"You're late again!" Jane shouted from behind the café counter, her voice cutting through the clatter of plates and cups.
"I'm sorry," Maya said quickly, tying her apron. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Jane Rivers, the café owner, wasn't just Maya's boss—she was also one of the few people who ever showed her kindness. She had given Maya the job when no one else believed in her. Though her words were sharp, her eyes softened as she studied Maya.
"Maya, did you get enough sleep?" Jane asked, lowering her voice. "You're looking pale."
Maya gave a small, tired smile. "Yeah… I was awake doing some important things. That's why I came late."
Jane sighed, wiping her hands on a towel. "You're always overworking yourself. … I just don't want to see you burn out. You're young. Don't let life wear you down so fast."
"I'll be fine," Maya murmured, though her heart told her otherwise.
---
The hours blurred by. Orders came in, trays clattered, and the coffee machine hissed endlessly. Maya pushed herself, but her thoughts kept drifting,
The weight of her worries pressed heavily on her chest. Education was her only escape, the only chance to break free from the cage her family had built around her. If she lost it, she'd lose everything.
"Hey, Maya!"
She turned and found Sarah, her cheerful co worker, waving as she came to the counter.
"Hi, Sarah."
"How are you doing today?" Sarah asked with her usual smile.
"Great… I guess."
Sarah frowned slightly, reading the hollowness behind Maya's words. "Everyone's hanging out today. Want to join us? We're going to that new restaurant near here. I heard it's amazing."
Maya's lips parted, tempted for a heartbeat. But then she thought about her saving for her education, she didn't have extra to spare.
"I don't think I can make it. I've got work to do at home," she said softly.
Sarah's smile wavered, but she nodded. "Okay. But you should take a break sometimes, Maya. You deserve one."
Maya only gave a faint nod. A break… She couldn't afford such luxuries. Not when her future depended on her.
---
That night, the Wilson mansion glittered like a palace. Chandeliers bathed the halls in golden light, and servants rushed in every direction, making sure everything was perfect.
Mrs. Wilson descended the marble staircase gracefully, her silk gown trailing behind her. Her sharp eyes swept over the household like a hawk inspecting prey.
"Emily!" she snapped.
"Yes, ma'am!" The old nanny, her hair now streaked with gray, stepped forward with a respectful bow.
"How are the preparations going?" Mrs. Wilson demanded.
"We are almost done, Mrs. Wilson," Emily said in her calm, steady voice.
Mrs. Wilson's lips thinned. "Almost done? After all these hours? What have you been doing?"
Emily lowered her gaze. "The decorations just needed final touches—"
"Excuses!" Mrs. Wilson barked. "Do not disappoint me again tonight. This evening is too important. Everything must be flawless. My daughter will shine brighter than the stars themselves."
"Yes, ma'am," Emily replied softly. Though her heart ached, she kept her voice steady.
---
From the hallway, Maya stood silently, clutching her work bag. Her body still ached from work, but it was the sharpness of her mother's words that made her chest tighten.
Emily's eyes flickered briefly toward her, a silent glance of comfort that only Maya seemed to notice. Emily had raised her since childhood, and though she no longer had the strength she once did, she was the only figure in this house who offered Maya warmth.
Mrs. Wilson turned then, her gaze landing on Maya. Her painted lips curved into a thin smile.
"Don't just stand there, Maya. Go to the kitchen and help. Tonight must be perfect. Ann deserves nothing less."
"Yes, Mother," Maya whispered, lowering her head.
She walked away, the echo of her footsteps swallowed by the grand halls. Her heart raced with unease, though she didn't yet know the truth—that the night's dinner was more than a social gathering.