Love Is the Only Reason

I was born with a silver spoon and had a crush on a poor yet handsome boy.

He laughed over me for desiring and as I tried to win over his heart.

Everything turned upside down as the days passed. He knelt in front and begged, even agreeing to be with me to pay off his father's debt.

Not long after, both my father and mother died unexpectedly. All their hard-earned properties had been taken away from me and pushed me to be homeless.

While I was struggling, he suddenly went lucky as he was successful in business.

Three long years had passed. I was astounded to see him while I was serving food at the Karaoke Club.

He wore a suit and gold glasses, looking like a top professional.

And I was no longer the spoiled and stubborn princess I used to be. I became a commoner for many years, struggling to live the life I wasn't used to. Worse, I was scared of meeting high-ranking officials I had met before, even terrified of meeting and for him to recognize me.

I crouched down to serve the fruit plate, gripping my mask tightly.

Suddenly, he, sipping his drink, squinted and said coldly, "Hey, look up.”

My hand froze, holding the fruit plate.

In the past three years, I have worked as a delivery person, dishwasher and even a bar performer.

At that moment, I was wearing a mask. I hoped Levi Morrison, the man in front of me, wouldn't recognize me. If he did, I'd be in big trouble.

Despite my overthinking and discomfort, I calmly placed the fruit plate on the table and looked at him.

With a forced smile and in a gentle way, I said, “Hi, please enjoy here, sir.”

His eyes remained confident and cold, the same as in the past.

In these years of hardship, I lost my spoiled attitude.

Customer complaints, getting beaten, having my wages cut and being fired became normal.

I learned to be very obedient and be patient with other people. I had learned a lot the hard way.

Unlike before, I used to get upset over small things easily.

Quickly, I stood up to leave, not wanting to talk about our past that I had long forgotten.

"Hold on,” Levi said, halting me from moving as he leaned against the sofa with his legs crossed.

With his voice with authority, I was so damn scared to move.

If I did not follow what our guests wished me to do and he would complain, my salary would be deducted. I didn't want that to happen. So whatever happened, I had to stay and wait for whatever he wanted to tell me.

Levi adjusted his way of sitting on the sofa and slowly approached.

For an instant, my heart almost skipped a beat every minute, with sweat trickling down from my forehead.

He slowly tapped the table with his fingers, making a soft sound. Then, calmly, he asked, "The waiter doesn't even cut fruit now?"

I took a deep breath, relieved that he didn't recognize my true identity. To him, I was just a waiter, which was good.

I bowed my head, not wanting our eyes to meet again and replied, “I apologized about that. I'll cut it for you now, as you wish.”

When Levi was my boyfriend in the past, I treated him like a pet. If he didn't do something right, I would make him do it again until I was satisfied.

He always acted proud and embarrassed me by doing things his way. I enjoyed making him unhappy and showing him I could control him.

Once I had finished, I handed him the sliced fruits and said, “Please enjoy the food, sir.”

Before I could leave, he still glanced at me, handing me the drink in his hand and gestured to me to open it for him.

I picked up the bottle opener and was about to open it when a woman singing loudly suddenly sprained her ankle and bumped into me.

With that, the drinks spilled, splashing onto Levi's tie.

I hurriedly got up, grabbed some paper and helped him wipe his tie, apologizing repeatedly, "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry."

Levi remained still, staring directly at my tired eyes.

Meanwhile, the woman who was splashed next to me stood in an instant. Furious, she said, “What the hell is wrong with you? I have worn my new clothes and it just flashed out! You're a waiter, yet you can't open that drink properly! I must report you to the boss for being stupid!”

For an instant, I bent down and apologized, “Please, I am sorry. I didn't mean to do it.”

I am terrified my small salary would be deducted again or, worse, I would lose this one job I had. I did not want to wander the streets any more with nothing in my hand, no roof to stay with and even would have a hard time finding food to feed my empty stomach.

Even if I apologized many times to her, she still would not let it go.

“Nah, it isn't over with just one apology from you. Who will be responsible for my clothes!" The woman yelled as loud as she could.

I stood at a loss. I had been in this situation and when an irate customer complained, then the boss wouldn't side with me as the employee but with the customer. Worse, I would be fired out.

With that in mind, I could not help but cry and still tried to help her, saying, “Can I help you wash it, please?”

“Gosh! This isn't just a one-time wash, you know?!” The woman was still furious and added, “Tell me your employee number and can you even remove your mask?!”

The woman stood up and walked over to me.

However, I tightly covered my mask.

At that moment, I realized I would rather lose my job and keep wandering the streets than let Levi recognize me.

The woman gripped my arm tightly, trying to pull off my mask with all her strength.

“Why are you afraid to show your face when you've made a mistake?" She asked, puzzled.

I struggled against her, using all my strength to resist, but I spoke softly, "Ma'am, the boss requires catering staff to wear masks.”

I didn't want Levi to see me in such bad condition. He was someone I once chased and loved and I wanted to maintain some dignity.

The woman persisted. She grabbed my hair, causing tears to well up from the pain immediately.

I covered my mask and begged desperately for mercy.

Suddenly, Levi untied his tie and threw it at me.

With his cold voice, he said, “Then wash mine too."