It was already the next week, and I was on my way to work in the morning. Just a week had passed, but it already felt like a year. My body was exhausted from the relentless nausea and fatigue that had taken over my days. This morning had been the worst yet. I had barely made it out of my tiny apartment after spending most of the morning bent over the toilet. My stomach was empty, but the dry heaving had left me weak and lightheaded. I prayed I wouldn't fall sick. That was the last thing I needed right now.
To make matters worse, Adelaide was still acting like a snobby bitch, refusing to acknowledge me even after I had attempted to talk to her. Apparently, she was too proud to stoop to my level.
Shaking my head, I pushed open the restaurant doors, relieved to see that I wasn't late. At least I wouldn't have to deal with Mr. Connor breathing down my neck first thing in the morning. I made my way to the locker room, dropping my bag inside and taking a deep breath before heading into the kitchen.
Mr. Connor had been on my case lately, and though I tried not to jump to conclusions, I was certain it had everything to do with me rejecting him. The man couldn't handle a simple no. He would nitpick at everything I did, calling me out for even the smallest of mistakes, mistakes I hadn't even made. It was obvious to everyone, but no one dared to say anything. He was just a sore loser, a pathetic old man who couldn't take rejection from a younger woman.
I sighed, making my way to my usual station. The kitchen felt just as gloomy as I did. I was beginning to hate this place more and more each day.
"Zuria!" Mr. Connor's voice bellowed across the kitchen, making me jerk in surprise.
I rolled my eyes before turning to face him, resisting the urge to hurl an insult at him.
"Why are you just standing there? Get to work! We don't have all day for you to just stand around and stare!"
I ignored him, biting my tongue as I turned to grab the nearest dirty dish. I wasn't about to waste my energy on his nonsense.
Beside me, Ben, another worker, gave me a look filled with pity. I raised a brow at him, and he quickly looked away, pretending to focus on his task.
"What did you do to Mr. Connor?"
I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sudden voice beside me. Placing a hand over my chest, I turned to find Danny staring at me with an amused expression.
"Danny! Do you want to give me a heart attack?" I scolded, trying to calm my racing heart.
He simply smirked. "No, I don't. But seriously, what did you do to Mr. Connor?"
I looked away, suddenly interested in scrubbing a particularly stubborn stain. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Danny scoffed. "Are you sure about that? Because he's been treating you like public enemy number one."
I shrugged. "I guess I just have a face he doesn't like."
He wasn't buying it. "Did he ask you for something?" His voice dropped to a whisper. "Something… inappropriate?"
My hands froze mid-scrub as I turned to him, eyes wide. "What?"
Danny gave me a knowing look. "So, I'm right."
I sighed, lowering my voice. "How did you know?"
"I had my suspicions. Ever since he called you into his office, he's been different with you. And I remember a girl named Margaret. Same thing happened to her."
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
Danny leaned in. "She was another employee, and Connor tried to get her to do… things. She refused, and from then on, he made her life here unbearable. Picked on her every day until she finally quit."
My stomach churned. "Are you serious?"
Danny nodded. "Think about it. Have you noticed that all the female employees here are either men or much older women?"
I blinked, suddenly realizing that he was right. I had never really paid attention before, but looking around, I was the youngest woman in the kitchen by far.
"He's disgusting."
Danny nodded. "The worst part? The other employees made bets on how long it would take before he tried something with you."
I scoffed, shaking my head. "Well, joke's on them. I don't care what he tries to do, he won't chase me away."
Danny studied me for a moment. "Are you sure you can handle it?"
"I've been through worse," I said with confidence.
Danny smiled. "Well, if you need backup, you've got one ally in here."
I returned his smile. "Thanks, Danny."
"Oh, and I'm sorry for raising my voice at you the other day. I never got a chance to apologize properly."
Danny waved it off. "No need. I wasn't angry. I figured you needed space, so I gave it to you."
I was about to respond when a loud voice interrupted us.
"What the hell are you doing, Danny? I don't pay you to stand around gossiping!"
Danny gave me a quick nod before hurrying back to work. Mr. Connor then turned to me, his face red with rage.
"And you, Zuria, you seem to be having too much fun instead of working."
I clenched my jaw, refusing to respond. He stepped closer, his voice lowering.
"If you tell anyone what happened between us, I won't hesitate to fire you."
His breath was hot and rancid against my face, making me scrunch my nose in disgust.
Too late for that, I thought as I watched him walk away.
I turned back to my work, but then-
A sharp pain shot through my chest.
I sucked in a breath, placing a hand over my heart. The pain subsided, and I shook it off, focusing on the dishes. But then it came again, stronger this time.
What the hell?
I leaned forward, gripping the sink for support. My vision swam, and the sounds around me became muffled. Panic gripped me as I tried to steady myself.
"Zuria, are you okay?"
Ben's voice sounded distant, but I managed to shake my head.
"I don't… know," I panted.
The pain intensified, and my knees buckled. I barely registered the voices shouting my name before darkness swallowed me whole.