THE SPACE BETWEEN US

Chapter 2

Grace's POV

I twist the metal tap, waiting for the familiar rush of warm water to cascade over me. But nothing comes. My heart skips a beat as I twist it again, then try another tap. Nothing.

Frustration creeps in as I anxiously fiddle with every faucet, muttering to myself under my breath. The cold air prickles my skin. Is it the chill or the irritation that’s making me tremble?

I give up and leave the washroom, throwing on some clothes. This has never happened before.

What on earth just happened?

I rush to the kitchen and turn on the tap, only to find muddy water flowing into the sink.

Ugh! How disgusting!

This is beyond irritating. All I wanted was a simple shower, and now this. What are the maintenance people doing? Is this really the time to clean out the water storage tanks? Everyone needs a shower in the morning—shouldn't it be obvious to do these chores at a more convenient time?

But I know no one’s going to hear me out. My voice always seems to go unheard. Frustrated, I skip my morning routine altogether, changing into my formal wear and heading out of the house.

Ignoring the growling in my stomach, I make my way to the bus stop and wait. Once I get on, the driver gives me a steady look, refusing to start the engine. Confused, I stare back until he barks, “Pay first.”

What the hell?

Of course, I know I have to pay for his 'esteemed' service, but does he have to be so rude this early in the morning? I briefly consider snapping back at him, but my frustration mounts when I realize I've forgotten my card.

I glance at him, silently begging for some mercy, hoping he’ll let me ride just this once. I’ve taken this bus dozens of times, after all. But his stern expression says it all—no chance.

With hunger gnawing at my stomach, I trudge down the street, each step feeling heavier than the last. As I walk, I imagine the worst—surely, I’ll pass out any minute now. Maybe some wealthy passerby will scoop me up and offer me a ride in their air-conditioned car, or at least feed me something. But, of course, my foolish expectations are shattered like the pebbles crunching under my shoes—pebbles that are now finding their way inside them.

I’ve told my mom a thousand times not to buy me shoes, but she never listens. She buys me a new pair, only to end up wearing them herself the following week, leaving me with her old ones.

My mom’s great, but honestly, I’m not in the mood to think about that right now.

I stumble up the steps to my office reception, practically giving everyone in the room permission to gawk at me like I’m some kind of sideshow. Ignoring their stares, I make my way to my desk and collapse into the familiar comfort of my leather chair.

Just a few minutes of rest, I tell myself. But when I open my eyes, my boss is standing right in front of me.

Oh no.

My throat goes dry as I take in his grim expression. Did I check the time when I got in? I’m sure I didn’t forget to clock in. But what time is it? How late am I?

Before I can say anything, Leo steps out from behind the boss. His expression is even worse. My body breaks into a cold sweat as I suddenly remember what day it is.

It’s not just any day—it's Leo’s birthday.

And it’s already 11:35 AM.

Crap. I didn’t even wish him at midnight. This day is an absolute disaster!

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