My other co-workers would also join Rachel to bully and call me names, their taunts and teases piercing my soul, making me question my worth and purpose. Their cruel words and laughter echoing in my mind long after my shift ended, leaving me feeling broken and alone.
One evening, as I stood behind the bar, pouring drinks and collecting tips with a forced smile, Rachel's venomous tongue struck again. Her taunts cut through the air like a razor, leaving me feeling embarrassed.
She pushed me down, her hands on my shoulders like weights, and I felt myself crashing to the ground. The sound of my glasses shattering on the floor was drowned out by the jeers and snickers of the crowd.
But then, like a dark knight riding to the rescue, a figure emerged from the shadows. His chiseled jawline was set in a firm expression, his dark hair messy and unkempt. His eyes, a deep, piercing blue, flashed with anger as he took in the scene before him.
He strode towards us, his long legs eating up the distance, his broad shoulders squaring off against Rachel's petty cruelty.
"Stop this", he growled, his voice low and menacing. Rachel's smile faltered, her eyes darting nervously to the side. The crowd's laughter died down, replaced by an uncomfortable silence. The stranger's gaze never left mine, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity that made my heart race.
He offered me his hand, his fingers strong and capable. I took it, feeling a jolt of electricity as he pulled me to my feet. "I am Julian," he said.
PRESENT DAY
I heard a knock on the door, I wondered who was knocking when I was obviously the trapped one here.
The door opened and I saw a woman with a kind face and a warm smile, her dark hair pulled back into a sleek bun, her eyes sparkling with a hint of warmth wearing a crisp uniform as she approached me.
"Good morning, ma'am", she said, her voice like a gentle brook, her words dripping with respect. "I'm Rosa, the head of the Marino's family's household staff. I was instructed to help you get dressed and ready to come downstairs for breakfast".
My mind raced as I tried to process her words. Good morning? Ma'am? I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. How long had I been trapped in this room?
"Ma'am please let's get ready fast,we have just 5 minutes to be ready. Mr Sebastian doesn't like anyone getting late for breakfast" She said.
I immediately rushed into the bathroom with the speed of a cheetah, my heart racing like a runaway train. In what felt like a record-breaking feat, I emerged from the bathroom in a blink, my skin glowing like a freshly buffed shoe.
Rosa gave me a beautiful long gown to put on as she gently assisted me into the beautiful dress. With a tender touch, she fastened the buttons, her fingers moving with the precision of a skilled seamstress.
As she led me downstairs, my heart raced with anxiety. The dining room was filled with men in black suits, their faces stern and serious.
Sebastian sat at the head of the table, his eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my skin crawl. I felt like a trapped animal, surrounded by predators. But I refused to show my fear. I squared my shoulders and walked into the room with a courage I never knew I had.
As I sat down at the dining table, I saw a really handsome guy walking towards us accompanied by a tall imposing figure behind him. He was so good-looking that my heart skipped a beat. He had a strong chest and broad shoulders, and his suit fits him perfectly.
As he took his seat opposite me, I couldn't help but sneak glances at him. Who was this guy? And why does he look like Sebastian? Or could this be the man I'm getting married to?
"Giovanni, this is Daisy, your wife ," Sebastian said.
What!! Dad, what do you mean by that? How can I marry someone I barely know and to top it all it's the daughter of a traitor..." Giovanni said in a loud and angry tone.
"I wasn't asking for your opinion. I'll be stepping out now for a business meeting while preparations are being made for your wedding" Sebastian said with a serious and mean face.
"Dad, I refuse to marry this thing...never!" Giovanni exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table.
"Sit down, Giovanni!" Sebastian commanded his voice stern with anger. "I'm not finished talking to you".
"I'm done with this conversation, Dad".
Just as Giovanni was about to leave, the men in black suits pulled out their guns and aimed them at him.
The room fell silent and a thick uncomfortable tension filled the air. I sat back down in my chair, my heart racing with fear, as I watched the scene unfold like a nightmare.
The men with guns were still pointing them at Giovanni. I felt frozen, like I couldn't move or say anything.
Sebastian walked up to Giovanni looking angry,"I am your dad and you will do as I say" he said firmly. Then he turned and walked out of the room, his men lowering their guns and following me out.
Giovanni turned to me, his eyes full of anger and hate. He looked at me like he wanted to hurt me badly, and I felt a chill run down my spine. It felt like he would attack me if he got the chance.