Chapter 1

I slipped my phone into my bag as I got off the Jeep I was riding. It was eleven in the morning and I had eight hours scheduled for work - it seemed longer than my sleep.

I looked at the restaurant where I work and as usual, almost all the vehicles parked outside were expensive because only the rich could afford the food here. Even the leftovers are expensive.

I started working here three months ago. I think I've been here since the first month of summer. I needed it because exams were approaching.

I almost wanted to cry because I was in my third year. This seems to be difficult for me because my schedule is always full. I chose to study Law.

I entered through the back of the restaurant where the employee entrance is located. We are not allowed to enter the main area from outside as we would also obstruct the customers coming in.

I took off my small bag and put it in a locker in the women's room. There are two rooms here besides the kitchen door. After I put my things away, I went straight to the kitchen to check the on-duty schedules for the day.

My gaze drifted to my coworkers who were huddled together, seemingly checking something on one of our colleague's phone. I slowly walked towards them and peeked at what they were doing and why they were busy scrolling on the phone.

"Hey! What's that?" Not even a minute had passed and they were all back in their positions. I laughed at their expressions. They gave me a stern look which only made me laugh more.

"You're unbelievable! I was so startled, I thought I might die early because of you, you kid!" Kuya Kaspher said, clutching his chest as if he'd have a heart attack. It's like I'm in a different world, bursting into laughter at their epic reactions.

"You're right, Isabella. It's hilarious, isn't it?" I heard sarcasm from Ate Lily. Ate Lily was the first person to become close to me here, and there's a three-year age gap between us. She was the one who taught me on my first day, and she's kind.

Despite being kind and cheerful, I don't understand why the father of her child left her and looked for someone else. What the hell? Why does this kind of thing seem normal?

I wiped the tears from my eyes from laughing before facing them. "What are you guys up to? Is there some national issue going on again? You're getting into social media trends again, huh?"

Janny, who's also a student but from a different school, answered. We're the same age, so we became close too.

"Well, Isa, there's this viral app now, so we got curious and tried to download it." She showed me the logo of the dating app on her phone. "They say there are handsome guys there, and some even get instant iPhones!"

I grinned and pushed her phone away from my face. "Not for me," I joked with a hint of boredom. "I may be beautiful, but I won't use my face to attract a sugar daddy." I went straight to my locker to get my uniform.

"You're not into boyfriend hunting?" I just grinned at her and walked towards the bathroom, with her trailing behind. "Hey, don't drown yourself in textbooks, friend. Life isn't just about exams; it should also be happy, you know?"

I entered the nearby bathroom and put on my uniform. Janny followed but stayed outside.

"I don't need boys, Janny. They'll just distract me. Besides, I'm pretty. They come to me themselves," I proudly stated.

"Wow! So full of yourself. Fine, you're the pretty one!" I could almost picture her raising an eyebrow.

"Let me brag a bit," I turned around, checking if my uniform was wrinkled. "Smart and beautiful. Tsk, tsk. Any guy would be lucky to have me as his wife." I smirked while looking at myself in the mirror.

"You're so full of it, Isabella!" I laughed as she threw a cloth at me from outside, dodging it. "Please, just close your mouth. It's getting too stinky in here!"

I laughed at Janny's playful insult and threw a playful retort back at her, "You're just jealous of my confidence, Janny!" I opened the bathroom door, fully dressed in my uniform and ready for the day.

Janny rolled her eyes but smiled. "Oh please, Isabella. Confidence is one thing, but humility is another. You should try it sometime."

We both laughed as we walked back to the main office. Kuya Kaspher and Ate Lily were already back to their tasks, but they glanced up as we entered.

Ate Lily gave me a knowing look. "You two always seem to find something to laugh about. It's good to see."

"Of course, Ate," I replied, smiling. "Laughter is the best way to deal with stress, right?"

"True," she nodded, her expression softening. "But just make sure you balance it with your responsibilities, okay?"

"Yes, Ate Lily!" Janny and I chorused, giving her a mock salute which made her chuckle.

"So, Isa," Janny whispered as she handed me a stack of papers to sort through. "Are you sure you won't give that app a try? Just for fun?"

I shook my head firmly. "No way, Janny. I've got enough on my plate without adding boys into the mix."

She shrugged. "Suit yourself. But don't say I didn't try to make your life more exciting."

"Trust me," I said, grinning as I started sorting the papers. "My life is plenty exciting already."

"Okay but can I borrow your phone for awhile?" She asked out of nowhere.

"Why? You have your own phone though?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Janny bit her lip, looking a bit sheepish. "I kinda... ran out of data. And I really need to check something online."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Alright, fine. Just don't go downloading any more dating apps on my phone, okay?"

Janny grinned widely. "Thanks, Isa! You're the best!" She took my phone and quickly started tapping away.

As I continued sorting through the papers, Kuya Kaspher approached me with a tray of clean glasses. "You two seem to have a lot of energy today. Did you have coffee or something?"

I chuckled. "Nope, just a good mood, Kuya. You should try it sometime."

He laughed, setting the tray down. "I will, when I have less work to do. Speaking of which, could you help me with these glasses? We need to set up for the lunch rush."

"Sure thing, Kuya." I grabbed a few glasses and started arranging them on the counter.

Ate Lily came over, wiping her hands on a towel. "Looks like we've got a busy day ahead. The reservations are through the roof."

I nodded. "Good thing we all had a good laugh earlier. We'll need that energy."

Ate Lily smiled warmly. "You're right, Isabella. Laughter is a great way to start the day."

Janny returned my phone, a satisfied look on her face. "Thanks, Isa. I owe you one."

I waved her off. "Don't mention it. Now, let's get to work before the lunch rush hits us."

The restaurant quickly filled with customers, and the busy lunch shift brought a flurry of activity. However, our camaraderie and playful conversations kept the atmosphere lively amidst the chaos. The day felt long, but having friends like these made even the busiest shifts manageable and, I dare say, enjoyable.

I welcomed the incoming customers with a bright smile. "Good day, Ma'am and Sir. Welcome to 'Noble Palette Brasserie.' This way, please." My dazzling smile, however, didn't faze Mr. I-Don't-See-Hostesses, who went straight to the Reservation area. Classic.

"Bella, the Manager wants you. Ate Lily had to leave early because her child was rushed to the hospital."

Here we go again. Looks like I'm the manager's favorite today.

Whenever someone's absent, I'm the one who steps in because I adapt quickly to various roles.

Arriving, I heard the Manager angrily talking on the phone, so I waited a moment before knocking on the door. "Manager, you wanted to see me?"

He frowned, glancing at me and then putting the phone down. "You'll be taking over Salmonte's tasks, and you better be good because we have a lot of reservations. Don't act clueless."

So, now I'm an entertainer? Just kidding. I might get kicked out by sir.

"Sure, Manager. I'll get to it." His phone rang again, so he dismissed me with a wave before answering the call.

I'm nervous because Ate Lily's role is different. Patience is crucial, especially since the wealthy customers here often disregard professional boundaries and freely express their opinions.

My patience hasn't run out yet. I took a deep breath before making my way to the main area. Time seemed to slip away unnoticed as reservations filled up, and I still had work at the bar later. It's the weekend, so I'm working full-time at the restaurant.

Balancing the tray of champagne felt like a high-stakes mission as I approached the posh group. Ideally, I shouldn't be doing this - I had a customer to attend to. Yet, my persistent colleague insisted, leaving me no choice but to play waiter.

Every step is filled with caution as I approach a woman; their composed posture signals a unique nervousness in my every move.

In the midst of the group is a woman who seems to radiate grace and sophistication, flawlessly dressed, with neatly tied hair. I'm nervous because of her gaze. It seems she's been watching my every move.

Before she could take the wine from the tray, someone pushed me from behind. I instinctively grabbed the table, but it was too late. I couldn't even see who it was.

The sound of shattering glass was an abrupt interruption, silencing nearby conversations and drawing the attention of the gathered guests.

I could hear the sharp intake of breath from the people around me and I could feel the weight of their stares directed at me. My cheeks were burning with embarrassment as I struggled to find the right words to apologize.

It's the first time in three months I've made a mistake and I'm even more nervous about what's to come. The manager is not a kind man who would just let this slide. He can easily replace me even though I'm good at my job. I'm just a waiter, but our work sections here vary.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I didn't mean to. I-I'll just get a new one." I stammered an apology to the woman as I picked up the shards from the floor.

"Oh dear, it seems they've let anyone serve here these days," she remarked in a tone just loud enough for nearby customers to hear.

Her comment hit me like a sharp punch. I've worked tirelessly to get this job, and the last thing I need is to be humiliated in front of everyone because of a customer. As I continued to clean up, I tried to remain professional despite the mocking tone, feeling the painful sting of embarrassment in my chest.

I'm used to being embarrassed, but even so, I can't help but get hurt.

As I continued to pick up the shattered pieces of glass on the floor, I could hear whispers and laughter from the customers. "Oh, look at that, he can't even hold a tray properly," one said, followed by his companions' laughter.

"Poor waiter, he might lose his job because of that mistake," another said, with a mocking tone in his voice.

I bit my lip in embarrassment and anger, but I tried not to show it. "I'm sorry, ma'am," I said to the woman who commented. "I didn't mean to. I'll get a new one right away."

But instead of accepting my apology, she just smiled and looked at her companions. "Oh, look at this, he can't even apologize properly," she said, followed by her companions' laughter.

I glanced at my coworker, hoping for support, but he didn't even help and just went straight to the kitchen area. Fortunately, Janny approached me and apologized to the people there, as I was already consumed by shame.

"Hey, are you okay?" Janny tapped me on the back as I washed the dishes. I responded with just a smile.

"Where's Ms. Heyes?!"

I felt a sense of unease hearing our manager's voice. Even Janny paused, staring at the door. I finished washing my hands and turned. I decided to wait for the manager to approach me since there were more people outside than in here.

As soon as the manager laid eyes on me, my anxiety skyrocketed due to the intensity of his gaze. He angrily approached me.

"Manager, why are you looking for me?"

"Why?!" He yelled in my face. I flinched at the volume of his voice. "What shame did you bring upon us? Don't you know the woman you were facing is the owner's wife?!"

My eyes widened at his words. "What? I didn't know, and besides, it was just an accident."

"Accident?!" He shouted again. Damn, it's so loud. "That 'accident' could ruin you! That woman is too much of a perfectionist! So don't even dream of coming in tomorrow because I'm telling you now, you're fired!"

"But manager, it was just an accident! Someone pushed me!" I couldn't help raising my voice. He just glared at me, disbelieving, and didn't even give me a chance to explain.

"Are you really smart?! Can't you understand what I'm saying?! I can't help you with this! Wait for the owner later because his wife called him." I felt a deep disappointment for myself and them. It seems there's nothing more I can do.

The manager left without saying anything, and I just hung my head in shame and sadness. Janny was trying to talk to me, but she wasn't getting any response. Every time I looked at the clock, the end of my shift seemed to be getting closer.

I went straight to my things and prepared them because it looks like I won't be able to come in tomorrow. I don't want to expect anything.

"Isabella, the owner wants to see you." I looked at Kuya Kaspher. I saw pity and sadness in his eyes. I smiled faintly and didn't answer him.

I headed to the owner's office, and before entering, I took a deep breath outside the door, putting on a forced smile as I entered. It disappeared as soon as I saw the owner's wife, who also seemed angry. They were talking, and when she saw me, she gestured for me to sit before speaking.

"Isabella," Mr. Devis began, his voice full of regret, "I have received complaints about your performance tonight. It seems there are doubts about your ability to meet the needs of the customers."

"I'm sorry," I stuttered an apology and bowed my head. I couldn't bear to look him in the face. "I understand if you're disappointed in me."

He sighed, his expression pained. "I appreciate your efforts, Isabella, but in this industry, customer satisfaction is paramount. I'm afraid we'll have to let you go."

Tears welled up in my eyes, staging an emotional protest as the reality of my situation hit me. All that hard work to prove myself, and here I was, facing the consequences of the woman's not-so-subtle roast.

I forced a smile at Mr. Devis. "It's okay, Mr. Devis. I understand," I turned to the woman, wanting to strangle her for her deceitful smile. I looked back at Mr. Devis. "I'll leave now. Thank you for everything." He couldn't even return my smile because he seemed saddened too.

His wife is indeed beautiful, and even Mr. Devis has a certain charm. Sometimes we chat, especially when he checks on me, knowing it's just because of his perfectionist wife. I stood up, glanced at the woman again, and forced a smile. My hands were clenched, resisting the urge to grab her hair, so I just left the office as I couldn't stand being around them.

*****

I walked aimlessly on the street, not knowing where to go. I looked like a fool, and I was tempted to kick some bottles, almost on the brink of going crazy.

It was just one mistake. I didn't mean to. Someone pushed me, and when I tried to reason it out with the manager, he wouldn't listen. I really wanted to punch them earlier, but I held back because I didn't want trouble.

I didn't even notice the tears welling up in my eyes, so I quickly wiped them away. I didn't even get to say goodbye to my colleagues there. I left immediately; I was too disappointed.

That woman practically gave me a comedy roast. If we were outside, I might have given her a playfully dramatic hair flip or something. But too bad, I was afraid of dragging down my reputation with childish antics.

I took a car ride to the apartment. I still had a shift at the bar later, and there's also a celebration for the birthday of my best friend's cousin's boyfriend. She told me not to force myself to work, but no can do. There's an upcoming exam, and I need to make money for the first semester's test.

It feels like I'm carrying the weight of half the world right now. I'm not easily tired, but with everything that happened, it feels like I was dumped with cement on the road.

I opened my phone and scrolled through social media. Many messages from colleagues at the restaurant, especially from Ate Lily, who's surely regretting her absence.

I didn't bother opening them; it doesn't matter if I repeatedly read the drama. Yes, I'm disappointed, but it's partly my fault. I don't want to think about it for now and rest before going to the bar later.