Chapter4
1707 Words
Maya hesitated, her stomach growling louder than her thoughts. She had come this far; she couldn’t afford to miss the chance. Yes, of course, I want the job, she replied quickly.
Good. Then come in and change into this, the woman said, handing her a cleaner's dress. You sure have come a long way. Are you hungry?
Maya nodded, the hunger taking over her sense of reason. "Yes, I am.
"Good. Now eat," the woman said, giving her a plate of food and a glass of water, turning away. I am not supposed to do this, but when you’re done, go set the tables. Customers will be here soon. Everything needs to be spotless. And I'm Johanna, by the way.
As the woman left, Maya sighed in relief. She was confused, but at least she was getting something to eat, even if she had just been mistaken for someone else. She sat down to eat, her mind racing.
Whoever this girl iswho applied for this job, I hope she does not show up soon, Maya thought to herself, shaking her head. I know I’m not supposed to be here, taking someone else’s place, but I need this. I can’t just let it slip away.
She took another bite of her food, trying to ignore the guilt gnawing at her. Maybe later I can tell them the truth, she considered. But for now, I need to survive.
As she finished her meal, she approached Johanna, who directed her on what to do.
Johanna kept a close eye on her as she worked. Maya, still unsure of everything, cleaned the floors, wiped down the tables, and organized the back area, trying her best to make a good impression. As she moved around, she made sure everything was spotless.
The woman walked over, pausing for a moment to look at Maya’s work. You did well, she said, nodding in approval. Maya smiled, relieved to hear the compliment, though she still felt uneasy. Thank you.
Soon after, other workers began to take their positions, preparing for the customers who would soon arrive. The restaurant started to come alive with energy. Waiters rushed around, serving drinks and food to the tables, while the kitchen door swung open and shut as meals were prepared.
Maya stood in a corner, watching it all unfold. She wasn’t exactly sure what her role was supposed to be, but she tried her best to blend in.
Johanna didn't say much to Maya, but when she passed by, Maya overheard her calling the other waiters by name, quickly directing them. Maya remained in the corner, feeling like an outsider.
The Antonio household was filled with tension and worry. Sophia, with tears running down her face, paced back and forth, clearly distressed. Did Maya tell you where she was headed? Thomas asked Sophia.
No she didn't. She only told me she wanted to leave the house, so she could look for a job to support the family. I didn't take her seriously, and even begged her not to leave.
But why would she just leave without telling anyone, uncle Thomas said. Sophia noticed her mother's unworried state. Mom, why are you not saying anything? She asked.
I don’t care to know where she is, Beatrice finally said, her tone cold and harsh. If she’s left for the good of the family, then so be it. There's nothing wrong with her leaving. It's better than sitting around doing nothing. She has just saved us from the wrath of Alessandro. Beatrice thundered.
Sophia looked at her mother in disbelief, unable to comprehend how she could be so indifferent. "How can you say that, Mom?" she cried, her heartbreak. Maya is your daughter.
But Beatrice, with a firm expression, stood up and walked away, dismissing her daughter’s tears. Sophia stood frozen.
Uncle Thomas, who had been watching the exchange, approached Sophia and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Maya is a grown-up," he said gently. Wherever she is, she’ll be fine.
Sophia shook her head, still in disbelief. But Uncle Thomas, what if something happens to her? What if she’s in trouble?
Thomas sighed and hugged his niece. We’ve been looking for her everywhere, and we can’t keep running after her. We called her phone, but it’s not going through. Wherever she is, she’s made her choice. All we can do now is wait and hope she’s okay.
As the restaurant's work day ended, Maya watched the other workers clean up, pack their things, and head home one after the other. It dawned on her again, she had nowhere to sleep.
She considered confiding in Johanna but quickly dismissed the idea. Telling Johanna about her lack of a place to stay might expose her lie about being the rightful new hire.
When most of the workers had left, Johanna approached Maya with a casual question. “So, Maya, where do you live?”
Maya stammered, trying to think quickly. I live just down the street, a few blocks away. She forced a smile, hoping it was convincing.
Alright then, get home safely, Johanna said as they walked out of the restaurant. The security guard locked the doors behind them, and Johanna waved goodbye before disappearing into the night.
Maya stood frozen for a moment, clutching her bag tightly. With nowhere else to go, she began wandering aimlessly, searching for a place to sleep. She spotted an old, abandoned car parked in a quiet corner. Exhausted and desperate, she climbed inside.
The car was damp and smelled of rust. Maya hugged her bag tightly, trying to ignore the buzzing of insects and the cold seeping through the cracked windows. She couldn't sleep for fear of being robbed or attacked. Shifting uncomfortably on the hard seat, Maya whispered to herself, I can't wait for daylight, so I can leave this insect-infested place.
At the Alessandro mansion, Mateo was in his room, deeply engrossed in painting on his canvas.
The door creaked open, and Mrs. Laura, his mother, entered. “Mateo,” she said, her tone laced with disappointment.
“Mom,” Mateo replied without looking up, continuing to add details to his work.
She walked closer, inspecting the painting. It was a stunning piece, vibrant and full of emotion, but Laura’s face twisted in disapproval. “Mateo, you can’t spend your days doing nothing but drawing and painting.”
“Mom, this is what I love doing, he replied, his voice firm. It makes me happy.
Laura sighed, her frustration bubbling to the surface. This version of you can never run the Alessandro empire. That’s why your father prefers Riccardo over you. You don’t act like a true Alessandro.
Mateo’s brush froze mid-stroke. Who cares about the family’s empire or name? He snapped, his voice rising. Is it not enough that you’ve taken everything from me? Now you want to take away my happiness too?”
Laura’s face hardened. I am trying to help you, Mateo. Can’t you see that? You’re wasting your potential.
“Help me?” Mateo scoffed bitterly, throwing down his brush. All you’ve ever done is make me feel like I will never be enough. Riccardo is your favorite, Mom. Go be with him and leave me alone.
Laura crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. “Fine,” she said coolly. Stay here and waste your life. Meanwhile, Riccardo will take over and become everything you refuse to be.
She turned on her heel and left, her footsteps echoing in the quiet room. Mateo stared at his painting. For a moment, he wanted to smash it, but instead, he slumped into his chair, gripping his brush tightly.
Before sunrise, Maya was already on her way to the restaurant. The streets were dimly lit, e. She took her phone out of her bag, hoping to make a call. But as she turned it on, the battery icon blinked red, and the phone powered off.
Frustrated, she muttered to herself, How will I reach Sophia now? She shoved the phone into the side pocket of her bag and kept walking.
Moments later, she sensed footsteps behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed two men trailing her. She quickened her pace. The men matched her speed. Panic surged, and Maya broke into a run.
“Hey! Stop!” one of the men called, his voice sending a chill down her spine.
Heart pounding, Maya clutched her bag tighter as the men chased her. Her phone slipped out of the bag, but she didn’t stop to pick it up. Help! Someone help me. She screamed, her voice echoing in the quiet streets.
Just as she kept running, she stumbled into a young man and woman walking together. The man caught her by the arm to steady her.
What’s wrong? The woman asked, with concern.
Maya, panting and trembling, pointed behind her. Those men are after me.
Without hesitation, the young man bolted after them. Startled, the men picked up Maya’s phone and fled. After a futile attempt to catch them, the man returned, breathing heavily.
Miss, are you okay? He asked, his tone gentle.
Yes, I’m fine, Maya replied, her voice shaky.
“Are you hurt?” the lady added, scanning Maya’s face for injuries.
“No, I am okay, Maya assured them.
Where were you heading so early? The guy asked.
Maya hesitated, unsure how to answer. I am on my way to work,” she finally said.
Work? The woman was repeatedly surprised. It’s still dark. Are you sure you’re okay?
Thank you for helping me, Maya said quickly, avoiding their concerned stares. I should get going. She said to avoid further questioning.
Wait, the man called as she started to walk away.
She turned around.
If you ever need help, that’s our house over there. He pointed to a modest building across the street.
Thank you, Maya said, offering a faint smile before hurrying off.
When Maya arrived at the restaurant, the security guard was unlocking the doors. He turned to see her approaching.
Good morning, sir, Maya greeted.
Hey, you’re the new worker, right? I saw you yesterday, he said with a friendly smile.
Yes, that’s me, Maya replied.
But why are you here so early? He asked.
- Writer
