Chapter 3 ACCIDENT.

~ NOVA'S POV ~

As I pushed open the door, the aroma of fried food and coffee wafted out, making my stomach growl louder in hunger.

The warm lighting and inviting decor inside seemed like a haven, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I clutched my bag tightly, noticing the sudden shift in attention as people turned to look at me.

Their gazes were a mix of curiosity and suspicion, and I couldn't help but wonder what it was that drew their attention.

Despite feeling self-conscious, I held my head high, trying to exude confidence as I scanned the room for a friendly face or a place to sit.

The contrast between my attire and that of the other girls in the diner was stark. While they wore shorter dresses that revealed more skin, I was clad in a long, modest gown that covered me from neck to toe.

Growing up in the orphanage, I was accustomed to dressing conservatively, with the sisters enforcing strict rules about modesty.

Though I had a secret desire for more modern styles, like trousers and shorter dresses, I had never worn them.

The attention I received was likely due to the noticeable difference between my outfit and those of the people around.

"Hello miss, welcome to Madam Jenkins Pastries. Can I get you something to eat or drink?" The old lady's warm smile and gentle demeanor put me at ease as she asked.

She led me to a cozy seat by the transparent wall that offered a stunning view of the twinkling lights outside. I hesitated, patting down my empty pockets and rummaging through my bag.

"I'm actually looking for a place to rest or maybe some work in exchange for food. I haven't eaten all day," I admitted, feeling a mix of embarrassment and desperation.

The old lady's expression softened, and she nodded understandingly. "Don't worry, I can get you a cup of coffee and some cookies. On the house," she said, dashing off to the counter and returning with a steaming cup and a plate of freshly baked treats.

As I took a sip of the hot coffee and nibbled on the cookies, my eyes welled up with gratitude. The warmth and kindness of this stranger were a balm to my frazzled nerves, and for a moment, I felt a sense of peace.

As I sipped the coffee, a wave of warmth spread through me, and I couldn't help but notice the old woman's gentle gaze.

"I see you're not from around here?" she asked, her eyes drifting to the bag on the table. I nodded, taking a moment to swallow the coffee before speaking.

"I'm from Germany. I grew up in a cruel orphanage with other girls like me. I couldn't take it anymore, so I used my last bit of money to come here, hoping to find work or a place to stay until I can get on my feet."

The old lady listened intently, her face a picture of interest and concern. At first, I was hesitant to share my story, but her welcoming demeanor put me at ease.

She seemed genuinely invested in what I had to say, and I found myself opening up to her in a way I hadn't expected. As I spoke, she nodded along, her smile never wavering, and I felt a sense of comfort in her presence.

"Well sorry about that, I think you should talk to our Madam, Mrs. Jenkins," she said.

"She might be able to offer you a job or some assistance. She always helped young girls like you who were stranded." she stood up and nodded toward the back of the diner.

"Let me show you the way."

I quickly followed her to a door marked "Private." The old lady knocked softly and said, "Mrs. Jenkins is in there. Go ahead and talk to her. I'm sure she'll do what she can."

I took a deep breath, smoothed my clothes with my wet hands and my bag on the other one and stepped into the unknown.

I stepped into the room, and a low, thick voice greeted me, "Come in."

Initially, I thought it was a man due to the deep tone, which made the old lady's reference to "Mrs. Jenkins" puzzling.

However, as the figure turned on a light, illuminating the room, I saw that it was indeed a woman.

She asked, "You are in need of a job, is that so?" Her voice was warm and authoritative. I replied without hesitation,

"Yes." As she stood up from her chair, which creaked slightly, she revealed her tall posture and commanding presence.

Her average build and height were offset by her slightly heavier frame, which lent her an air of confidence and authority.

She examined me closely, her well-groomed hands gently turning my face as she took in every detail. Despite her poised demeanor, her hands felt strong and capable, a subtle contrast to her otherwise refined presence.

She circled around me, her eyes scrutinizing my appearance. "You just need a bit of change to your style and some makeup to enhance your features. With those tweaks, you'll be ready to go," she said, her tone matter-of-fact.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as she examined me from head to toe. Her scrutiny made me uneasy, but I was determined to push through my discomfort if it meant landing the job. I stood still, trying to appear confident and poised.

Then, she posed a question that caught me off guard. "Are you certain you're ready for this opportunity? You have the potential to earn more than you ever thought possible, but it's not just about the money.

Are you sure you're cut out for this?" Her words were laced with a hint of skepticism, and I could sense her weighing my potential.

I swallowed hard, desperation creeping into my voice. "Ma'am, I'll do everything in my power to secure this job. I'm willing to put in the effort and prove myself. I truly can't afford to go back to living on the streets." My words hung in the air, a plea for her to give me a chance.

"Still a virgin huh?" She asked with a smile on her face as she grabbed my breast in her hand, like she was sizing it.

Her touch made me uncomfortable, and I instinctively pulled away. I had expected a straightforward job interview, perhaps something similar to the roles of the old lady.

But her question about my virginity and her physical examination of me threw me off guard. I couldn't fathom how these things related to my qualifications or ability to perform the job.

"Ma'am, why are you asking about this?" I inquired, my unease growing with each passing moment.

"What does my personal life have to do with the work I'll be doing?" I had heard stories about people being taken advantage of, especially those who were inexperienced or vulnerable. The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

Her response only added to my confusion. "You'll understand when the time comes," she said cryptically.

"For now, let me call Brian to escort you to your accommodations for the night. You'll start work bright and early tomorrow." With that, she excused herself and stepped into another room, leaving me feeling increasingly uncertain and uneasy about the situation.

With the way the woman was looking at me I knew this wasn't a safe space anymore. Just then, a tall, imposing figure strode into the office, his face creasing into a leering smile as he approached me.

His demeanor sent a shiver down my spine, and I wondered if this was Brian, the person Madam Jenkins had mentioned. The man's gaze seemed to linger on me, making me feel uneasy.

"Hmm, I like what I see," he said as licked his lips and tried to touch me in a way I didn't like.

I move back away from his hands.

"Come on, you will soon get used to it." he said as he held me tightly.

"What are you doing, where is Madam Jerkins?"

I tried to struggle with him but it was of no use. He was very strong.

The man's grip tightened around my arm, his fingers digging deep into my skin.

"Don't worry about her, she sent me to take you to your room," he sneered, his breath hot against my face. I tried to shake him off, but he held firm.

"I don't want the job anymore, let go of me!" I demanded, forcing out the words through gritted teeth.

His smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with a sinister light. "No, you can't say that. Over here, there's no going back," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. He took a step closer, his face inches from mine.

I was ready for him. With a surge of adrenaline, I pushed him back with all my might, my bag swinging wildly. He stumbled, his eyes widening in surprise, and I seized the opportunity to make a run for it.

I sprinted through the diner, my heart pounding in my chest. As I flung open the door, I dashed into the street without looking for incoming vehicles.

The street was a blur as I ran for my life, my body fueled by fear. I didn't care about my bag or anything else, I just needed to get away.

The screech of tires and the blast of a horn were the last things I heard before I was on the floor.

As I lay there helpless, a strong hand grasped my arm. I couldn't move, couldn't speak. Fear coursed through my veins as I wondered if I was in the hands of the people I was running from.

My prayers were a jumbled mess as everything faded to black once more. Before everything went black.