Chapter 3 Julian's Princess

Bethany closed her eyes, taking a few deep breaths. Exhaustion seeped into every muscle, both mentally and physically drained.

She pushed the fatigue to the back of her mind, hurried through a shower, and, without bothering to dry her hair, collapsed onto the bed. Sleep took hold almost instantly.

But her rest was far from peaceful. Nightmares hounded her sleep, leaving her tossing and turning.

When the phone rang, she jolted awake, disoriented.

It was already evening, and the room was shrouded in a dim, fading light. A cold breeze crept in through the slightly open window, rustling the curtains.

Her head throbbed painfully. She touched her forehead, feeling the alarming heat radiating from her skin.

"Just my luck," she thought bitterly, sighing as she tried to shake off the grogginess.

The phone kept ringing, insistent and shrill. She fumbled for it, her voice scratchy and hoarse. "Hello..."

"Bethany! Do you even want this job or not?" The irate voice of the convenience store owner rang in her ear. "If you don't, just quit already!"

Bethany's eyes flew to the clock on the wall. It was past six. Her heart sank. She'd only landed this part-time job a couple of days ago, working the night shift at a small convenience store.

"I'm on my way!"

She couldn't afford to lose this job-not with Julian's constant meddling and threats. Without it, she'd have no income at all.

She rummaged through a drawer, popped two anti-cold pills, and hastily got herself ready. Her body protested every move, but she gritted her teeth and pushed through.

No matter how chaotic her life was, she had to keep going.

She still had her brother and grandma to think about. She'd be damned if she let Julian crush her spirit.

By the time she arrived at the store, the street was bustling with people. It was late, and the convenience store, located opposite the popular bar Whales, was busier than usual.

Rumor had it that a semi-famous singer was performing at the bar tonight, which explained the influx of customers.

After serving a rush of patrons, Bethany leaned against the counter, eyelids heavy. She took out her phone and sent a quick message to Shawn. "Don't worry about the money. I'll handle it. Just focus on your studies."

The message went unanswered. She guessed he was probably still upset.

Bethany sighed, resting her head on her folded arms, intending to close her eyes for just a minute. But fatigue pulled her into a deeper slumber.

The shrill entry chime jerked her awake.

Without even opening her eyes fully, she straightened up out of reflex. "Welcome-"

"Hey there, gorgeous. Gimme a pack of cigarettes." A young man's voice rang out, flippant and overly familiar.

Bethany blinked and looked up. The guy with bleached blue hair lifted his head from his phone, and his eyes widened. "Whoa! Bethany?"

Bethany stiffened. Alec Simpson. Leland's shadow, his loyal little sidekick. Wherever Leland went, Alec followed, no questions asked.

Bethany instinctively glanced out the store's window. And there he was.

Leland stood on the side of the street, surrounded by his usual crowd. A voluptuous woman clung to his side.

But even with all the attention on him, his expression remained indifferent. His hands were buried deep in his pockets, his gaze aloof, detached.

Alec never got along with Julian, and as a result, he also looked down on Bethany. Alec's mouth twisted into a smirk as he glanced back at Bethany.

"Well, well... Leland! You won't believe who I just ran into!" he called out to the group outside, his voice carrying a mocking edge. "It's Julian's princess!"

The term wasn't a compliment. It was a sneer, a jab at how out of place she'd always seemed among Julian's circle, who'd mocked her for being too "proper" for them.

Leland's eyes, shadowed beneath dark lashes, shifted lazily towards Bethany. The moment their gazes met, a chill ran down her spine.

His expression didn't change. He just stared, emotionless, as if she were a complete stranger. Then, with a slight lift of his brow, he turned away and looked at Alec. "Get the cigarettes."

Alec's smirk disappeared as he quickly grabbed a pack and paid. Like the loyal lapdog he was, he jogged back to the side of the street, offering the pack to Leland. He even went as far as to light one for him.

Leland didn't move to take it, his hands still firmly in his pockets.

He then moved. A small entourage followed in his wake as he crossed the street.