𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄

a i m e e | 1

Perfect is the word often used to describe my life. Daughter of a millionaire, heir to the Walker Restaurant chain, I've been groomed from birth to embody grace, elegance, and sophistication, but I'm not. Perhaps on the outside, but my mind has no peace, no grace, no elegance. Every move I make is scrutinized by the watchful eyes of society, expected to uphold the impeccable reputation of the Walker family name. Ironic, isnt it? We weren't even that famous, and the impeccable reputation my father claimed we had wasn't as extravagant as he claimed, yet I still feel watched. Judged by everyone.

I don't have it half as bad as the other girls, daughters of billionaires, and wives of billionaires. I don't come from a position to complain... yet everything in my life... is dull. Everything except for my girls, Eleanor, Summer, and Freya. Everything except for them.

Click, clack. Click clack, and the sound of my heels clicking against the concrete floor as I walk to the restaurant gives me a sense of peace.

The class was canceled today since the professor had some family issues, and my mother had talked to me about working at the restaurant more.

I quickly shove my hands into my pockets my head down to avoid any unwanted speculation. I wasn't famous enough to have cameras following me around at all times, but still, if there were lingering paparazzi, they would shoot me. I slightly clench my jaw and tip my chin up slightly at the sight of the restaurant.

"Morning, Mija," my mom smiles, kissing my cheek as I walk in. We kept the restaurant closed on Mondays, so I'd have it all to myself to study today. I missed a few lectures, and I need to catch up on that.

"Morning, Mami." I nod, sitting down in one of the booths and bringing my laptop out.

She shakes her head, "Get up. Get up. Get up," she groans, dragging me to the back office, "you said you'd work today, not sit on your ass."

She starts grabbing her things off of the counter, "Your father and I are gonna be for a few days."

I raise an eyebrow.

"Work," she confirms, tucking a strand of loose hair behind her ear, and I just give a nod. I've grown accustomed to them leaving randomly out of nowhere. A 'few days' could span from a week all the way to a whole two months. It'd be nice, some peace and quiet without my parents breathing down my back.

She grabs me by my shoulders, pulling me in as she plants a kiss on my forehead, "Stay safe, Mami." I nod as I watch her walk out of the restaurant in a confident strut, her handbag clasped in her hand.

The moment the door clicks shut, I sink into the chair behind me, a deep breath flowing through my chest.

Law school was fucking killing me. High school was easy, college was easy, and I wanted... I wanted so bad for law school to be easy, but just a few weeks in, I'm already on the brink of death. These cases were getting to me too much, too much heart, too feely.

"Boo." a voice called from behind me as a set of cold hands fell on my shoulders, Summer.

I shake my head, "What are you doing here, Mer?" I ask, looking away to hide my smile.

She rolls her eyes dragging me off the office chair, "Taking you out."

"For what?"

A smile creeps up her face, "Shopping."

"Why?"

"You need a new wardrobe," she chuckles slightly, looking me up and down, "not that there's anything wrong with a black pantsuit... but I mean lawyers can have cute clothes too."

My gaze falters for a second before a chuckle stifles out the back of my throat, "My clothes are fine." I hit the side of her arm, "I need to study because I'm already behind on a case I'm supposed to be studying," I groan.

She rolls her eyes with a slight grin, "Alright, alright. Promise you'll be at the gala tonight. I can't be alone."

I stick my pinky out as hers interlocks with mine, "I promise, Mer. besides, you'll be there to dress me," I grin. She's been living with me and my family for a few years now. She practically grew up with me, and my family is hers, so no surprise there.

"I got a cute dress for you," she twirls around, sifting her hand through her hair, and before I can say anything, she cuts me off, "Yes, it's in light sunny orange."

I squeal a bit, squeezing the tip of her hand, "You should stay here. Sit with me." a grin appears on my face as she takes out her sketch pad and sits down in the booth next to me.

anywayssss I've been in such a big writing slump *rolls eyes*