Chapter 2 Someone I cannot joke with

Aliya's POV Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me and I shrieked in fear and fell on the ground freezing out and getting completely numb. As I struggled to catch my breath, I realized the footsteps had stopped. I slowly turned my head, expecting to see the attacker from my nightmares. But instead, I saw a young woman, concern etched on her face.

"Ma'am, are you okay?" she asked, rushing to my side.

I nodded, still shaken, and she helped me up. We stood there for a moment, assessing the situation.

"I'm so sorry," I stammered. "I thought...I thought someone was following me." The woman smiled sympathetically.

"You're safe now. I was just jogging. I didn't mean to scare you."

We exchanged awkward smiles, and she apologized again.

"Should I at least take you back home? Maybe, you could"...

No, I'll be fine. Please don't bother.

She nodded before jogging away. Though relieved, my heart still raced. I managed to walk back home yet I couldn't shake off the feeling of vulnerability. Why did this keep happening? Why couldn't I shake off the fear? I locked myself inside, double-checking the bolts and chains. For a moment, I felt safe, enclosed in my sanctuary. But the memory of that afternoon lingered. The sound of footsteps, the rush of adrenaline, the crippling fear. I collapsed onto the couch, tears streaming down my face. When would I be free from this prison of fear? And what did I do that this person that he keeps on watching me for years, refusing to relent.

The phone buzzed, breaking the silence. It was Hailey.

"Hey, girl! How's work?" she asked.

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But something about her cheerful tone made me open up. " Hailey, I had another panic attack on the way home," I confessed. There was a pause on the other end. "Maybe it's time to consider a change," Hailey said gently. "A new job, a new route...something to break this cycle." And if this goes on,maybe we will have to relocate." You know, environment can be a strong factor" Her words resonated deep within me.

"But back in the white mansion, I still faced this fear" I tried to explain.

"No, don't think about that. Tell me, how is your therapy working?"

" I really can't notice any changes", I replied. "But just go on with work. We will talk when you come back home" After I ended the call, I turned to my speaker to put on loud music. I hate staying alone and that was the reason why I brought in Hailey as my roommate. From there, I drifted off to sleep, nightmarish thoughts still lingering.

Morning East Café Manager Jake had assembled his employees that early morning before any customer arrived at the café. "I really don't know where I got it wrong. I don't know who sold me off. They want to kill me before my time. Why did he suddenly pick interest in this café? This three-star café? How can someone like him want to drink coffee in my shop. What have I done wrong? Although, Manager Jake had gathered the employees, he was muttering and trembling violently. Everyone could not help but wonder what was wrong.

I just arrived at the café and noticed Manager Jake giving instructions to my colleagues. I rushed to the dressing room to change my clothes. This was unlike Manager Jake.

Aliya didn't you see the message in the group chat. I instructed that everyone should be here before 6:30am. You are 30 mins late, Manager Jake reprimanded.

"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't see the message."

"That's not a problem as long as you're here already. You will be responsible for Mr Black. There will be no customers today aside him. He's going to be here by 9am. Aliya, you are my best employee. You cannot fail me today. We can have our heads cut off with the click of his finger if we displease him"

"Who is this Mr Black," I couldn't help but ask loudly.

"You don't know? Aliya, are you this out dated or did you just fly in from Planet Mars?" My rival at work, Kate mocked.

I ignored her and asked Manager Jake for more directions. He instructed everyone to get back to work before dragging me into the office.

I frowned as his burly hand clung to mine, almost kneeling on the floor. Somehow, I always feel insecure when men come close to me or do little things such as holding my hands but today, I had to overcome it. Manager Jake seems to be in a very pitiable situation.

Aliya, please you have to save my ass today. I will give you a 20% increase in your salary. I will do anything you want.

I stared at Manager Jake, very dumbfounded. Was his current situation this demanding? Over the months, I've been pleading for a 5% increment in my salary and he refused saying that I was no one special to him to expect such a favour but now...

Sir, can you give me more details...

I'm not even in the right frame of mind to tell you anything. You just need to please Mr Black. I don't know what he wants from us. You are our life saver today. And you know what, if you can please him today, our cafe would be renowned and would become a hub of power and entertainment. We can even buy a bigger property and build a five star restaurant.

"W-what do you mean by pleasing him?"

"Serve him coffee. Is that too much to ask if you, Aliya Walter? Please help me out today," he grabbed my hand as he pleaded.

"I promise I will help you," I quickly withdrew my hand. " I will do everything I can."

"You sure?"

I nodded before leaving his office. "Manager Jake was acting out in the office. How powerful can the said Mr Black be? And what exactly does he means by pleasing him? It sounded like it has more to do than just serving coffee."