I looked at my appearance in the mirror. I was dressed in faded blue jeans, a light pink shirt, and a denim jacket, and my lips were pressing into a white slash.

I don't have many good-looking clothes to wear. They never buy new clothes for me; I always wear the old clothes of Deliah. I don't have any clothes that I can call my own. Everything I have is used by Deliah.

I leave my long black hair open; it is naturally curly.

I made my way out of the motel and pulled out my phone to search for the directions to the cafe where I hoped to have a job.

Finally, after seeing the directions to that place on Google Maps, I made my way towards the subway station; I have to find a job as soon as possible.

After twenty minutes, the subway train stopped and I made my way towards the cafe.

I held the knob of the glass door of the cafe and entered. The delicious aroma of cookies with coffee touched my nostrils, making my stomach growl in hunger. Yes, I ate nothing except a packet of chips with a cold drink at Los Angeles airport before coming here to New York.

I closed my eyes and calmed my nerves, and looked around. The walls of the cafe are graced with beautiful floral designs in pastel colors. There is relaxing music in the background of the cafe; wooden furniture; and sofas or comfortable chairs will prompt customers to stay for longer durations.

I felt my chest getting hitched by seeing such a positive atmosphere. I have never felt positivity since childhood.

I smiled at such a relaxing environment and looked around to find a manager to talk to about my job.

Finally, I found a guy who looked the same age as me with blonde hair. He is wearing simple denim jeans with a yellow shirt and apron while bringing orders from customers.

I quickly approached him.

He looked at me and smiled. "Hi, how can I help you?" he asked politely.

"Hello, I am Emberly Swan. I am here for a waitress job, as I read in the article, "I told him while scraping a hand through my hair."

"Oh, yes, we need one. Please give me five minutes. Let me bring orders for those customers. They are waiting for so long," he said, smiling sheepishly towards me, and I nodded while bouncing on my toes.

"Can I help you?" I asked him, smiling politely at him.

He shook his head smiling, "No need, just sit over there. Give me five minutes; I will take you to our owner. "By the way, my name is Eric," he said, and I nodded while blowing out a long breath and smiling.

"Wait," he exclaimed while bringing a tray. I saw a plate full of cookies with a cup of latte coffee on it. He handed me the tray.

"Enjoy this; I'll be back in five minutes," he said as I shook my head and fidgeted with my fingers.

"No need for this, I am fine," I insist, but he is not listening to my excuses.

I gave up and nodded, honestly saying, "I am so grateful to him, to think this much for me, and I am also hungry."

I came with a tray and sat on the corner table. These cookies are so mouth-watering. Finally, after some moments, he arrived.

He looked at me smiling. Something was there in his eyes for me, which I found so different, like not genuine but not bad either.

"Come, let's go," he asked me, and I nodded while standing up.

We came towards a kitchen. There I found a lady in her early sixties.

Eric comes with me. Mrs. Glide, this is Emberly Swan, and she has come here to work as a waitress," he informed her, and she turned around, her brows furrowed.

"Hello dear," she greeted, while

Putting off her apron and coming towards me

I grinned and looked at her. "Hello mam," I greeted her back.

"Please, don't call me Mam, call me Bernice," she insisted, and I nodded enthusiastically.

"So, you came here for a waitress job," she asked me, and I nodded.

"Did you work before?" she asked, and I shook my head.

"For some personal reasons, I have to leave my birthplace, Los Angeles, and have to come here to New York."

"Oh," she said and after some moments, she spoke again "fine, you can join from tomorrow, honey," she informed me and a wide smile appeared on my face hearing her answer, finally; I can be able to manage my expenses.

"Thank you very much, ma'am," I exclaimed, while quirking an eyebrow and smiling.

"No matter how many times I tell you, don't call me Mam, honey, it's Bernice for you," she said kindly, placing her hand over my shoulder.

I nodded, smiling, delightful. Even though I know I will cry if I stand here for some more time, in such a difficult situation, this job means a lot to me.

After discussing my duties here, I am going towards the exit, as from tomorrow I will join this cafe as my new working place. Before I can exit, a voice stops me.

"Emberly," Eric called me while running in my direction.

I turned around to look at him.

"Yes," I said to him, wondering...

"I want to ask, ask," he trailed while scratching his neck awkwardly.

Finally, he managed to ask me, "Umm will you, I mean, would you like to have a coffee with me?"

I looked at him, smiling, "sure, but don't you have work here to do."

"Actually, there is not a lot of work here today and my shift is also almost over, so I can drop you off at your home," he said to me, smiling.

My face fell when I heard the name "home". How unfamiliar this name is to me. I never know what is a real home for me.

He understood my uneasiness and asked me "what happened?"

I looked at him smiling weakly, "I don't have a home. I live in a motel. Yesterday I came here from Los Angeles," I told him I felt a tightness in my chest that was not loosening.

Oh, that was all he said to me.

"If you don't mind, I can arrange a place for you to live," he insisted.

"No thanks, but I will manage by myself." I politely denied his request. I don't need or want to take any favours from him, or even from anyone else.

"I'll see you around," I said to him as I exited the cafe.

As I am walking towards the road, my mind is quizzing around past incidents and upcoming opportunities in my life. Finally, I am away from that hellhole, but I need to focus on my waitress job so that I can earn enough money to afford a rented apartment.

As I was walking, I don't know, my leg hit something hard and I stumbled and fell hard on the road.

"Ahh," I cried out in pain and pouted while looking up.

Oh my god.

Its newly launched Mercedes-Benz is

But, by God, I'm hurt because of it.

First, that horrible family who tortured me since my childhood, then my unfortunate life, and now this car, everyone just hurt me.

I stand up while clenching my teeth.

I looked at that expensive car.

I hissed at it and kicked its front end with my leg.

I quickly put my hand over my legs; I felt unbearable pain there because of kicking the hard surface of the car.

"You won't get it, right?" I reasoned.

My muscles are tense.

I looked around, and finally, I found a public dustbin.

I quickly went there, took that dustbin, and walked towards that car, pulling the whole garbage over the front of that car. I smiled, satisfied after getting off my anger at that car.

"What the hell," I thought, as I heard a deep husky mesmerising voice behind me, and my adrenaline shot through my veins with my racing heartbeat.

My eyes widened. "Shit!" I think this is the voice of the owner of this car.

I swallowed, feeling the sensation of not being able to get enough oxygen.

I gulped it down, closing my eyes and started counting.

Okay, we will count until three. After three, I will run as fast as I can as the owner of this car is behind me.

Count to three...I felt footsteps coming in my direction, but I slowly went forward. Now 'three', my mind screamed, and I ran as fast as I could without looking back. I ran as fast as my legs carried me. I don't know where I would end up, but I ran for my life.

1 month later

One month later

"Thank you so much, sir please visit again," I said smiling at the customer while handing him the bag of pastry with coffee.

It's been a month, I am working here in the cafe, and trust me this is the most amazing place to work as co-workers are very friendly and I was enjoying very much working here, but honestly said that voice which I encountered that day, owner of that car which I ruined, his deep husky voice was still very deeply settles in my mind with heart and soul, it seems like my peace, my concentration is always focused with a glimpse of that voice, after that day, but something strange also happened, here my brother Asher, he doesn't call me since a week ago, I tried to call him but his phone is coming out of reach, I just hope is fine.

''Emberly, will you please do me a favor, dear,'' Mrs.Glint asked me

''Sure Bernice', just tell me what to do," I said to her enthusiastically if she didn't give me this waitress job then how can I manage here in New York, such a beautiful but it is a very expensive city too, even I managed to afford a rented apartment here because she pays me enough to make living without lack of important things, yes finally I am living in a rented apartment, not in the motel, my apartment has one living room with a bedroom with kitchen, perfect for me to live, Although it doesn't have any expensive furniture my whole day get here in the cafe, I only go there for sleep and spend my weekends in my apartment as Sunday; I have half-days.

''Emberly, we got the order of cookies with a vanilla pastry from customers who is in Cosmopolitan Hotel and Sky, our delivery boy is on sick leave as he is not feeling well, his call comes in morning his medical reports say that he has diarrhea can you go there to deliver this,'' She asked me while giving me food packet.

I took that packet from her ''Sure, why not," I replied, poor sky I will visit him in hospital once in will deliver these cookies to them.

I sat on my bicycle, This is a second-hand bicycle I bought from my neighbor, my neighbors buy a new car for their son at his graduation ceremony, so they sell this bicycle to me at a very affordable and cheap price.

I took out my wireless Bluetooth earphones and set them up and play 'one last time-by Ariana Grande'on my phone.

Finally, I reached towards Cosmopolitan hotel, which is one of the Seven-star hotels owned by Campbell Empires, I read in newspapers, magazines about them, it is owned by Adrian Campbell, the billionaire; I didn't saw his pic as I am not, I interested in it, but I read about his company.

They also own many airlines, with software companies come under it. Not only that, they also own many luxurious chains of seven-star hotels, but mainly they are a construction company. They distribute tenders for shopping malls, water parks, resorts, and many other important things. I also read in that article that today is marriage, with Sarah Winston. She is the daughter of a billionaire, Mr. Gabriel Winston.

I parked my bicycle outside near a garden some distance away from that grand hotel, because I don't think that watchman will let me take my bicycle inside to the hotel's parking area. I stared at a woman who wore an expensive gown, with a diamond necklace coming out of the car. She looked like a supermodel with a perfect figure and clothes. With a man in an expensive suit. Not only them, but many other people wearing expensive clothes are going inside the hotel. Most are celebrities. If I didn't come here for delivery, then I would take selfies with them .

Finally, I sighed and walked towards the entrance gate of the hotel. It's a beautifully built, luxurious hotel. Well, it is one of the seven-star hotels owned by Campbell Empires

I saw the team of guards surrounding it, eyeing everyone around it. I made my way towards it to enter. I ran my hands over my black jeans and straightened denim jacket while fidgeting my fingers.

A guard stands "Miss, may I ask why you're here?" he asked monotonely.

I quickly pulled out that email and received a message from a customer who ordered refreshment from our cafe.

They nodded after seeing that message and unblocked my way. I came inside to the hotel and left the breath, which God knows how long I was holding.

Damm, it's so unbelievable. I never saw a five-star hotel before. They always used to lock me in the storeroom where I live. I was never allowed to go outside except for my school and coaching classes and at the homes of some selected friends.

I looked around in awe.

What a beautifully made masterpiece it is

The lobby of the hotel, spread over two floors, impresses with its grandeur, which was achieved through the architectural design.

The combination of materials and textures complements each other in a harmonious and luxurious look.

Geometrical forms and shapes used in décor and architectural details pique the viewer's interest and make them want to explore the masterpiece where lines guide the eye through the décor.

I have never seen a seven-star luxurious hotel before. This is so beautiful.

I called the customer who ordered from our cafe to inform them that I would give their food bag to the reception staff of the hotel. They will deliver it

As I come towards the corner of the hall.

Just as I pulled out my phone, I felt a tap over my shoulder. I turned around and found a beautiful woman looking the same age as mine. She had waist-length brown hair with beautiful sapphire eyes. She was wearing a bathrobe. Wait, she is Sarah Winston, but what is going here, as today is her wedding with Billionaire Adrian Campbell, I blinked rapidly as my eyes tried to process what I had seen. Her eyes, which were so puffy, it was obvious that she had cried for god knows how long, even though she was looking so worried.

"You." I trailed with a shaky voice.

"Come with me," she whispered, while looking around, making sure that no one saw us.

I tried to ask but she dragged me with me somewhere. I stared at her with a small gasp. Finally, we reached towards a room. She opens the door and we both come inside there

I frowned at her.

"I need your help," she asked me while holding my hands.

I frowned at her. "What kind of help?"

She sighed. "I love someone else, but my father is forcing me to marry Adrian Campbell as my father's company is going bankrupt, but only Adrian can save it. But the condition is I have to marry him, and I can't marry him because I am pregnant with my boyfriend's child, but my dad got to know about it and now my dad is threatening me to kill my boyfriend and our unborn baby if I don't marry Adrian,"

I covered my mouth with my palm after hearing her words; how can her father do this? How can someone be this cruel, even if he will kill an innocent unborn child if she doesn't marry Adrian? This is so disgusting.

"Tell me I will help you in any condition," I told her while taking hold of her hand and softly nodding at her.

She nodded and wiped away her tears. Suddenly, her phone rang. She quickly picked up the call.

"Yes, I am coming," she told someone, then hung up the call. My eyes stopped at the wallpaper of her phone. I freeze at my place while shaking my head

She had my brother Asher and her pic on her phone home screen. I looked at her wide-eyed, swallowing

She looked at me as her brows furrowed. Seeing my reaction, I quickly took her phone.

"T... this is my brother." I stuttered, looking at my brother Asher and her pic

"You are Emberly?" she asked, and I looked at her, dumbfounded.

"You know me?" I asked, and she nodded, smiling slightly."Asher told me about you; your brother loves you so much," she told me while placing her hand over my shoulder

But then I realized Asher is her boyfriend, which means my brother has been kidnapped.

I felt my throat felt so dry. I quickly took hold of the edge of the bed and looked at her. Gulping, I said,

"This means my brother has been kidnapped." So this is the reason he didn't call me for two weeks because he was kidnapped

I fell on my knees and even tears started coming out of my eyes continuously.

"He will be fine, nothing can happen to him," I uttered while shaking my head and wiping away my tears furiously

Sarah put her hand over my shoulder and wrapped her arms around me.

I felt soreness in my throat and lungs.

She wiped away tears. "I got to know the place where they kept him. Now I am going there to save him and some of my friends are already at that place. They are informing me about everything happening there." She said to me while putting her clothes in a duffle bag.

"My brother will be fine. Nothing can happen to him," I whispered at her while taking hold of her arms. She nodded.

"I am going there, but men of my dad are standing outside the room and hotel, so I need your clothes. I will wear your clothes and go there in your disguise," she said and I nodded.

I paced around the master suite room, Sarah already gone, trying to save Asher in my clothing, and here I am, dressed in a yellow ruffled sundress similar to Sarah's, so that her father's men outside who were guarding her didn't realise she was leaving.

She informed me that she would contact me when she and Asher were in a secure spot so that I could leave the hotel after that. I looked at my phone screen as I clasped my hands to my breast.

But, first, I can't because everyone believes she's in this room getting ready for her wedding, but it's actually me who's there.

I jolted as the door to her room swung opened, and I drew a deep, uneven breath before immediately turning aside so that my face was hidden and my back was towards the person who had just entered.

"Sarah, you haven't prepared yourself yet," I heard a female voice.

I didn't respond because I was experiencing a bile burn at the back of my throat.

When I heard their footsteps approaching, I tightly closed my eyes, knowing that they would see me immediately. Sarah also didn't message or phone me to let me know that she and my brother were okay.

What am I going to do now, God?

I felt a touch on my shoulder, a strong thudding in my chest from a faster heart rate, and I spun around.

"What the heck, who are you, and where is my daughter?" she hissed, her brows furrowed.

"Who are you?" a man dressed in a Marron tuxedo in his mid-fifties snarled at me.

My phone suddenly buzzed, signalling that a message had come.

Sarah's message appeared on the screen of my phone.

"Emberly, Asher and I are now at a secure location; we are now on our way to the airport; we will be far away from this location; I will phone you later."

Sarah

There's a photo of Asher and her beneath her message; they're both in a car, perhaps on their way to the airport.

I closed my eyes and pressed my hands to my tummy, thanking God that our plan had worked and that my brother and I were now safe and sound.

That middle-aged man hissed, his jaw clinched angrily at me, "Answer me damm it."

"I...I don't know anything; I'm just here to bring these meal orders to Sarah as she requested," I said, twitching my fingers and swallowing.

The phone of that man, Sarah's father, suddenly rang, startling me.

When he took up the phone, his cheeks flushed as he heard words from another line.

But his face darkened and his eyes became crimson with wrath.

"Your worthless daughter runs away with her useless boyfriend," he remarked angrily to Sarah's mother.

Her face became pale as well, and she opened her lips to say something but nothing came out, so she closed her eyes and leaned against the wall.

"What we'll do now," Sarah's father said quietly as he massaged his temples.

I moved back gently, trying not to draw attention to myself, but before I could figure out what was going on, it was too late.

Someone snatched my arm and smashed me against the wall with such force.

Due to back discomfort, I winced and carefully peered at a figure; it was Sarah's father, who was staring at me, his mouth clenched.

"Get ready, you're going to marry Adrian in this outfit," he said as he tossed the white bridal gown over my face.

I looked at him, and I could feel my slower breathing and heartbeat, as well as my entire body, when I heard his words.

I peeked at him, hearing his words my seems like someone I felt my slowed breathing and heartbeat, even I can feel my body getting drained with energy, heaviness in my limbs

"W.....what," I manage to stammer, wide-eyed at him.

How can I marry Adrian if this isn't possible?

Mr. Winston, Sarah's father, smacked the flower base so hard on the floor that I flinched, then grabbed my hair and dragged my head towards him.

"Don't say anything in front of anybody," he snarled, baring his fangs. "If you love your little crap life, Adrian will sign the deal paperwork, you will marry him, and make sure your face is covered till this wedding is finished," he continued, his eyes darkening and his muscles stiff.

Finally, he lets go of me, and I collapse on the floor, my body spent and devoid of vitality.

*************

My throat burned and dried as I swallowed while looking at that man in I'm standing in front of Mr. Winston's church, my face hidden behind a long veil as I walk with Mr. Winston; for the rest of the world, Sarah Winston is getting married soon, but now it's me.

I observed Mr. Adrian Campbell. He was adored by the fairer sex for his black hair. It was a casual jumble sometimes, but mostly neat and flowing. His crescent-of-moon eyebrows were thin and narrow. He carried an imperious nose well, and his angular cheekbones were carved down towards a flinty jaw. He had a manly, Samson-like physique...

His brown eyes were orbing around and darting constantly, a-gleaming with delight and the vigor of youth. They were soft brown eyes and swam with joy. They shone brightly as two sapphires dipped in milky pools. The swirl of his loamy cologne had them swooning in the aisles.

Oh God, Adrian Campbell, the CEO of Campbell Empire, I can't believe that I am seeing him in real. Actually, he is my role model. I want to become like him. He didn't take over his father's company, but he worked so hard and established his empire, and the result is now Campbell Empire is the most successful and renowned multinational company in the whole world. They are mainly a construction empire, as they build and distribute tenders for waterparks, malls, and airports.

Adrian Campbell, I will soon be married to him.

I felt someone squeezing my arm hard. I snapped my head and found Mr. Winston glaring at me.

"Remember, if you open your little mouth, then I will destroy your trash brother's life," he said with barred teeth, while his eyes had a sinister look.

Drawing in slow, steady breaths, I nodded weakly.

I don't want to marry him. Technically, I am betraying him.

But what can I do? I am so helpless this time. I don't have any other option but to marry him.

I stood beside him. He didn't look at me. His face was cold and emotionless, like he was not interested in this marriage.

We faced the priest. The priest started hymns of marriage.

I think I should run away from this alter before this marriage happens, because if this marriage happens, then everything will be messed up so badly.

I felt something on my hand. When I saw the most beautiful diamond ring I had ever seen in my life, I looked down and bit my lip, and then I heard a deep husky voice.

"I do," my eyes widened and I silently cursed myself; this cannot be happening; he has already accepted me as his wife, not by my name but by Sarah's.

The priest looked at me.

Do you take Adrian Campbell, to behold your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you apart, according to God's holy law, in the presence of God you make this vow?"

I wanted to scream, "No." But then I looked at Mr. Winston.

I could tell it was a bad idea just by looking at him, so I quickly closed my eyes and clenched my fists.

Let me do this for the sake of my brother.

"I do." I swallowed like a low whisper and looked at the wedding ring in my hand. I bit my lips while making him wear it. I could feel my hands trembling so badly.

"You may now kiss the bride," the priest said, and my eyes widened; a kiss, how can he kiss me?

My whole body burned with a strange sensation when I felt him coming near me. Suddenly, Sarah's mom, Mrs. Winston, comes

I looked around to find something to stop this all, but I gasped a little when

I felt his hands around my waist, making me shudder.

Then I felt his soft lips brush lightly with mine. I felt so good when his lips touched mine. I closed my eyes as my knees were trembling. I quickly gripped his shoulders to support my body, but soon I came back to my senses. My eyes widened slightly when he pulled me apart from him.