Chapter sixty eight

Mandys pov

I was walking down the street of via Benedetta in Florence, thinking about what could have been. It has been 5 months since I returned to Italy.

News of Steven and Arias wedding have been circulating the internet for months now, I am truly happy for them, they look perfect together. But the pang of pain never left my heart, they might think of me as a selfless person but am selfish.

I gave up on my love so that it doesn't hurt me, I know separating them and been Stevens wife would only give me temporary fulfilment and that's not what I want for myself. I want a loving bond of permanent love and fulfilment.

Had I sought to be the third person I would have ruined my life, but perhaps giving up and sacrificing my long timr love for Steven would in turn give me thr happiness I yearn for.

I choose to start my life afresh after coming here, look for a small job and live an ordinary life, maybe meet a sweet simple man, fall in love, get married and have a nice happy life, maybe not, maybe am destined to stay alone.

The bustling city, the nice buildings and the people moving all round the city was a beautiful sight to see and it took my mind of things. Hugging the coat I was wearing more I bent my head and continued walking.

Sounds of fight was heard from across the street, and soon enough people surrounded them, I wasn't seeking for gossip nor was I trying to be a poke noser, but I just wanted to see what all the chaos was about.

As I moved closer, I saw two men fighting in the crowded street. One was a tall, dark-haired man with a strong jawline and piercing eyes, his black leather jacket and ripped jeans exuding an air of rebellion. He exchanged blows with his opponent, a smaller, frail-looking man who was struggling to keep up. The dark-haired man's punches were swift and precise, while the smaller man's were wild and desperate. Despite his efforts, the smaller man was clearly outmatched, stumbling backward as the dark-haired man pressed his advantage.

I got to know what was happening from the people crowding the fighting scene. " Why are they fighting?" Some asked. " It's clearly Liam beating up another guy on the street, he is such a big bully, he is always getting into fights" another one whispered.

I shrugged and walked back to the street looking for the cafe I am going to work in, I don't want to ruin my day by getting involved with this type of people.

I soon saw the cafe, it was a small cafe with glass door, there was a doorname on the glass door, " refreshing cafe". Perfect, this would be a good escape from the world and a fresh start for me, I thought as I opened the doors.

It was a small comfortable place with nothing more than 15 tables of two, with simple and welcoming decorations, the aroma of coffee was strong in the cafe but also refreshing.

I walked to the front desk, " hlo, am Mandy Anderson, am here as a new chef" I said to the arrogant looking desk lady. She only cast me a glance before typing on her computer. " Go into the room at your left and change into workers clothes" she said still staring at her computer.

I thanked her but she didn't even look at me again, weird. I muttered and went into the changing room.

I changed into the pair of white clothes, an apron and a chef hat. " Good luck to me, this is my chance at a happy and free life" I motivated myself before walking out.

When I walked out I saw the black leather jacket guy from the fight earlier, what is he doing here, I thought. He went to the room opposite the changing room I used earlier and he also came out in a staff attire.

God, does he also work , I have to stay away from him, hope our paths don't cross or else I would be the next person to end up with a broken jaw because of him, I thought.

And as much would have it he was my co-chef. Apart from the desk lady only the two of us were the staff. Now how would I avoid him?.

" I wonder when they started hiring ants to work here" he said with a scoff looking at me. Ohk as much as I don't want trouble with this dude am not gonna sit on my hands while he ridicules me. " Ever since they started hiring giants and bullies" I said turning on the stove.

" Repeat yourself" he said moving a step closer to me. As he takes a step forward I take one backward, God why do I have a big mouth, I felt my back hit the wall lightly and I couldn't move back anymore.

He was towering above me like a cloud and I looked so petite in front of him, placing his left arm on the wall next to me he said, " repeat yourself red hair ant".

This infuriated me further, is he really gonna call me an ant. I grabbed the knife next to me and pointed at him, " stay an arm's length away from me or else I would cut of your hand" I threatened.

He looked at me and the knife and started laughing which made me nervous, " Are you seriously going to threaten me with that knife, what a gut, I like that, but stay away from me, even danger is afraid of me" he warned griping my chin with his left hand.

I used my hand and shoved his hand away from me, " Don't you understand English or what, I told you since the beginning, stay away from me, am not interested in whatever danger is afraid of you, I have no business to do with you, do your work and I do mine, okay?" I said angrily.

I knew if I cowar now he will have more reasons to taunt me and bully me. He just chuckled and continued with his work.

Better, because already feel annoyed by him.