Aurora’s Pov
The moment I stepped into my apartment, a wave of dizziness hit me. My knees nearly gave out as I leaned against the door, locking it behind me. Safe. For now.
The dim bulb overhead flickered like it always did, and the stale air greeted me, heavy with the smell of mold and neglect. My body ached all over, every bruise and cut a reminder of the nightmare I’d barely escaped. I shrugged off the oversized sweater that Ryan had wrapped around me, wincing as the fabric grazed my sore arms. I didn’t want to stain the expensive clothes, so I wore mine instead.
I needed to eat. Something simple, something to settle the nausea swirling in my stomach.
The kitchen was nothing more than a counter, a rusty sink, and a tiny stove that worked when it felt like it. I rummaged through the cabinet, finding a pack of instant noodles. The water took ages to boil, and as I stirred the noodles in, my mind drifted back to Ryan.
The way he appeared out of nowhere, stepping in like some dark knight, shielding me from my boss’s drunken rage. His eyes, sharp and cold. It had a power in them that made me both terrified and strangely safe.
Who was he?
The sound of the bubbling water brought me back to reality. I turned off the stove and slumped into the chair with my bowl, barely managing a few bites before my appetite disappeared. My body felt heavy, my thoughts clouded, but one thing was clear. I owed Ryan my life.
Hours passed and it was getting dark already, though I wasn’t sure of the exact time. The small clock on the wall ticked loudly, a constant reminder of how quiet the rest of the apartment was. Too quiet.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
I froze.
The knocks came again, louder this time. My heart raced as I crept toward the door, peeking through the peephole.
Peter. My boss.
I pressed a hand over my mouth to stifle a gasp. Why was he here? What did he want now?
“Aurora, open the door!” he shouted, his voice slurred but angry.
I stepped back, shaking my head. There was no way I was letting him in.
“I know you’re in there!” he yelled, banging on the door so hard it rattled in its frame.
I backed into the corner, my mind racing. My phone…oh wait, I didn’t have one. What could I do?
The sound of wood splintering made me flinch. The door burst open, and Peter stormed in, followed by two of his friends.
“There you are,” he sneered, his bloodshot eyes scanning the room.
“Please,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “Just leave me alone.”
But he didn’t listen. He came closer, his friends circling around me like vultures. My legs refused to move, fear rooting me to the spot.
Just as Peter reached out, the door slammed open again, this time with a force that shook the entire apartment.
Three men stormed in, their movements swift and precise. In a blur, they grabbed Peter and his lackeys, dragging them away from me. Fists flew, and the sound of punches echoed through the tiny room.
I curled into myself, watching in shock as the men incapacitated my attackers. Peter was on the floor, groaning in pain, his friends knocked out cold beside him.
One of the men crouched down beside Peter, grabbing him by the collar. His voice was low, dangerous. “If you ever come near her again, we’ll make sure you regret it. Understand?”
Peter nodded weakly, his face pale.
“Get out,” the man growled, shoving him toward the door.
Within seconds, they were gone, leaving me alone with my mysterious saviors.
I pushed myself up, my legs trembling. “Who… who are you?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
The man closest to me turned, his face shadowed. “You don’t need to worry about that. Just stay safe.”
It seems strangers have a way of saving me in situations like this.
Before I could ask anything else, they were gone, disappearing into the night as if they had never been there.
I sat on the floor, trying to process what had just happened. My chest felt tight, my breathing uneven. Who were those men? And why did they help me?
A glance at the shattered door brought me back to reality. I couldn’t stay here. Not like this. I cried my eyes out.
I don’t deserve this, I’ve never been happy since I was born. Why is this happening to me?
After some minutes had passed, I couldn’t cry anymore, I just couldn’t.
I dragged myself to the small coffee can where I kept my savings, counting out the crumpled bills. It wasn’t much…barely enough for three weeks of food, let alone fixing the door.
Tears stung my eyes as the weight of my situation crashed down on me. I couldn’t keep living like this. I needed a way out.
As I sat on the floor, the adrenaline from the attack slowly fading, I couldn’t help but wonder about the three men who had come to my rescue. Who were they? Why did they help me? Their swift intervention had saved me from a terrifying situation, and for that, I was grateful.
But now, with the immediate danger gone, reality set in. My boss, Peter, had proven himself to be a dangerous jerk. I couldn’t go back to that job; it wasn’t safe. But without an income, how was I going to survive? My savings were minimal, barely enough to get me through the next few weeks.
I needed a new job, and fast. But who would hire someone like me, with no phone and no references? As I pondered my options, Ryan’s offer came to mind. He had said I could call him if I changed my mind. I didn’t have a phone, but maybe I could find him in person.
Ryan’s card burned in my pocket, his deep voice echoing in my mind. “Call me if you change your mind.”
I didn’t want to seem desperate, but the truth was, I was. I needed help, and Ryan was the only person who had offered it. Maybe it was time to swallow my pride and accept his offer.
With a deep breath, I made up my mind. Tomorrow, I would find Ryan and see if his offer still stood. It was a risk, but at this point, I didn’t have much choice. I just hoped I wasn’t making a mistake.
I didn’t have a phone, but I didn’t need one. I knew where to find him. I’ll go to his place, I just Hope i won’t get lost. This town is big and filled with troubled individuals like my boss.
My back drifting back to Inez and my mum, I need to help my friend, I really need to. What could be the cause of that predicament?? I must find a way to see her.
With a deep breath, I made up my mind. Tomorrow, I’d go to Ryan. I’d accept his offer, no matter what it meant.
But as I stared out the broken door into the darkness, a feeling of unease crept over me. Something told me this was just the beginning.
I hope I sleep just fine with an unlocked door. This isn’t the life I hoped for.