2
621words
Running my diner,I worked from 5 a.m.to 10 p.m. alone,guarding my earnings,only for Dad to take away most of iy.
What was left,I saved or used to treat customers.
People call it"working for nothing."
They didn't see the joy of sanitation workers in summer,lounging in my shop,fanned,sipping beer,eating buns.
After seeing the world’s poorest and weakest,I knew no happiness beat being the elite's pet dog.
At the Harper estate,I cooked two meals a day,spending the rest of my time on a lounge chair,watching the hot driver mow the lawn shirtless.
"Hey,why don’t you cook pork lately?"
Ethan,scrolling his phone on the couch,asked casually.
"Thought you'd get tired of it."
"Did I say that?"
"Per the butler's menu,you get it every six weeks.I'm deeply sorry."
"But don't get too excited.It's a small thing.You voicing your thoughts is awesome."
"..."
The room went dead silent.No one had spoken to Ethan like that ever since he turned twelve.
The Harpers treated him like they owe him everything,indulging his every material whim.
Even my sister acted like that with him.
But the one who owed redemption was Ethan.
My presence,like that dish,stirred up his deepest and most secret desire.
I subtly convinced everyone,including him,that he was emotionally volatile,and my cooking soothed him.
Caleb's hearty laugh broke the tension.He'd never seen Ethan so speechless.
"No rules at my place.Cook for me,and I'll reward you with a kiss from a hot guy."
"Sorry,I'll pass.I'm a simple gal—I don’t know how much a kiss’s worth.But I know sticking with the young master's the right call!"
Though I only saw Ethan's profile,I caught his fleeting smile.
Jessica Lane,who'd just walked in, didn’t miss it either.
She was puzzled until she noticed the birthmark by my right eye,like my sister's,then relaxed into a venomous smile.
"I've never seen such a family.One addict sister wasn't enough—they send a sister with calluses all over her hand next."
"Your family's money-crazed,huh?Know how wild your sister was abroad?"
"My sister's got nothing to do with me.She was a snob who read too much and thought she understood everythimg.I'm different—I want to get rich quick."
"People like me hustle everyday.Calluses are normal.You look great,but more duck and protein might help you,so you wouldn't need such thick foundation."
Jessica's youthful face twisted with disdain.She grabbed Ethan's hand,cooing about a fashion show.
Before leaving,Ethan made the driver put his shirt on.
While they were gone,I pulled out the letter my sister had left me.
Tear-stained pages tugged at my heart.
She'd meant to warn me to escape,detailing every horror she endured.
So I knew Ethan was a hypocritical monster,Jessica an addict and jealous snob.
I also knew I needed to shine brighter to make Ethan truly notice and remember me.
I started smuggling things out.Mr.Collins warned me repeatedly,but I ignored him.
"Know what happened to the last thief here?How many fingers he lost?"
Ethan,in pajamas,glared,barely containing his rage,as if he'd toss me out next.
"You've been sneaking around for the last few days just to sell leftovers?"
I nodded honestly,licking dry lips,scratching my head sheepishly.
"There's always extra ingredients.Throwing them out feels wasteful.Selling them to a Chinese restaurant however earns a few bucks per batch."
Ethan,those stolen leftovers—don't they remind you of what you did before you met my sister?
"You don't know that stealing is absolutely forbidden in every line of work?What about your wages?"
"I didn't take valuables.A few leaves,and you'd fire me?My mom's pregnant—new brother on the way.She says if I keep in your favor,we're set."
"So you'd rather sell scraps than please me?"
Ethan,puzzled by my logic,stepping back as if I was something disgusting.
"Please you?A greasy cook like me daring to touch a young master like you?"
