Chapter 2: A strange presence

Nadia’s POV

I pause, staring at the shards on the floor. Then I looked up to see Alex, my cousin. A glass in his hand, he looks at me and smirks. He is drunk.

“Oooops! Sorry cuz, I had no idea you’d be walking in.” He grins and staggers back upstairs.

I stare at the sparkling shards blocking my path, my heart hammering fiercely against my ribs. What if the bottle had hit my face, he could have blinded me.

With a silent sigh, I walk over to the utility closet for the heavy push broom and metal dustpan. I sweep the larger chunks, making sure not a single piece of glass remains. This is my routine: cleaning up their mess.

I ascend the stairs, heading to my room. Passing by my guardians’ room, I hear voices — what sounds like some sort of argument. I pause and listen.

‘What the hell, Lucas? How could you borrow money from someone that dangerous. That man will kill all of us!’ my aunt shrieks, her voice radiating with fear and worry.

‘Shut up, Rosalind! You have been basking in wealth all thanks to that same money, so do not dare raise your voice at me. Or do you think I have no idea about what you did five years ago?’ my uncle roars.

I have no idea what the argument is about, but who did my uncle borrow from? And what did my aunt do five years ago? I sigh and walk to my room.

Turning the knob, I step inside and slam the door shut, double checking that I had shut it properly. I always eat dinner before I return because there is usually no food left for me.

I turn on the light, and look around at the small space I’ve lived in for the past five years. The mansion had other better rooms, but my aunt thought this would be more fitting for someone like me.

I take my shower and lay on my small bed, curling up like a ball. The strange dream from earlier today replaying in my mind, but I shove it aside and fall asleep.

The next morning was just like every other morning. I woke up, brush my teeth, did house chores, take my shower and got ready for work before heading downstairs.

I pause mid-stair and look at them. The family of four were seated at the table, having breakfast, basking in the hard earned wealth of my family. I slowly came down the stairs, announcing my departure.

“I’m off.”

They ignore me, as if I didn’t even exist. Sighing numbly, I head for the door, but Elena’s voice made me pause.

“Nadia, I’d like to ask,” she pauses, clicks her tongue and continues, “how much does working in a bar pay you? Huh?” I could see the mocking grin playing on her face.

“Uhm… let’s see, probably pebbles and pennies.” Alex chimed in, they both burst into laughter. My eyes drifts to Alex, hatred burning my gaze.

He thinks I have forgotten everything he did to me. I turn the knob and step out, slamming the heavy door shut, briefly wiping off the tears that roll down my face.

I board a cab and head to the bar. When I arrived, I notice the bar is strangely quiet. The close sign is still on the door, it isn’t meant to be that way.

I quickly step down from the cab, pay the driver and head into the bar. Jaxon was already there so I walk to him and ask.

“What’s wrong? Why’s the whole place quiet? I ask, furrowing my brows.

“He’s here. He booked the bar.” He responds.

My brows shot up in confusion. “ I don’t understand, Jaxon. Who booked the bar?

“Lorenzo Romano.” My eyes widens in horror.

Oh God. Not again. Why does he keep coming here very often these days?

“Why is he here so early?” I ask.

“I have no idea, Nadia. I am as surprised as you are.” He murmurs.

“Nadia.” I turn around as the manager approaches. “Go and get changed. You will be serving Mr Romano today.” He didn’t wait for a reply, his heavy shoes thumping against the floor as he walked away. My blood runs cold.