“Holy shit... did someone slap you? Or punch you?!” she asked, her voice dropping into a harsh whisper.

I averted my eyes, walking over to the box on the table. Sitting down, I opened the lid to avoid her gaze. My eyes widened in disbelief at the contents. Nestled inside was the exact pair of shoes I had coveted since my college days, a pair I could never afford because of its hefty price tag.

“Farah, these are way too expensive...”

“Don't change the subject, Fay! Who did that to your cheek?” she demanded, glaring at me. Her heavy black eyeshadow and dramatic winged liner made her look even more fierce in her anger.

“A-Ah, it’s nothing... I just bumped into something in the restroom earlier,” I lied, forcing a smile to make it convincing.

“Don't lie to me, Fay! I’m trying to protect you! I know I’m probably the reason your cheek is red in the first place. Ella has no shame, she harasses anyone who gets close to me just so I won't have any friends here,” she said, crossing her arms tightly.

“I can handle it, Farah. It doesn't even hurt... well, maybe just a little,” I offered a small grin, holding two fingers close together to emphasize how minor it was.

“You’re crazy! It’s bright red, and you’re telling me it doesn't hurt?” she snapped, pulling out a chair and sitting across from me.

“Okay, maybe a little bit,” I admitted, wincing slightly.

“Next time those three hypocrites try anything, you tell me or Sir Sean immediately. You didn't fight back, did you? That b***h hits hard; I’ve been on the receiving end enough times to know. So don't give me that 'just a little bit' nonsense.”

I wondered what Farah had endured at the hands of Ella and her circle. Why hadn't Ella been fired yet? She had broken so many rules and harassed Farah repeatedly, yet she acted like she owned the place. Did she have some kind of leverage here? She was just an employee like the rest of us.

“Anyway, let's hurry up before Ma’am Tessa blows a fuse. But wait, are these really mine? No joke?” I asked, gesturing to the shoes.

“Yes, they’re yours! Now put them on before Ma’am Tessa comes looking for us.”

I did as she said, slipping my feet into the shoes despite my lingering doubts. The moment I put them on, I was stunned, they fit my feet perfectly. Deciding not to overthink it, I linked my arm through Farah’s.

We left the room together, chatting as we made our way to the staff assembly area. As soon as we arrived, I caught Ella shooting me a venomous glare. I quickly averted my eyes and focused on Ma’am Tessa’s briefing.

Soon after, it was time to start our shift. Even though it wasn't the weekend, the club was packed with patrons drawn by the luxurious ambiance and high-end liquor selection. I moved continuously from table to table, delivering drinks.

A few generous guests even handed me cash tips. I initially thought accepting tips was against the rules, but after seeing other waitresses accept them, I took them gratefully, it was extra income I desperately needed.

After serving an order, I returned to the main bar to pick up the next tray. As I set my empty tray down, my eyes landed on Rihav sitting on a high stool at the counter.

Our eyes met instantly. I looked away immediately, picked up the freshly prepared tray, and searched for the corresponding table number. Spotting the table across the room, I walked over and carefully served their drinks.

“Enjoy your evening, gentlemen,” I said politely once everything was set down.

An older man with graying hair gave me an uncomfortably intense look. My smile faded as he suddenly reached out, grabbing my waist and pulling me onto his lap.

“1k bucks for one night?” he whispered coarsely in my ear.

How many times do I have to prove to these people that I am not for sale?! I was working myself to the bone for my children, not to cater to entitled men.

I tried to push his hand off my waist and pull away, but he tightened his grip. Before he could pull me down completely, a firm hand clamped onto his wrist, pulling me safely away from the old man.

“Mr. Madreal, that’s my girl you’re touching,” the older man sneered, glaring up at Rihav.

“She isn't anyone’s girl, Mr. Gumba. And she certainly isn't yours,” Rihav stated coldly, his voice dripping with authority.

“Nonsense, Mr. Madreal. She practically offered herself to me!”

Nausea surged through me at his disgusting lie. He was old enough to be a grandfather, yet completely devoid of respect. I would never sell my body to you, you creep!

Rihav let out a cold, mocking laugh. “She belongs to me, Mr. Gumba. Keep your hands off her.”

With that, Rihav grabbed my arm and began pulling me away from the table.

His words revolted me even more than the old man's lie. I tried to wrench my arm from his grip, but he only tightened his hold. Taking the heavy tray from my hand, he steered me toward the private back corridor, the very same hallway Sean had taken me through yesterday.

“Let go of me, Rihav!” I demanded, struggling against his grasp.

He stopped abruptly, unbuttoned his black suit jacket, and draped it over my shoulders to cover my uniform. I tried to pull it off, but he wrapped it securely around me again, trapping my arms.

“Don't test me, Fayre Aphrodite!” he growled, his dark eyes locking onto mine.