Chapter 8 Daydreaming

Nina sprinted through the streets, her breath coming in short gasps as she raced toward the Prague Restaurant. She was already twenty minutes late for her shift, and panic gnawed at her stomach. This was her third job, and by far the most rewarding. The Prague Restaurant wasn't just any establishment-it was the best Western restaurant in the city, with strict rules to match its reputation. Three late arrivals or one guest complaint, and you were out. No exceptions.

Clad in her light blue waiter uniform, Nina burst through the back entrance and hurried toward the passing area, her shoes squeaking slightly on the polished floor. Sunny must have been waiting forever, she thought, guilt surging through her as she spotted her coworker.

"Sunny! I'm so sorry! The professor ran over time in class today!" Nina panted, repeating her apologies as she straightened her uniform.

Sunny glanced up with a bright smile, her face lighting up with a mix of anticipation and excitement. "No worries, Nina! Actually, I kinda wish I was on duty tonight!"

Nina blinked, confused by Sunny's enthusiasm. "Ah? Why's that? Is the manager handing out bonuses today?"

Sunny rolled her eyes playfully and made a face. "No! Something way better than a bonus. I heard the president of Gray Enterprises is coming tonight!"

Nina's heart skipped a beat. The president of Gray Enterprises? The name stirred something in her, a sense of familiarity that gnawed at the edges of her mind. *Gray... Where have I heard that before?* It had been popping up around her lately, but she couldn't quite place it.

Sunny leaned in and squeezed Nina's cheek affectionately. "Lucien Gray! Haven't you heard? He's ridiculously handsome and generous. I swear, his fans could line up around the globe!"

Nina snorted, shrugging off the idea with a dismissive wave. "That's got to be an exaggeration! Besides, what's it got to do with us? He's handsome and rich, sure, but we're just serving tables."

Sunny wasn't ready to let the fantasy go. "Oh, come on, Nina! What if it's your turn to serve him tonight? Then Lucien Gray sees your pretty face and your tiny waist, and BAM! He falls madly in love with you, sweeps you off your feet, and next thing you know, you're married to the president of Gray Enterprises! Just don't forget me when you pull up in a Ferrari, rocking a 20-carat diamond and Chanel's latest fashion."

Sunny's dramatic storytelling had Nina rolling her eyes and laughing. "You bad influence! I'll tell everyone about your crazy daydreams!"

The two girls dissolved into giggles, playfully shoving each other as they made a mess of their uniforms.

"Nina! Soda for table 12, let's go!" the manager called from across the room.

Nina made a funny face at Sunny before grabbing the tray and heading toward the vestibule. Despite the pay being good, the job was exhausting. The restaurant's clientele consisted of powerful, demanding people, and Nina couldn't afford any mistakes. Her family was still in debt, and losing this job would be devastating.

As she approached table 12, her professional smile faltered for a brief moment. Sitting at the table was none other than Sulia, the actress who had taken by storm in the past month.

Wow, Sulia's even more stunning in person, Nina thought, trying to keep her composure. A month ago, she had been a barely-known actress, but after starring in a romantic movie, she'd shot to fame overnight. Rumor had it she was backed by a powerful consortium, and her publicity team was second to none.

Sulia's beauty was undeniable. Her long, soft hair was casually pinned up, leaving her delicate neck exposed, and her bold makeup accentuated her striking features. She wore a flowing white gown with a deep V-cut back, revealing smooth, eye-catching skin.

"Excuse me, here's your soda," Nina said politely, placing the glass on the table with a smile.

"Thank you," Sulia replied, her voice polite but distant. There was no warmth in her tone, no real acknowledgment of the service.

As Nina was about to step away, the phone on the table rang, catching her attention. It wasn't just any phone-it was a Vertu, one of the most exclusive luxury phones in the world, encrusted with diamonds. There were only 200 of them in existence, and owning one wasn't just about having money.

That's worth more than I'll probably make in years, Nina thought, curiosity tingling inside her. Sulia was a rising star, sure, but even with her newfound fame, a phone like that seemed excessive. Maybe the rumors are true. She must really have some serious backing.

Still, it wasn't her place to wonder. Nina forced herself to refocus on her work, turning away from the table with the same professional smile, but the brief encounter lingered in her thoughts. "People like her live in a completely different world," she mused. One I'll never touch.