The familiar voice rang in her ears,and Aurelia turned her head to see Astrid,dressed in a waiter’s uniform and working part-time here.
When Astrid noticed her,her face lit up with surprise.“Aurelia,what are you doing here?”
Astrid was young and pretty,lively and cheerful.Though she came from a poor family,she was hardworking and full of spirit,like a little sun warming everyone around her.It was no wonder Santino had fallen for her.
“I was just wandering and thought I’d try the drinks here.”Aurelia changed the subject.“You’re working here?Santino doesn’t mind?”
“Of course,he doesn’t agree,but his birthday is in a few days,and I want to save money to buy him a gift.Aurelia,you can’t tell him,alright?”
Aurelia nodded softly.“I know.It’s a surprise.”
As she watched Astrid walk away,Aurelia quietly counted the days again.Santino’s birthday,exactly the day her flight to Iceland was set to leave.
“Bitch,don’t act so high and mighty.Aren’t you just a bar girl?What are you pretending for?”The sound of a bottle shattering cut through the air.
Astrid’s hair was yanked by a burly man,her face turning pale with fear as several sleazy old men surrounded her.
“I really am not a bar girl,I’m just a waitress…”
Before she could finish,a heavy slap landed hard across her face.
Hearing the commotion,Aurelia rushed over and was met with the scene.She even recognized the man tormenting Astrid,an infamous nouveau riche,well known for using money to force women into submission.
Aurelia had already been in a foul mood,and now this man dared to cause trouble right in front of her.He must have been asking for it.
She grabbed a bottle and smashed it against his bald head,shards scattering across the floor.The man glared furiously,but the moment his eyes fell on Aurelia,his anger froze.
“Do you know who I am?”Aurelia’s face was cold,her presence carrying authority that could not be ignored.
The man stammered,his body trembling.“Y-yes,I know…President Aurelia.”
Everyone knew Aurelia’s ways.Though only a woman,she had kicked down her elder brother to take control of the family and was known for being ruthless and absolute in her words.
“You knew,and still dared to bully my friend?”
The man panicked instantly,dropping to his knees and groveling.“I didn’t realize she was your friend,I was blind…”