He stood up abruptly, pulling her up with him thanks to the handcuffs, and pinned her against the wall. His grip on her wrist tightened.
Ni-ki leaned in closer, his voice a cold whisper. "You're playing with fire, angel. Don't think for a second tha...
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The year 2024
RHAINE MOVED THROUGH THE RESTAURANT WITH THE EFFORTLESS GRACE OF SOMEONE WHO HAD MASTERED EVERY INCH OF HER WORKSPACE. The familiar sounds of clinking dishes and murmured conversations filled the air as she navigated between tables, her apron stained with the marks of another long day.
It was 2024, and Rhaine had been working tirelessly for two years straight, ever since she graduated high school. She put in six days a week.
She had decided on a two-year gap before starting university, a choice driven by necessity rather than desire. Her family's financial struggles left no room for support with tuition fees. The restaurant was their lifeline, and Rhaine's contribution was critical.
Her parents worked hard, but their income barely covered the essentials. For Rhaine, this meant dedicating herself to the restaurant, keeping it running while dreaming of a future beyond its walls.
Her ultimate aspiration was McGill University in Canada—a dream she cherished despite knowing its likelihood was slim. Realistically, she set her sights on a smaller, more affordable university closer to home, hoping to save enough to make that dream a reality.
As Rhaine wiped down a table, the door chimed, and she looked up to see Garam walking in. Garam, her childhood best friend, had become a familiar face at the restaurant over the past year.
"Hey, Rhaine!" Garam called out with a bright smile, making her way over to the counter. "How's it going?"
Rhaine's tired eyes softened as she returned the smile. "Hey, Garam. Just the usual. Busy day, you know?"
Garam's smile faltered slightly as she took in Rhaine's appearance. The exhaustion etched into her friend's face was hard to ignore. "You look like you could use a break. Are you sure you're okay?"
Rhaine waved off her concern with a casual shrug. "I'm fine. Just a little worn out, but it's nothing I can't handle."
Garam raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "You've been working non-stop. When was the last time you took a day off?"
Rhaine hesitated, searching for an answer. "I don't know. A while ago. But it's worth it. I'm saving up for university, remember?"
Garam's concern deepened. "I get that, but you need to take care of yourself, too. I worry about you, Rhaine." Garam has offered to lend money to Rhaine, but she'd refuse because Garam wasn't that much richer than her.
Rhaine's expression softened at the genuine worry in Garam's voice. "I appreciate it, really. But I'm doing this for a reason. I want to make sure I have a shot at my dream, even if it means working harder now."
Just then, the bell above the door chimed once more, and Rhaine turned to see her father entering the restaurant. His worn face brightened at the sight of her.
