na'

ped into Bluebird Café, and my breath ca

c, the familiar scent of coff

. I didn't go there. I chose a seat closer to the counter instead, partly hidden by a tall

id, how could he be this shameless? Well, this was how

ded my hands in my lap. I checked my phon

e staff moved with the same easy rhythm. The barista still whist

laxed, confident and effortlessly charming. He'd reached for my

in love with anyone be

ad burned, how easily my hea

u," he'd continued smoothly. "An apartment too. As my girl, yo

kiss to my knuckles, his eyes ho

t tongue dressed as devotion. I pushed the thought away and focused on the c

n't going to show up, the bell rang again. Mark walked in like he owned

ark marks on his nec

ess. Whatever this meeting was meant to do, I would

other. He leaned back, arm draped over the booth, radiating that same arro

for what, Mark? What exactly do you want? Why are you sabotaging my interview

is head. "I want you to see what happens when you try to survive without me. You th

. "So what? You expect me to cry, beg at y

u; every salary I approved, every apartment and every luxury. And for what? Nothing. You d

sonal accessory an investment?" I snapped, voice shakin

"Yes, you owe me, Elena. But I can fix that. Sleep with me one last time, give me somethin

offee cup, and without thinking, I hurled it straight at

ink money and power make you untouchable? I trusted you! I loved you! And you." My hands shook as I gest

é fell

seat, eyes blazing and spittle fl

ird Café, leaving Mark soaked, humiliated, and fuming, his arro

*

rd Café incident. Mark's words, his arrog

I felt the invisible hand of his sabotage tightening around my life. My grandmother's hospital bills

the most. The uniform was. humiliating: a tight, skimpy cat-girl outfit that left little to t

spered, smirking. "Don't worry. Jus

ughter, clinking glasses, and low music. I moved from table to tab

just tipsy businessmen and col

utes, cornered me near the bar. One forced a drink toward m

stammered. "Pleas

g. One grabbed my waist and pulled me

ther sneered, forcing a g

losed in, tightening and blockin

adow fell

filthy han

Even the men froze.

, and completely in control. The room seemed to

spered to myself, my h