𝐊𝐀𝐍𝐄 𝐄𝐇𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍

𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 3

R A I N A 𓍯𓂃

Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself and approached their table. My steps were cautious, yet my mind was determined. You’ve got this, Raina.

Just as I was about to place the cups on the table, someone blindfolded me from behind, playfully shoving me in the process. Startled, I lost balance, and the tray slipped from my hands. Hot coffee spilled all over the man’s crisp white T-shirt.

Damn it, Ree! 

Turning around to push the hands away, only to realize the damage was already done.

Before I could apologize, a sharp sting landed on my cheek—a slap. My head jerked to the side. Shocked and humiliated, I couldn’t lift my gaze. Tears pricked my eyes.

Never in my life had I been treated like this. My father had always raised me like a princess, yet here I was—slapped by a stranger for a mere accident.

Italy had the worst people.

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry, Kane ! It was my fault. Please don’t hurt her!” a familiar voice interjected. Jemy. My childhood best friend.

I lifted my teary eyes to see her standing beside me, shielding me.

The other man’s voice was sharp and cold, who I assume to be Kane's friend. “Jemy, I never knew you associated with clumsy whores. Hah, forget about good service. What a disgrace.”

The word “whore” stabbed me like a dagger. My heart sank.

Jemy, who is this man? Why is he calling me that? Why are people so heartless here? Who's Kane? Questions raced through my mind, but I couldn’t muster the courage to ask.

“I-I’m so sorry for the inconvenience,” I stammered, bowing slightly. “I’ll bring another drink and some tissues for the mess.”

Before I could move, the shrill voice of my manager cut through the air, who happened to be the same vinegar tempered lady who had asked me to make haste. “Oh, Mr. Ehrman, I’m terribly sorry for this! Please forgive us for this unacceptable behavior. She is new and inexperienced, we hired her at the request of Ms.Jemy Dors, please take a seat, we will make it up to you sir. If we knew she had been this uncultured with the work here, we wouldn't have allowed her to enter here either. Please Take a seat sir ” She grabbed my arm, her nails digging into my skin as she signaled the staff for something.

“She's to pay for this, mind it”Kane’s voice fumed with anger. “Who do you think you are? A nuisance like you shouldn’t even be here. FIRE HER!”

The humiliation was unbearable, but the worst came when Jemy spoke:

“Sir, you’ve misunderstood. I’m not friends with her. I was just helping her since she’s new here. She’s nothing to me.”

Her words were harsh, cold, and cut deeper than any insult from Ehrman. Jemy—my childhood friend—denying me in front of everyone.

Why, Jemy?

I yanked my arm free from the manager’s grip, rushed to the changing room where my bag and belongings were. After calming myself down, a thought consumed me: I need to fix this.

I grabbed my purse. Took some money I had saved, zipped my pursue , and sprinted back. I spotted him about to leave, and without thinking, I called out, “Hey, Mr.Kane Ehrman!”

He turned, his cold eyes narrowing at me.

Panting, I extended the envelope toward him. “Here. Take this. Now we’re even,” I said, my voice shaky and on the verge of breaking.