In a world where wealth reigns supreme, Victor Sinclair is a ruthless billionaire known for his cunning business tactics and insatiable thirst for control. Behind his polished facade lies a sadistic nature, reveling in the manipulation of those bene...
Liza walked through the hospital corridors with her mother, her heart heavy with worry for her father. Today was one of the few days she could visit him, and she hoped it would lift his spirits. They approached the nurses’ station and asked if they could see him. After a brief wait, they were guided to his room.
As they entered, Liza's father was resting, but when he opened his eyes and saw her, a smile spread across his face. Joy surged through her, and without hesitation, she rushed to his side, wrapping her arms around him tightly.
“I missed you, Dad!” she exclaimed, holding him close. He hugged her back gently, though she could see he struggled to breathe.
“I missed you too, sweetheart,” he replied, his voice weak but filled with warmth. “Your mom told me you started a new job. How’s that going?”
Liza felt a pang of guilt. “It’s going great! I’m really enjoying it,” she said, forcing a smile. In her mind, she thought, I don’t want him to worry about the truth.
What she didn’t say was that she was working as a waitress at an upscale bar, a place where the atmosphere was often overwhelming. The constant catcalling from patrons and the way the security favored the wealthy guests made it a difficult environment. She knew it was a common experience for the waitstaff, but she wanted to protect her father from those harsh realities.
“Just don’t tire yourself out, okay?” he said, concern evident in his eyes.
“I won’t, Dad. I promise,” she replied, feeling the weight of her lies but also a desire to keep him at ease. Liza wanted to be strong for him, to show him that she could handle things, even if it meant hiding her struggles.
As they talked, she held onto that moment, cherishing the bond they shared despite the challenges they faced.
Author's POV
Liza wasn’t the type of girl who needed saving; she was fiercely independent and capable in many ways. Emotionally and mentally strong, she had learned to navigate life’s challenges on her own. However, when it came to protecting herself physically, especially from the unwanted advances of men, she felt vulnerable. Despite her resilience, the reality of her environment often overwhelmed her.
Liza kept her guard up, aware of her surroundings, but she knew she wasn’t as physically strong as many of the men she encountered. Her father had always been her anchor, teaching her to be tough in spirit. He encouraged her to embrace her strength, and while she wasn't deeply interested in martial arts, she practiced self-defense whenever she could. It was one way to feel empowered, even if her primary passions lay in reading novels and painting.
Growing up, Liza was a quintessential daddy’s girl. She cherished the memories of her father pushing her on swings, sharing ice cream on sunny afternoons, and engaging in playful competitions during school events. Those moments had shaped her into the person she was, instilling a sense of confidence and joy in her heart.
But everything changed when financial instability struck, and their lives took a downward turn. After they went bankrupt, Liza was forced to drop out of college, sacrificing her dreams to support her family. It was a painful transition, but she clung to the lessons her father had taught her. Despite the hardships, she was determined to stay strong and resilient, embodying the spirit of the little girl who once played joyfully with her dad.
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