CHAPTER SIX

CAMILLA

The diner grew noisy with clinking silverware this noon…. "Enjoy your meal". I smiled, but I'm sure he couldn't see it, so I walked away as I served the ones seated at the last booth. I walked back to the counter. The diner was quite complete because it was Saturday. I was about to serve another order when I heard Aria's voice. I didn't see Maria, so I was wondering if she had come by herself today. You know, she can't afford to miss my treats every Saturday.

The next few seconds were chaotic. I turned around, and everything happened within a split second. She crashed against the legs of Laura, another waitress who lost her balance; the glasses with the milkshakes she was carrying fell and shattered on the floor, splashing the drinks.

"Oh my gosh! What the fuck?"A lady sitting opposite the booth yelled as the milkshake splashed on her beautiful white floral dress. My eyes dropped to how the drinks spoiled her dress. There was a moment of commotion before a bit of silence came through.

I am so sorry … Laura began, but the irritated customer cut her off.

Shut up! Is the stupid apology going to get this stain off? And you tiny brat, why are you speeding all over? Aria's heart padded faster as she broke into tears. The way she was fierce with the little girl, you would think she wanted to go physical with her.

"I'm so sorry," Aria apologized. "I didn't mean to spoil your beautiful dress or your day.".

"You should be, stupid and dumb brat!" I was so surprised at how rude she was to the little girl. The way she behaved almost made me think that she was shooting some movies, and if Aria were not a VIP here, I could have thought that she was a child actor in the film. She was just too excessively harsh.

Ma'am, please don't talk to a child like that. She'd already said sorry, and if it's compensation you want, just say so. I pulled Aria towards me, who was already crying.

She squinted her eyes on me. So how was I supposed to speak to her because she's a child? I understand you're so pissed off, but it was a blunder. Anyone could make one.

“And who might you be to tell me that?”She dashed at me and pulled my face mask. "How dare you, this ugly bitch, talk to me rudely?" She fired up.

Lady, you just invaded my privacy by pulling down my mask—no need to go overboard just because you're upset. I stared back at her while a bunch of teenagers behind me laughed. Was I losing my job here? Yes, as there is already a CCTV installed.

How can you talk to me this way just because of that idiot? She pointed behind me at Aria who was hiding. She cried so emotionally, I felt her pain. I was so irritated at how rude she was getting at Aria.

I exhaled a sigh heavily…. She's not a brat, idiot, or dimwit, as you've referred to her. It was a mere mistake, and she tearfully said sorry to you, but you didn't listen. Don't you have a child of your own at home? She didn't merit all your insults for accidentally making a mistake. This is the most excellent way I can remind you, ma. She's also a customer here, a VIP, for that matter.

Is this how you treat customers nowadays? I'll ….

I will implore you not to complete that statement. She was cut off by a velvety voice that entered through the door. The voice sounded like one I had heard before. He spoke with a commanding and yet appealing voice. Just as I turned around, the air was almost stolen from my lungs. I wasn't a stranger to many good-looking men that have passed through our entrance, but he outclassed them in my mind instantly.

He opened a hand, presenting a card from his grip. The sleeves were folded upward, uncovering the veins in his forearm. He was prominent and charismatic. I adored his aura, and he was just too handsome and royal." Call here and transfer your information.

"Your loss will be compensated" even though the designer you claimed you wear is not original and is not even close to a high-end knock-off but send any amount, I will still compensate you.

The woman was so intimidated that she struggled to stare at him. Geez! You don't have to pay for what that uncultured child did, and this lady here must be fired.

I still have to pay you because that uncultured child is my daughter.

My eyes widened as those words hit me. I mean, I couldn't lie; that was jaw-dropping.

I could see much fear in the woman's eyes as she decided whether to apologize or gather her ego. She couldn't let shame overpower her, so she shouted louder, "It must be nice to have that much power over strangers simply because you have money."

You had better choose this card before I have a change of heart. You will not be compensated, and I assure you,you're going to pay dearly for harassing my daughter and the lady who defended her.

She babbled some words and didn't know what to say again. She grabbed the card and stormed out. I bent down to pickmy mask, pulling Aria, still crying, into my chest for that tight hug.

I am sorry, Camilla, I didn't mean to do that. What will she do to you? Is she going to make you quit working here? A deluge of questions came tearfully from her. As I was finding it hard to console her. I have never seen her in such a condition; she must be terrified.

Her father called her, come here, sweetheart. He was holding her daughter in his arms, consoling her with the whole heart that he wouldn't let the lady do anything to me. For the very first time, someone was dint of pride in me without any fear and without judging me by seeing my scar.