After Highschool

herbs, and freshly brewed coffee filled the air as she tried to get used to the noise and rush around her. It was her first day at the upscale restaurant, a place known f

estaurant's polished floors gleamed under the soft chandelier lights, and the sound of polite laughter and clinking glasses created an

obscured by a sleek, black mask that covered everything but his piercing eyes. The masked man was accompanied by two imposing bodyguards who flanked him on either side. The room buzzed with whispers and stolen

rows. "Ashley, you're up. Table six," he said, nodding toward the masked man's table. All eyes i

uards held up a hand, stopping her. "No need for introductions," the guard said curtly.

id they assign me to serve him? she wondered, trying to focus on placing the order. The chefs, alread

nerves. She approached the table and set the covered dish down in front of the masked man. As she turned to leav

h, like the rumble of distant thunder. His eyes, the o

is he asking for my name? Did I do something wrong? "I... I'

r face. "You're... different," he said thoughtfully, ti

rstand his sudden interest. "I... I didn't attend coll

, as if weighing his next words. "You're beautiful," h

t thing she needed was unwanted attention from someone as powerful and mysterious a

ed her. As she turned to leave, he raised his hand again, gesturing to one of his guards. "Add

*

de it through the day without any major mishaps. As she was wiping down tables, the r

arms. "When you came in here saying you'd work dili

expected criticism, not praise. "T

s. Collins handed her an envelope, her eyes gleaming wit

elieve her luck. The weight of the envelope felt unreal in her hands. For a moment

k here," Mrs. Collins added. "But don't let this get to your head.

the restaurant, the cool night air hit her, and she let out a sigh

*

her spirits lifted by the unexpected tip she'd received. For once, she felt a small sense of accomplishment. The usual w

s usual spot. He looked up as she entered, giving her a small, almost hesitant wav

ath of someone whispering behind her ear. "Meet me at t

int scent of his cologne were unmistakable. Her mind raced as she tried to focus on the lesson, but her thoughts kept dr

her hands trembling slightly. She hesitated, unsure whether she should look back to see if

g in her chest. Without wasting another second, she rushed out of the classroo

es focused on the players running on the field. The sunlight caug

athlessly as she sat down beside

ent, he just stared at her, as if struggling to find the right w

's on your mind?" she asked, pretending no

aw tightening as if he was trying to hold something back. "There's

erything. Ashley waited, her heart racing, knowing that whatever Fred was abou