Chapter 37
Mia didn’t know how she managed to hold herself together. Her entire body felt like it was on the verge of collapse, but she couldn’t afford to miss work. Not after everything that had happened. She needed the money, needed the job.
So here she was, dressed in her uniform, walking the floor of Casa Lounge as if her heart wasn’t in pieces.
But the moment she walked in and saw Alex sitting with Zoe, every bit of resolve she’d gathered crumbled inside her.
The whispers were already spreading around the lounge, buzzing like static in her ears. They’re back together. Alex Blackwell and Zoe-like nothing ever happened.
Her chest tightened painfully as she fought the urge to look their way. She focused on carrying out orders, cleaning tables, and smiling at customers. Anything to keep herself from falling apart.
When her short break finally arrived, Mia rushed to the staff changing room. She slumped onto the bench, her head resting against the wall as tears spilled silently down her cheeks. She hated herself for crying over him, hated that Alex still had this much power over her.
The door creaked open, and she quickly wiped her face, trying to compose herself.
Emily walked in, pausing when she saw Mia. Her brow furrowed with concern. “Mia?”
“It’s nothing,” Mia said quickly, her voice uneven. “Just family issues. Nothing serious.”
Emily didn’t look convinced. “Mia-”
“Please,” Mia interrupted, her voice cracking. “Just let it go.”
Emily hesitated but nodded. “Alright. But, uh… Blackwell’s girlfriend is asking for you to serve their table.”
Mia’s heart dropped.
“What?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
“She’s insisting,” Emily continued, looking uncomfortable. “Said she’d call the boss if you don’t.”
“But that’s not even my section tonight!” Mia protested, panic seeping into her voice.
Emily shrugged helplessly. “I tried to tell her, but she wouldn’t listen. What’s going on, Mia?”
“I don’t know,” Mia lied, her stomach twisting into knots.
Emily gave her a sharp look. “Are you sure you’re not in trouble with them?”
“I said I don’t know,” Mia snapped, standing abruptly. Her hands trembled as she smoothed her apron.
Emily sighed, clearly wanting to say more, but she stayed silent as Mia pushed past her and left the room.
Mia paused in the hallway, taking a deep breath. She couldn’t avoid this. If she refused, Zoe would make a scene, and she couldn’t risk losing her job.
With her head held high, Mia made her way to their table, every step feeling heavier than the last.
Alex sat with his head down, scrolling through his phone, completely ignoring everything around him. Zoe, on the other hand, leaned back in her chair with a smug smile, her eyes lighting up when she spotted Mia approaching.
1/3
Chapter 37
“Turner,” Zoe said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness.
Mia forced herself to keep her tone steady. “Good evening. What would you like to order?”
Zoe tilted her head, her smirk widening. “Why the rush, Mia? Sit down.”
Mia blinked, her stomach tightening. “I’m at work, ma’am-”
“Don’t make me repeat myself,” Zoe snapped, her tone icy. “Sit.”
Reluctantly, Mia lowered herself into the chair opposite them.
Zoe’s laugh was sharp and cutting. “That’s better. Now, tell me, how was it, Turner?”
Mia clenched her fists under the table, her nails digging into her palms. She knew exactly what Zoe meant, but she refused
to answer.
“I mean, I bet it felt good,” Zoe continued, leaning forward with a glint in her eyes. “He’s good at it, isn’t he?”
Mia said nothing, staring at the table.
“You really thought someone like him would go from me to… you?” Zoe sneered, laughing cruelly. “God, that’s hilarious.”
Mia’s throat burned, but she swallowed the lump forming there. She wouldn’t give Zoe the satisfaction of seeing her cry.
“I’ve been watching you,” Zoe said, her voice lowering. “You’ve been lusting after my man for weeks. Always staring, always hoping. Did you really think you had a chance?”
Zoe turned to Alex, pressing a kiss to his cheek. He didn’t react, his eyes still glued to his phone.
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