Slave To His Dominance

Raviora's Point of View

My biggest problem is poverty. For me, I grew up not having either of my parents. I was just two years old when my parents died. Grandpa always says I should always be practical.

"W-What's the problem again now, Doc?" I asked worriedly. I was panting in front of the Doctor because I ran from the entrance to my Grandpa's room.

The Doctor sighed as he looked at me. "He will not last long..."

"No! No! There should be a way, right?" I disagreed, and my voice broke.

"I told you months ago he should've accepted the treat–"

I started panicking. "D-Doc... I'll do anything. Please c-continue my Grandpa's m-medications..."

"His bill is now in the hundred thousand, Miss. Nearly a million. How long are you going to bear it? And he already signed a DNR form... Didn't he inform you?" He informed me using his most concerned way.

My world tore apart. A DNR... What? No! It couldn't be. He's precious to me, and I should do everything to continue his medications! I know Grandpa still has a chance of surviving and... living.

"H-He didn't."

I don't care if I should work until the day I die, but... I love Grandpa so much that I couldn't bear thinking he'll die soon because of his illness.

I sighed heavily as a tear fell from my eyes. To be honest, I will do everything for him. He was the only one who loved and cared for me. Grandpa has done everything for me since I was a child!

"I don't care how much the bill is, Doc. I'll do anything for him."

Even though our chance is low, I still hope a miracle will happen. Months ago, Grandpa was diagnosed with terminal cancer. It's incurable, but the Doctor said as my Grandpa continues medicating, he'll live long. But when Grandpa found out I was running out of money, his nurse informed me, saying he was now rejecting his treatments.

I got mad, and at the same time, I begged him to do it, yet he always gave me a headache. Not until his condition worsened.

"Grandpa..." I begged while crying.

He was sitting on his bed as his eyes were outside the window, not minding me completely.

I tried caressing her hand, but he didn't let me. Instead, Grandpa avoided my touch.

"How many times do I need to tell you, you should just let me rest?" I was stunned because of his eagerness to leave me in this world. I bit my lower lip because the way he said those hurt me.

Another tear fell from my eyes. "Grandpa!"

"We're running out of money, Raviora!" He stormed. He coughed a bit because of it. "I am okay. I am ready to rest, sweetheart."

Grandpa held my hands. I couldn't look at him straight because his words made me lose hope. I don't know why he's okay with it while I am not.

"Look at me," he whispered.

I didn't obey his orders. My heart hurts a lot. How about me, then? How will I live if the only person who makes me happy and the reason for my living will leave me?

It's unfair!

Weakness invaded my whole body. I couldn't talk or even look at him. He's thin and has big two-eye bags underneath his eyes. I continued sobbing. Thinking Grandpa would leave this world, it felt like I lost my reason to continue living, too.

"Raviora..." Grandpa said gently.

"G-Grandpa..."

He widened his both arms, wanting me to hug him. I obeyed. I am now sitting above his bed while hugging him.

The hot liquid kept falling as I felt the warmth of his hug.

"I-I'll try a-again, okay? I'll try finding money..."

I felt his hands slowly caressing my hair. "What did I tell you before, hmm? Even if I die, you're still the baby Raviora I once cared for and loved. Right?"

"I don't wanna wake up in the morning not seeing you cooking and making breakfast for me," I said sluggishly.

He softly chuckled. "You still have work, right? You should hurry now, sweetie."

"But Gran–"

"I'm okay..."

"But you signed a DNR."

He chuckled as if it was nothing. "I don't wanna be a burden."

The last thing I knew is I was now outside the hospital. Other people are okay with the thought of losing someone, but in my case, I strongly disagree. Some people don't know that losing the only person you have is more painful.

Grandpa signing the do not resuscitate form made me angry, and... it gave me pain. I'm scared Grandpa might leave me any day from now, especially if it was the Doctor who said he won't last long.

Grandpa's savings were depleted because of his medications. I have work, yes. But my salary at my job wasn't enough to provide for it, so we used his savings to survive.

No matter how upset I am with him, I can still find myself in a big old building in the town.

I looked up. The blue skies are turning dark while the sun sets. I bit my lower lip as my hand curled into a fist. A friend told me that these buildings belong to loan sharks who let everyone get a loan without interest, but in exchange, you have something important to you and give it to them.

My hands trembled as I saw the men who looked like goons outside the building. I'm sure this is the one my friend was saying when we talked on the phone.

I slowly went inside. Some of them look at me as if I am some sort of food they can eat whenever they want since I am here in their territory.

When I saw their office, I immediately knocked on their door. My heart pounded when a scary man wearing a Sando with tattoos all over his body, a big fat tummy, and wearing his dirty smirk opened it for me.

I smiled nervously.

"Boss," Damn! Even his voice is scary! "I think someone needs a loan, too."

The ugly big old fat scary man opened the door for me. Inside their office are full of clothes and men. Some were smoking, and some were not.

Damn. Do their parents never tell their children, even for once, that smoking inside an office, house, or apartment is not allowed?

From what I can see, I think their boss is the one who's wearing a summer polo shirt while puffing on his cigarette. All their eyes went on me. Some goons are massaging their boss' back.

Their boss looked at me from head to toe. I bit my lower lip, and my eyes drifted to the floor.

"Who are you?" One of them asked as if he was ready to fight with me.

Damn, these loan sharks! I am scared, yes!

"U-Uh..." I said nervously. "A friend of mine told me... y-you're a loan shark."

Some of them looked at each other. Some were not.

"And?"

"I plan to have my loan here... if it's alright."

Their boss stood up. He takes a glance at me straight in the eyes. I can say that he's in his mid-forties. He's tall, has avian skin, and has whiskers.

I bit my lower lip. He tried stepping forward while I did the opposite.

He smirked at me when he saw I was trembling. "How much do you want to loan, Miss? Have a seat."

I coughed a little. I did what he wanted me to do. Just like what I've said, the sun is now setting outside. While here in their office, the light gives the whole room brighter sunshine.

For a moment, the scenario inside my Grandpa's hospital room suddenly flashed through my memory. I wasn't sure if I was going to do this, but...

"What? Are we just gonna stare at each other?" Their boss asked sarcastically.

"I uh... I'm sorry,"

"So, how much do you want to loan?" He said cooly.

I bit my lower lip again. If I tell him I need a million and a hundred, would they let me? Funny how I get nervous again, wanting to back out when I was so courageous earlier until I saw them.

Some of his men went outside, and some were still there. They all have tattoos on their arms and probably up to their body. Well, tattoos are all over the world now. Even minors have!

"A million and a hundred dollars."

His eyebrow shut up. A loud burst of laughter suddenly echoed inside the room.

What an asshole! I know I can't loan big money, like a million and a hundred, and I see the laugh is for me, and I think their boss already cursed me on his mind. I believe these goons are saying I'm an idiot or stupid when I see how much I should borrow!

He stopped laughing. "What are you gonna do with that kind of money?"

"Hmm. Well, my Grandpa has to continue his medications, and we're out of money right now. I'd like to pay his hospital bills." I said seriously.

He smirked at me. Some of his men did too. "Do you think a million and a hundred dollars is easy breathing, dear?"

I groaned frustratedly. "I know, but I really need it!"

"How old are you?"

"T-Twenty-one..."

"Your work?"

"I'm a s-server in a restaurant."

Another chuckle came out from his mouth. It seems like he's mocking me and my work. So what now, huh? As far as I know, being a server in a restaurant is legal! These goons are kind of irritating. If only I weren't desperate for money right now, I would never go or even see them.

"How can a server like you pay us a million and a hundred?"

"C'mon. Please..." I begged.

He smirked like an evil. I gripped my bag tightly while looking at him hopelessly. This is the only way I can do it. My friends couldn't bring me a large sum of money, so I had no choice but to please him!

"Get the contract,"

"Right away, boss."

I was stunned for a moment. His right-hand man immediately returned with two bond papers in her hand.

I gulped. I don't exactly know how loan sharks really work. He handed the papers to his boss.

"I will let you borrow this huge money BUT..." he paused. "You should give us the most important thing in your life. I actually don't accept things like keys, portraits, or such. Your house as collateral will do."

Are you an idiot or what? I really wanted to tell him that, but I should worry about my Grandpa, who's now in the hospital, first instead.

I sighed heavily.

"I have it here. That house is the most valuable thing to me since it's full of memories. I value it the most, so..."

This goon smirked. "Uh-huh..."

He immediately grabbed the papers in my hand and opened them when I pulled them out of my bag.

For sure, he checked things up.

"Alright then. Sign the contract, then we'll process it right away. Leave your contact number and other personal information. It's badly needed." He asserted.

I nodded. "How long will it take?"

"Two to three days, Miss." He said.

"Don't worry, I won't run. I'll pay it in two ye–" he cut me off.

"No," he stopped. "I will be the one who will decide whenever I want you to pay the money. So you better ready the cash, yeah?"

"Are y–"

"Sign the contract."

To be honest, I felt better when he said those things, but all of it vanished when this man in front of me said he'd be the one who would decide when to pay his money. After signing the contract, he gave his signature to mine, and so did I.

Wasn't it too unfair on my part? I didn't even read the entire contract!

Raviora's Point of View

The moment I went out of that building, I could feel my knees tremble. I told the loan sharks they should hurry cause I need it right away.

I went to our house and rested. I feel drained right now. My mind couldn't take it. I heaved a sigh.

When I was young, grandpa always told me I should know how to live independently because he knows he'll get old and as time goes by, he'll be gone. I'm the only one left living in this house alone.

I feel sticky. Haven't bathed myself for a while. The restaurant where I usually work gets a lot of customers now and in some ways it's all because of me. That I am pretty... I can attract men because of my beauty. I stood up and looked at the mirror.

My smooth long jet black hair, pale and creamy white skin, pointed nose and pinkish lips.

Looking in the mirror wasn't really a cup of my tea. I don't even recognize it whenever I look into it. Some say I am indeed pretty. There's even a customer I can't forget who offered if I was looking for an agency to be a model. My responses made her chuckle. I told her modeling isn't my thing.

Even before, whenever grandpa and I were always seen in the park, some asked me if I was an artist or some kind of child in the showbiz industry.

I waited for three days. When the loan sharks called, I immediately hurried and went there.

Francisco, their leader, handed me a bag I assumed was full of money. My loan.

"Just be sure you're always in your house and never run away." He said, full of authority.

I nodded. "I will never do that, Sir."

"You should prepare it if I order my men to take back my money from you."

"And what is the time duration?"

He smirked. "Whenever I want to."

"B-But what if I didn't bring your money back in a time you wanted to?"

"Then your house will be mine after we kill you." The word 'kill' was emphasized as he said those words in front of me.

Unbelievable! It's impossible for me to bring their money back for, uh, maybe a month? Damn it! These are loan sharks. I don't exactly know what they are going to do if I really didn't abide by the rules. Somehow, I feel threatened and scared. I don't know what they can do, but surely, these people can blink in a blink of an eye.

Francisco seemed like an old man, yet I can see his merciless side. He has a huge cut on his right cheek. He makes me scared even if he's not as big as his men.

I bid my goodbye. Those loan sharks made my knees tremble again.

I was on my way to the hospital when I heard my phone ring.

"Hello?" I softly mumbled without seeing the caller's name or ID.

"It's me, sweetie." I heard my grandpa's voice.

I continued walking in the streets as I talked to him.

"Grandpa! W-Why are you calling? I-I'm on my way to–" he cut me off.

He chuckled at the line. "Calm down. I just borrowed the nurse's phone. I'm craving for fruit, Raviora. Why don't you buy me one?"

A soft smile crept on my lips. "Alright, Grandpa! What else?"

"Hmm," he stopped. "Maybe lots of oranges?"

"Alright, Lolo! I'll go to the market and buy it!"

"Well done, my princess. Take care... I love you." I don't exactly know but he sounded hurt or something when he said the word take care and I love you.

"Love you too!"

I ignored it. Something is pushing me to make another call again, but the taxi I found stopped in front of me.

Grandpa is into fruits. Yes, he's very healthy. But luck isn't on his side...

No one wants to have incurable diseases like my grandpa. But for us, we just borrowed our lives in the great God Almighty. He'll be the one who will decide when he will take it back.

He gave us life. He who painted the skies as blue, branded the ocean as crystal clear, colored nature as green.

He who made his creations perfect except for... his incredible creation, us. People.

I immediately hurried inside the market. I am wearing my big smile as I picked grandpa's favorite fruits. Some are fresh and some aren't. He was the one who taught me many things, to be honest.

According to him, you won't last long if you don't know the basics of life.

"Morning!" I greeted the cashier.

She smiled at me. "For your grandpa?"

"Yes."

I often go here. That's why I'm not surprised when they recognize me already.

"That would be a hundred and forty-five, Ma'am."

The fruits I bought weren't heavy at all. When I already purchased all the food I needed, I immediately waved my hand to hail a taxi.

The car stopped in front of me. While I was on our way to the hospital, I couldn't stop thinking about our bills. Our bills have exceeded a million already. Good thing is the loan sharks let me borrow money.

I still owe a lot to everyone, especially my friends. I couldn't help not to think about it. How can I pay all of my loans from the banks, my friends and that loan shark?

A phone call suddenly appeared. I immediately pulled out my phone inside my bag and saw it was the Doctor's phone number. I started walking inside while I'm holding my phone directly to my ears.

"Hello, Doc? I'm already outside the hospital."

The Doctor said nothing. A long silence had been circulating between us.

"Are you still there, Doc?"

I heard him sighed. "Can you come up here directly in your grandpa's room?" His voice became softer and...

"Yes, Doc. Something happened?"

"He's dead."

Those two words... made my knees, lips and fingers tremble.

"I-I already have the m-money, Doc..."

"You better hurry and go here." And the call ended.

The plastic full of fruits slipped out of my hand.

Hot liquid started flowing down my cheeks. He's lying, right? He's not telling me the truth. Using my remaining strength, I run to the elevator as fast as I can, disregarding the fruits spread in the lobby.

My heart pounded when I saw a few nurses inside his room standing and some are emotional. Dr. Mallari saw me entering. It is when I saw the holter monitor beeping straight without curves.

I almost fainted when I saw my grandpa's hands hanging on the side of his bed. I immediately walked slowly towards him quietly and sobbing.

"I t-told you I have the m-money..." I sobbed.

"Our patient signed a DNR, Miss Martin. However, he wanted me to give you this."

I slowly looked at a bound paper he wanted to give me. My heart aches because of what the doctor said. I hugged his body and I could feel his coldness, not his warm body.

Tears pooled my cheeks. I sobbed and cried hard seeing my grandpa living with me.

What will happen next, then? I am alone now. I have no shoulders to lean on whenever I feel sad, depressed or hopeless. My mind couldn't function well because of what happened. I took the letter in the Doctor's hand with no hesitations.

Seeing the nurses getting rid of his body made me cry even more.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Miss Martin."

I can't blame Dr. Mallari. Pain and anger are circulating through my body, but I chose not to say hurtful words against him.

Grandpa signed it because he worries about money. I can see that he's tired already and doesn't want to say it to me because I know... He knew how much I tried to work things up and make money for his medications.

Is he unfair or I am the one who couldn't understand? He clearly told me just to let him go.

Well, I guess all I need to do is to accept things, right? Accept that he's dead.

"Here's the total bill of your grandpa, Miss Martin. Look,"

Just like what I stated, it's all over a million. He just stayed here for three months and started rejecting his medications for a week.

My heart cried when I lent the money to a certain hospital.

"That's over a million, Miss."

"Thay fast?" She said, sounding shocked.

Clearly, Grandpa ends his life. He knew I was coming. That's why he made me believe he craves fruit and wanted me to buy it.

For what? So I can't stop him?

After signing and settling the bills in the hospital, I clearly told them to cremate his body already.

But I wonder if he's happy now? Now that he rests completely and here I am... alone and started living by myself. I cried so hard inside our house. I didn't tell my friends that my grandpa had passed away.

I sobbed inside of our house while I turned the light off and only the moon gives our house a light from the outside.

They say the only way you can suppress the feeling of being hurt is by crying and someone to lean on. In my case, I was alone and self comforting myself.

"What are your plans now, Raviora?" It came from a loyal friend of mine, Tori.

I can feel her warmth when she hugged me. She feels bad and I don't want to push her away because I want to be alone.

I chuckled bitterly. "Work my ass off?" I said.

"That fast? And then?" She said, as if she was shocked.

"Pay for my loans."

"I understand you, Raviora. Our manager wanted you to at least take a leave for two to three days and rest."

I shook my head as an answer, then started crying again. Sometimes, I wonder if I lost my mind already.

"N-No. I'll go..."

I heard Tori's small groan. "Raviora..."

I faked my smile.

Many people say when someone leaves you alone, you'll get used to it, eventually. But for me, I think it may take a year or years before I get over it.

Grandpa's death is the biggest heartache for me.

Tori knew what happened when she asked where I was on the day of his death. The remaining money I got, I used it to buy a columbarium for him.

"You know you have me and the others to rely on, right?" She softly mumbled while hugging me.

I am still lucky, to be honest. My friends still got my back. I chose not to hold a ceremony for him and went directly to a columbarium.

"I heard you visited the loan sharks days ago?" My friend Kelly when she went here in our house with Kia.

I nodded. "So you really borrow that kind of money?"

"Yeah," I simply said.

All of us remained quiet. They wanted to sleep over because I'm all alone now. I felt Kia hugging my small waist. I flashed her a weak smile.

"We're here, okay?"

I chuckled. "I know..."

"We'll help you, Avi. Anything!"

"Yes! Kia is right. Who else can we expect to help each other right? Only the four of us!" Tori stated.

Because, just like me, my three friends are also struggling because of money. Yes, we have different jobs, but we all have the same reason to live.

I live for my grandpa while my friends live for their loved ones.

And now? I don't even know what the sense of living is when the only reason I have to live is my grandpa.

"How about your loans to that gangster?" It was Kia.

Oh shit!

Alright, I'm wrong. I still have things to settle, like paying my loans in the banks! Damn... I couldn't just end my life because of it. Because I know... Grandpa would never agree to leave this world also and be with him.

Raviora's Point of View

"Four bottles of beer for table fifteen, please!" One customer said.

"Right away, Sir!" I replied.

From here on the table I am cleaning, I immediately fixed all the mess and placed the plates above my tray.

I smiled at some of our customers. It's actually a resto bar where some of our clients are adults and want to drink beer even if it's still lunch.

My workmate, Ada, lent me four bottles of beer the moment I passed the trays full of plates and more utensils inside. She smiled at me and I did the same.

This is my usual routine every day. Waking up in the morning, working, going home and vice versa. I am still mourning, yes, but I still made it up for everything while I mourn.

"Thanks," the man said.

"You're welcome, Sir."

Successive entries of customers entered. I showed them a big smile before leading the way to their seats.

Both of them are couples. I can see that the girl is holding a bouquet of red roses. The girl is wearing a jacket and I am wondering why since it's cold outside and even here.

"Is today your anniversary?" I smiled.

The girl looked at me as she smelled the flowers her boyfriend gave her. "Yes. Sweet, isn't it?"

"Happy Anniversary, babe."

I was about to puke because of how the guy kissed her girlfriend. I rolled my eyes because of it. The girl giggled because of the torrid kiss her boyfriend gave her.

"May I know what's your order, Ma'am?" I prepared my pen and paper.

"You," her boyfriend said.

I was stunned for a second. Me and his girlfriend looked at each other while the man, who said offensive, smirked.

"Excuse me, Sir?"

His smirks grew even bigger. I saw how his eyes drifted on my uniform, or my boobs. I don't think his girlfriend saw it. She looked away when I talked.

I stared at her girlfriend for a moment. I can see that she's pretty. Her hair is long, pinkish red lips and I can say that she has curves. My eyes went to her arm when I saw how her jacket lifted when she moved.

I clearly saw a purple mark in there.

"You, what's your special dish here? I'll order it." His boyfriend said.

It took awhile before I said something regardless of her purple mark on her left arm.

"We have two special dishes here, Sir. Here..."

I handed him our menu. He checked it while my eyes were on his girlfriend, who's looking at me meaningfully.

I couldn't specify what her eyes say, but she looks scared, devastated and nervous.

"Can we order a chicken?" She sounded so sweet as the girl held the arms of her boyfriend.

"No. We'll order two special dishes, number one, and a beer for me, plus water for her." He said with finality.

"Alright, Sir. Maybe you want to add more? We h–"

"Two orders of special dish number one, a beer for me and water for her." The way he said those made my skin shiver. His voice was rough, it's like he's angry that I'm asking for more.

Even his girlfriend said nothing. It's like she got shocked too, yet she smiled and clung to his boyfriend's arm.

He sighed heavily before looking at me darkly.

"Alright, then. Kindly wait for fifteen-twenty minutes."

That was the last thing I said before turning back on them. Why was he angry and looked darkly at me, by the way? I just asked if they'll order for more!

Ugh. Customers and their meanest attitude.

I smiled at my workmate who's still at the counter while our manager went out from the kitchen.

"Oh. Didn't you hear the news from Tori?" she said, asking concerned.

"It's okay, Ma'am. I can handle it."

"Dear, your friends are right. You really don't know how to listen," a small chuckle came out from my lips.

Our manager is very kind. She's not like the other manager who's very strict and feels superior. She really treats us well, and that's the reason we all like her so much.

Yes, I am still mourning and there have been days when he passed away, but it doesn't mean I will not continue living.

"Well, I think it's in the blood, Ma'am." Tori smirked at me.

The three of us chuckled. "Says the rule breaker, huh?" I mocked.

I waited patiently. Fifteen minutes had passed when the food was ready. I immediately served their food because it looks like the couple are fighting.

"Excuse me," I said. "Here's your order, Ma'am, Sir."

The girl looked at me while his boyfriend looked at my boobs again. Damn. I don't know if it was just an accident in his first attempt, but I think he's being suspicious.

Tori immediately gave them a bottle of beer and water for them.

"Raviora, right?" He asked.

I nodded. "Yes, Sir."

"May I get your number? Just in case–"

"We do not give personal information to our customers. Excuse me,"

He's irritating the hell out of me. Is it for real? I can say that he's a pervert and... well uh, manipulative and abusive?

I really wanted to ask or confront the girl about what happened to his arm and I have this hunch it was her boyfriend's fault. I just remained quiet.

My shift will end soon. Some of my workmates need help. That's why I tried my best to divert my attention on working when I saw the couple walking out from our restaurant. He's grabbing the girl's hand and I think the girl is hurt.

I was about to go after them when Tori stopped me.

"Her boyfriend seems abusive. Don't try meddling with them, Raviora." She warned.

Tori noticed it too.

"But she's in danger. We need to help her!"

"Look, girl, I saw how the man looked at your boobs earlier. He's a pervert, abusive and I guess manipulative too. It's their problem! Don't try interfering, girl. You might get yourself in danger."

I slowly nodded. Tori is right. It's not my business to meddle, but I'm terrified, sad, and concerned about the girl.

I agree with what Tori told me. The way the man pulled her girlfriend up without finishing their food, I can say that he's furious and the girl is hurt.

Another customer came in. Something is pushing me to come and save the girl. I closed my eyes as I looked at Tori, who's busy wiping the table when I immediately went outside and searched for both of them.

Three minutes have passed. For sure, they are still here. I used my eyes to locate their whereabouts when I saw a man and a girl fighting near the trash.

"Do you think someone will rescue you, huh?" He said darkly to her girlfriend.

He grabbed her hand, and the girl cried. Damn this man!

"I-It hurts... Please, James." She pleaded.

It shocked me when I saw the man named James slap the girl.

"And now you're hurting, huh? Damn..."

James was about to slap her when I ran towards their direction and slap James' back using the wood I saw in the street.

I immediately grabbed the girl's hand and both of us ran. When I looked back at James, I saw how hurt he was and groaned so much. He's laying in the bed as he shouted for the girl's name.

Both of us reached a few meters away from him. It is when the girl suddenly looked at me.

"W-Why did you do that?" She said, gasping for breath.

I did the same too. I feel tired running and I am short of breath too. "I-I saw he was dragging you out, and I thought you n-need my h-help..."

She hugged me so tight. "Yes! I r-really need help..."

"He's abusing you, right? Is he your boyfriend?"

"I wanted to break up with him, but he won't let me. He's hurting and abusing me."

My eyes drifted on her left arm. "The purple mark on your arm. He did that to you, too?"

She said nothing. I waited for minutes, yet she only looked down and bit her lower lips as her tears rolled down.

Now I know. My hunches and Tori's are right. That asshole!

I felt sad for her, to be honest. She's pretty, young, and naïve. I couldn't see someone hurting a girl like her. Even if she wouldn't admit it, I already know the answer. I sighed heavily.

"Do you want to report him to the police station?"

She shook her head as if she's begging. "No.. No... Please. H-He's dangerous..."

"What about you then? Are you going to be okay? What if that man will–"

"I'll run away..." she said, full of courage.

I stared at her. She's crying and I really wanted to report him, but she disagreed knowing he's really dangerous. I can see that she's scared.

I looked at her. "What's your name?"

She looked at me for a second before looking away. "Y-You saved my life..."

"It's because I know my hunches were right. Are you really sure that–"

"Thank you..."

For a minute, I felt her warm hug. She looks happy, scared, and nervous at the same time. I should worry myself right now because I don't know if James saw me.

A car stopped in front of us. Both of us looked at it. I thought it was James, but the car's owner beeped.

"I will repay you someday..."

I flashed a soft smile. "Just promise me one thing. Live and don't come back in here and to... him."

"Victoria. Victoria is my name."

That was the last thing I knew before Victoria vanished in front of me. I don't know who it was but I think she knows the car owner.

I let out a heavy sigh before going back to the resto bar again. It is when I saw James inside. He looks messy and when his eyes drifted on me. The tables were on the floor, looking so messy.

Tori went on with me.

"You!" He shouted darkly. "You're the one who beat me with a stick!"

My hands went cold.

"Excuse me?" I asked politely. "Have you seen me doing that to you?"

There was a long silence between us in front of many people. He didn't see me! Damn... It is when our manager butted in.

"Looks like you're mistaken, Sir. My employee, Raviora, ordered her to buy something outside." She asserted.

My heart beats so fast that I don't even know if I'd survive.

"She's talking with my girlfriend earlier!"

"Just like what our manager said, I went out to buy garlic in the market but the vendor said it was out of stock." I lied.

Some customers are hissing inside. The guy, James, looked so pissed. He looked at me darkly as he pointed his fingers.

He slowly approached me. When his eyes met mine, I couldn't stare at it for too long. He made my heart throb and my knees tremble. James brought his face to my ears a little.

"I will never forget you,"

When he left, Tori and our manager immediately went on with me. Others are fixing the tables and chairs that he has destroyed.

I bit my lower lip.

"So mean!" Tori said.

Ms. Sarah looked at me. She's our manager. "What happened?"

"Nothing, Miss." I assured them.

"You didn't really go after that girl, right?"

I didn't answer Tori's question. I fixed my things because my shift is done.

Tori and I don't have the same shifting time. I'll come home earlier than her. Some of my workmates left, too, so I did the same. I saw my workmates outside and was with them until all of us decided to part our ways.

The streets are dark, I can say that, yet I still went home just by myself without James. When I went home, it surprised me when I saw the loan sharks sitting pretty in our living room.