"Wow," Margret whispered in awe, her voice barely escaping her throat. "Is that Tairen—the legend himself?" The name sent a ripple through the gathering crowd.
Tairen Exon. War hero. His face etched into national history books, his deeds recounted on classroom walls and whispered at dinner tables. At first glance, he was unmistakable—regal even in his stillness.
"Oh my goodness... It's him," Mr. Samuel Gadagat gasped. His heart swelled with hope. Surely he will help Shanazer. This must be divine intervention—what wicked fate nearly befell those girls. He had always carried a good heart, but a powerless one. This moment stirred something long buried.
Adaman blinked rapidly, sweat collecting at his brow. No. Not him. Not now. His heart beat like war drums. A cold dread pooled in his gut. This can't be happening. He knew exactly who the man was—and what he was capable of. His mind screamed retreat, but his body stood frozen.
Tairen's gaze drifted to Shanazer. A warm, quiet smile lit his face. "How are you, Miss Shanazer?"
The world tilted. Shanazer stared, mouth agape. Why is he here? Was he watching the whole time? Her heart somersaulted. She quickly swallowed her shock and forced calm. A faint smile surfaced. "I'm fine. And you?"
Tairen gave her a thumbs up—simple, yet reassuring. Then he turned to the crowd. His presence exuded calm, but beneath it was a force that shook even the fearless.
"Please, carry on with your day. I'll handle these men," he said with quiet command.
Shanazer didn't wait. Her smile returned—wider this time, full of gratitude. She and Olivia moved quickly, slipping through the crowd, unopposed.
Behind them, Adaman whispered to himself, knees weakening, "How does Shanazer know him? What cursed luck is this?"
As they walked away, Olivia couldn't shake what she'd seen. Tairen Exon wasn't just a myth—he was real, and powerful. And clearly, he cared for Shanazer.
"Why not just ask Tairen for help?" she blurted.
Shanazer paused. Her eyes didn't meet Olivia's. "He's done enough for me already. I don't even know how to repay him." A silence settled between them. "I just... don't want to be a burden anymore. I want to stand on my own."
Olivia wrapped an arm around her friend's shoulders. "It's okay to ask for help, you know. Don't let pride swallow you in its grave. We all need a hand sometimes."
Shanazer said nothing, but the words landed.
They arrived at Sensational Blue Hotel after three exhausting hours. The sky was charcoal gray, lit only by buzzing streetlamps and the flicker of passing cars.
Olivia walked straight to the guardroom, posture calm and professional. "Hello," she greeted.
The security guard barely glanced at her. His tone was bitter, dripping with judgment. "Hello."
She didn't flinch. You can sneer, but I'm here for business. Not your approval. "Is Mrs. Blake available?"
The guard's irritation doubled. "She's in a meeting. Do you have an appointment?" His eyes scanned her like she was a problem to solve—or discard.
Olivia's smile didn't waver. "No, but I know her personally. I'd appreciate the chance to speak with her."
The man yawned dramatically before responding, "Fine. Wait outside. If you're lucky, you'll catch her as she leaves."
"Thank you," she said with a brightness that defied his petty rudeness.
She dragged Shanazer to a bench outside. Shanazer leaned in. "That guard didn't want to help us."
"Doesn't matter," Olivia replied, undeterred. "When Madam Blake sees us, he'll eat his attitude."
After a long wait, the hotel gate slid open. A sleek, silver E-Class Mercedes-Benz rolled out, gliding like a shark through murky water.
Olivia dashed forward, heart thudding. As the window lowered, a woman's eyes locked onto hers.
"How are you, mum?"
The woman broke into a radiant grin. "Where have you been, young lady?"
Olivia tensed, instinctively reaching for her head in a nervous tick—but stopped. She straightened. "Boss, I was very ill… for the past three months." A lie, soft and measured.
Madam Blake said nothing. She knew the real reason, but let it pass. "I have work for you. Come tomorrow. Levy needs help in the kitchen. He'll be glad to have you."
Olivia's heart soared. That went better than expected. "Thank you so much, mum." Then she remembered. "I came with a friend—she's skilled, and could be a great asset to you."
Blake's eyes shifted to Shanazer. "Is that right?"
Shanazer approached, nerves prickling beneath her skin. Blake's eyes bore into her, cool and calculating.
"What do you do, young lady?"
Shanazer drew a slow breath, steadying her mind. "I can do any job, madam. I'm studying Information Technology and Electronics Engineering at Horizon University, second year."
That caught Mrs. Blake's interest.
"Did you bring documentation?"
Her heart dropped. She hadn't.
"No, madam... Can I bring them tomorrow?" Her voice was soft, but her eyes shone with determination.
Mrs. Blake's smile was razor-sharp, almost taunting. "How do you go looking for a job without documents?" she asked, tone steeped in disbelief.
Shanazer's heart sank. A heat spread through her chest—shame, raw and stinging. Her hands fidgeted, fingers entwined tightly in a silent prayer. Please… I need this job like I need air. Please help me. A whisper escaped before she could stop it.
"I'll bring them tomorrow, mum. My apologies."
For a moment, silence wrapped around the moment like gauze. A cool night breeze brushed against their faces, and despite the darkness, the city's floodlights lit everything with a silver glow.
Mrs. Blake studied the girl's nervous face, her sharp eyes narrowing in thought. She trusted Olivia—knew her work ethic. Perhaps this one was worth a chance too.
"Come back tomorrow," she said slowly, pointing at Olivia. She flicked her eyes over both girls. "Levy will take you both."
The relief that swept over Shanazer hit like sunlight after a storm. Her lips parted in disbelief, then stretched into an uncontrollable grin. Her chest rose with a triumphant breath.
"Thank you, mum. Thank you. You won't regret it."
The Mercedes-Benz purred to life, slipping into motion. Mrs. Blake offered a parting wave. Her gaze met Olivia's one last time. "See you around, young lady. Don't disappoint me again."
Olivia gave a sheepish smile. There was history there—trouble and mischief, no doubt. "Yes, boss," she said with a smirk. A spark of impish charm danced behind her eyes.
As the car turned the corner and disappeared into the traffic, the two girls stood still, breathing out in unison like they'd just survived the impossible. They looked at each other and burst into laughter, their faces glowing with joy.
Shanazer turned, eyes wide at the glittering lights adorning the Sensation Blue Hotel like a palace carved from stardust. My goodness… how can one person own all of this?
Her heart fluttered with something unfamiliar—hope. Pure, unfiltered hope.
Some people really do make you believe that greatness is possible. One day, I'll be like her. No… greater.
The security guard watched them from afar, his face unreadable, but envy clung to his eyes like smoke.
Olivia suddenly shouted with unfiltered delight, voice echoing through the night.
"We did it! Ha ha! Let's go home, sis!"
You could've sworn people across town heard her.
Shanazer turned, heart brimming with light. "Yes, my sister. Let's go." Her voice trembled with gratitude, her smile radiant.
Just then, a quiet buzzing. Olivia's phone vibrated in her hand, followed by its familiar chime.
She looked over. Unknown number. "I have to take this call."
Shanazer gave a quick nod.
"Olivia speaking?"