Mia’s POV
The weekend felt like a lifeline. I finally had some space, some quiet, to figure out what I needed to do. Staying under Diego’s roof was safe, and Tristan’s presence gave me comfort, but I knew I couldn’t rely on them forever. I needed independence.
With that thought in mind, I set out early in the morning, scouring the city for part-time work. The hustle and bustle of the streets distracted me from my swirling thoughts, and I felt determined to find something. Anything.
The first café I stopped at had no vacancies. The manager was kind but firm, letting me know they’d just hired someone. The second store, a quaint bookstore, was the same story. By the third rejection, I was starting to feel disheartened.
I stood outside a small diner, staring at the “Help Wanted” sign taped
