If someone had told me that one day I'd lose everything—that I'd go from being a princess in my parents' world to a nobody struggling just to survive—I would've laughed. But here I am, standing in front of a cracked mirror, tying my apron before heading out to work at a café. A princess without a kingdom.
I woke up earlier than usual today, though not by choice. My alarm clock rang endlessly, shrieking at me to face another Monday. Annoyed, I turned it off and dragged myself into my tiny bathroom. Mondays were exhausting, but there was no avoiding them—I had to make a living.
My name is Evelyn Davis, a struggling 25-year-old who lost her parents in an accident when I was ten. I'm hardworking—painfully hardworking. I juggle three part-time jobs: mornings at a café, nights as a waitress in a bar, and weekends in a bookstore. Crazy, right? I know. But survival doesn't ask for permission, and a girl has to do what she has to do.
I have a younger brother, Daniel, who means everything to me. He's the only family I have left. Don't get me wrong, I do have extended relatives, but none of them deserve to be called family.
After our parents died, my uncle and aunt took us in. They pretended to care, but just a week after the funeral, they took over my parents' growing company—promising to manage it until I turned eighteen. It was all lies. While their daughter, my cousin—their precious little princess—sat around watching TV and playing games, Daniel and I did all the house chores.
When I turned eighteen, I finally gathered the courage to ask my uncle about the company. Instead of giving me answers, he slapped me, beat me, and called me ungrateful. He claimed raising us for eight years was enough repayment, and that he deserved the company. That day, I learned that family could be worse than strangers.
I bided my time, then one night, I packed a bag, grabbed Daniel, and walked out. We never looked back. Since then, I've been fighting to survive. And one day, when I'm strong enough, I'll take back everything they stole from us.
After my quick bath, I got dressed. I slipped into my café uniform and stuffed my waitress outfit into my backpack. I sighed deeply. "Surviving in Los Angeles is harder than people think."
I walked into the small kitchen to make breakfast. "Daniel!" I called. My brother appeared, looking as charming as ever. With his messy hair and mischievous smile, he was already a heartbreaker in the making. Even without branded clothes, we both had a presence. Our parents left us good genes, if nothing else.
"Are you trying to bring down the little roof over our heads?" he teased sarcastically.
I rolled my eyes. "Funny."
"Oh, by the way, the landlord came yesterday," Daniel added, suddenly serious. "He said our rent is due."
"Already?" I sighed heavily. "I don't even have savings left. I used the last of it to fix the leaking pipe." I muttered under my breath, "Looks like I need another job."
Daniel frowned. "Sis, you already have too much on your plate. It wouldn't be this hard if you'd just let me work."
I reached out and ruffled his hair, ignoring his scowl. "Let me handle the working. You focus on school—that's how you can help me."
His voice softened. "If Mom and Dad were still here, you wouldn't have to suffer like this."
"I know," I whispered. "But that's why I need to work hard. So they won't worry about us, wherever they are. Now, eat your breakfast before you're late."
We ate quietly before heading out.
On the way to work, my phone buzzed—it was Rose, my best friend. We've known each other since childhood; our parents were close too. Even after my parents died, Rose and her family supported us as much as they could. She's the kind of friend who drags me into doing wild things I'd never dare on my own.
"Hey, girl!" Rose's cheerful voice rang out.
"Good morning, Her Royal Highness," I teased.
She laughed. "Heading to work?"
"Yup. You?"
"Already at the office," she said. Rose had studied cosmetology and now worked at a cosmetic company.
"Just checking in on you," she added warmly. Typical Rose—always looking out for me. After a few more words, we ended the call.
The taxi stopped, and I paid before stepping out. I stood in front of the café, staring at the doors.
"Let's see what today brings," I whispered, pushing them open.
Little did I know that walking into that café today would change my life forever.