Isabel's pov

"Thank you! Have a great day!" I called out to the customer I just served, handing them their change.

I wiped down the counter at the café where I worked, the familiar scent of coffee and pastries filling the air. On the outside, I was a happy soul, always ready with a smile and a kind word for the customers. But beneath that cheerful exterior, there was a sadness that lingered, a weight I carried with me every day. But you should enjoy the every movement you get, right?

As the door chimed, signaling a new customer, I looked up and my heart lifted. It was Kim Jungmein, a man in his fifties who had become a dear friend and a regular at the café. He had a kind face and a gentle demeanor that always brought a smile to my face. More than that, he had helped me with Ms. Han's treatment, and for that, I was eternally grateful.

"Mr. Kim!" I squealed, my face lighting up with a big smile.

"It's so good to see you!" He smiled warmly in return, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Isabel, my dear, how are you today?" We had a happy conversation, the kind that made the troubles of the world seem a little lighter, at least for a moment.

"How's Ms. Han doing?" he asked, genuinely concerned.

"She's holding on," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "The treatments are tough on her, but she's strong. Thanks to you, she's getting the care she needs."

He nodded, his expression softening. "I'm glad to hear that. And how about you? How are you holding up with everything?"

I hesitated for a moment, thinking about the long hours at the café and the library, the endless studying, and the worry that never seemed to leave me.

"It's hard," I admitted, "but I'm managing. I have to. For Ms. Han."

He reached across the counter, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "You're doing an incredible job, Isabel. Your parents would be so proud of you."

His words touched a part of me that I usually kept hidden, and I felt a lump form in my throat. I thought of my parents, who never loved me. I was just a mistake to them, an unwanted burden. My childhood had been hard, filled with neglect and loneliness. When they died, a part of me felt relieved, but also lost. Ms. Han had been my saving grace, taking me in and caring for me as if I were her own

"Thank you, Mr. Kim. That means a lot."

I thought back to my childhood, to the days at the orphanage after my parents died. Ms. Han had been my nanny, taking me in and caring for me as if I were her own. We both ended up at the orphanage, and she continued to watch over me until I was old enough to leave. I got a scholarship to the most prestigious college "ELITES", and now I was juggling school and work to support myself and help with her treatment.

"You're a bright young woman, Isabel. I have no doubt you'll succeed in whatever you set your mind to," Mr. KIim said, his voice filled with conviction.

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Thank you. I just want to make a better life for myself and repay Ms. Han for everything she's done for me."

He gave me a nod of approval. "And you will. Just keep pushing forward, one day at a time."

I watched Mr. Kim leave, his kind words echoing in my mind., I felt a renewed sense of determination. Life was hard, but I had people who believed in me, and that made all the difference. I took a deep breath and got back to work, ready to face whatever came my way.

The cafe was bustling with the mid-morning rush, but his visit had given me a moment of peace and encouragement.

"Hey, Isabel, can you handle the register for a bit? I need to take a quick break," my coworker, Ana called from behind the espresso machine.

"Sure thing," I replied, stepping over to the counter.

As I started ringing up customers, I couldn't help but think back to my life before the orphanage. Ms. Han had tried her best to provide love and security, and for that, I was endlessly grateful.

"Hi there, what can I get for you?" I asked the next customer in line, shaking off my thoughts.

"A latte and a blueberry muffin, please," the young woman replied.

I quickly prepared her order, the motions so familiar they were almost automatic. As I handed over her change, my mind wandered back to the orphanage. It hadn't been an easy place to grow up, but it had its moments of joy. Ms. Han was always there, with her soothing voice and warm hugs, making sure I never felt completely alone.

"Thanks, have a great day!" I said, forcing a bright smile as I handed over the latte and muffin.

The next customer in line was a regular, a student from the nearby college.

"Hey, Isabel! How's the studying going?"

"Hey, Hyunjin. It's going alright. Just trying to keep my head above water, you know?"

He chuckled. "I hear you. Finals are brutal this semester. But if anyone can handle it, it's you."

"Thanks, Hyunjin. That means a lot."

After the rush died down, I took a moment to catch my breath. Ana returned from her break, giving me a sympathetic look.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, just thinking about everything. It's a lot sometimes," I admitted.

She nodded, her expression understanding. "I can't imagine doing what you do. You're amazing, Isabel."

"Thanks, Ana. I just... I don't want to let anyone down. Especially Ms. Han."

"You're not. You're doing everything you can. And she's proud of you, I know it."

The rest of my shift passed in a blur. By the time I clocked out, I was exhausted but determined. I grabbed my bag and headed to the library for my second job. The walk across campus was a chance to clear my head and mentally prepare for the hours of shelving books and helping students with their research.

The library was quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling cafe. I loved the calmness of the place, the way it allowed me to focus on my studies and my work without the constant hum of conversation.

"Hey, Isabel," Mr. Nam, the head librarian, greeted me as I walked in.

"Ready for another shift?"

"Always," I replied with a smile.

As I worked, I thought about the future. It was hard to see beyond the next exam or the next shift, but I had dreams. I wanted to graduate with honors, get a good job, and ensure Ms. Han had everything she needed. She had given up so much for me, and I was determined to repay her in any way I could.

Hours later, I finally returned to my small apartment. It wasn't much, but it was mine. I flopped onto my bed, letting out a long sigh. My body ached from the long day, but my mind was still buzzing with thoughts of assignments and responsibilities.

I picked up my phone and dialed Ms. Han's number. She answered on the second ring, her voice filled with warmth and familiarity.

"Isabel, my dear, how are you?" she asked.

"Hi, Ms. Han. I'm doing okay. Just finished a long day at work and the library," I replied, trying to keep my voice cheerful despite my exhaustion.

"You work too hard, sweetheart. You need to take care of yourself too," she said gently.

"I know, but I have to keep going. How are you feeling today?"

"I'm alright. The treatments are tough, but I'm getting through it. Knowing you're out there working so hard makes me proud, Isabel."

Her words brought tears to my eyes, and I blinked them away, not wanting her to hear me cry.

"Thank you, Ms. Han. I just want to make sure you're taken care of. You did so much for me growing up. It's the least I can do."

"You've always been such a kind-hearted girl. Remember to take breaks and rest. You're doing an amazing job, and you deserve some time for yourself too."

"I will, I promise," I said, though I knew finding time to rest was a luxury I couldn’t often afford.

We talked a little longer, her voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. After we said our goodbyes, I lay back on my bed, staring at the ceiling. The room was quiet, but my mind was loud with thoughts of the past, the present, and the uncertain future.

I reached over to my nightstand and grabbed my textbooks, deciding to get some studying done before sleep claimed me. My eyes were heavy, but I forced myself to focus. Every page I read, every problem I solved, was a step closer to my goals.

A soft knock on my door interrupted my thoughts. I glanced at the clock, surprised to see it was almost midnight. Who could be here at this hour? I got up and walked to the door, opening it cautiously.

"Surprise!" Ana stood there, holding a small pizza box and a couple of sodas. "Thought you could use a late-night study break."

"Ana, what are you doing here?" I asked, unable to hide my smile.

"I figured you'd be burning the midnight oil, so I brought Some energy for you," she said, pushing past me into the room.

"You can't study on an empty stomach."

"You're a lifesaver," I said, closing the door behind her.

We sat on my bed, eating pizza and chatting about school, work, and everything in between. It was a rare moment , a reminder that I wasn't alone in this struggle.

"Thanks for this, Ana. I really needed it," I said, feeling the weight of the day lift just a little.

"Anytime, Isabel. We're in this together, remember?"

As we laughed and talked, I felt a glimmer of hope. Life was hard, but it was moments like this that made it bearable. With friends like Ana and Mr. Kim, and the unwavering support of Ms. Han, I knew I could keep pushing forward, one day at a time.

The cafe was quieter than usual that morning,bI was polishing the counter when the door chimed, announcing the arrival of a new customer. My gaze flicked up automatically, and I froze.

The man who walked in was strikingly handsome, with an air of effortless charisma. He was in his thirties, and his face, though expressionless, exuded a raw magnetism that was hard to ignore.

His features were chiseled, almost sculpted, with high cheekbones and a strong jawline. His hair was dark and slightly tousled, long enough to run fingers through when he would - the hell is wrong with me.

He was tall, his presence commanding attention as he moved with a fluid grace that seemed almost deliberate. His deep-set eyes were locked on his phone, engrossed in whatever he was doing. I couldn’t help but stare, mesmerized. He looked exactly like the fictional character from the romance novels I read, the kind of man who swept through life with an enigmatic charm.

“Are you going to ogle me or take my order?” His voice, deep and velvety, cut through the quiet. My heart skipped a beat, and I sucked in a breath, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks.

I quickly shook off my daze, forcing a bright smile as I approached him.

“Sorry about that. I was just... taken aback. What can I get for you?”

As I prepared his order, I couldn't shake the magnetic pull of the mysterious man. I decided to take a bold step, letting my playful side come through. I flashed him a teasing smile as I slid the cup across the counter.

“So, do you come here often, or am I just lucky today?” I asked, trying to sound light-hearted.

He glanced up from his phone, his expression still unreadable. The intensity of his gaze made me shiver slightly.

“Is that so?”

I felt my cheeks flush under his scrutinizing look, but I held my ground.

“Well, I like to think I add a little extra charm to the place. Don’t you agree?”

He raised an eyebrow, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race. I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his stare. Trying to keep the conversation playful, I added,

“Or are you just here for the-?”

His gaze remained stern, almost stern enough to cut through steel. The tension was palpable, and I felt a jolt of daring energy surge through me. I took a deep breath, my voice coming out in a shaky but bold whisper

“Choke me, Daddy.” From here did it came?

The words tumbled out before I could fully process them, and the shock on his face was immediate. His eyes widened, a mix of surprise and confusion crossing his features. For a moment, the world seemed to freeze as the weight of my daring statement hung in the air.

The man’s jaw tightened, and he stared at me, speechless. I stood there, feeling a mixture of mortification and exhilaration, waiting for his reaction.

As the shock of my words lingered in the air, I couldn’t help but let out a laugh, the sound echoing in the quiet café. He just stared at me, his expression a mix of confusion and something darker, more intense. His gaze was unrelenting, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

“You look exactly like the man from my fiction books,” I said, my voice trembling with a mix of fear and excitement.

“Why miss the chance? We never know when we might die, so a little happiness wouldn’t harm anyone… Daddy.”

His eyes widened for a split second again before narrowing, his expression hardening. The silence between us was palpable, the air thick with tension. And then, to my surprise, a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

The sight of that smile made my heart race even faster. I felt a thrill of triumph and fear all at once.

“See? Even the toughest exterior can crack a little,” I teased, though my voice was shaky.

He took a step closer, his presence overwhelming.

“You’re quite bold, aren’t you?” he said, his voice low and menacing, yet tinged with a hint of amusement.

“Maybe,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “Or maybe I just have a humour for finding adventure in the most unexpected places.” He leaned in slightly, his eyes boring into mine.

“You certainly know how to make an impression.” I swallowed hard, feeling a mix of fear and exhilaration.

“That’s the idea. Life’s too short to play it safe all the time.”For a moment, we just stared at each other, the intensity of his gaze making it hard to breathe. Then he straightened, his smile fading back into a hard line.

“Careful what you wish for,” he said, his voice a dark whisper. As he turned to leave, a surge of boldness overtook me.

“At least tell me your name… Daddy,” I called after him, my voice a mix of challenge and plea.

"You really don't know who am I?" He stopped, his back still facing me. Slowly, he glanced over his shoulder, his eyes piercing through me with a look that sent shivers down my spine. His gaze was sharp, almost predatory.

"Huh?"

“You’ve already given me one,”  he husked, his voice low and dripping with dark amusement. Then, with a wicked wink, he turned and walked out of the cafe.

I stood there, my heart pounding in my chest, breathless from the intensity of the encounter. The world around me seemed to blur as his words echoed in my DID HE JUST TELL ME TO ADDRESS HIM AS DADDY?The way he looked at me, the power in his voice—it was intoxicating, terrifying, and exhilarating all at once.

I felt a rush of heat flood my cheeks, my entire body tingling with the aftershock of our exchange. He had left me reeling, and I knew I would be thinking about this moment long after he was gone. The mysterious stranger had woven himself into my thoughts, a dark shadow that promised danger and excitement.

As I tried to steady my breathing, I realized I was smiling, a mixture of thrill and dread coursing through me.

Returning to my work, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had just opened a door to something much bigger than myself. The thrill of that brief, intense exchange lingered, a dark promise of what might come.

My man is also excited for his new book 🤧🤧

Alright, my loveies, I just couldn't wait any longer! This chapter was sitting in my drafts, and my impatient self just had to share it with you. (What can I say? I'm hungry for your love and feedback!🤧)

So here's the First chapter. I'll be posting the rest of the chapters once I finish my other book. (Yes, I know, I need to stop starting new book before finishing the old ones... but who can resist when inspiration strikes, right?)

And yes, don't forget to add this book to your reading list! Your support means the world to me, and I can't wait to hear what you think!