♥ Chapter 1♥
Asher Bennett.
It has been five years since I arrived in Elyssia, a small country that became my home—even though, at first, it didn’t feel like it. When Nick and I landed here, we knew no one and barely spoke the language. Every day was a struggle to find work, to understand the street signs, to not get lost in a city indifferent to our problems. But, like everything in life, things eventually fell into place.
Today, at twenty-five, I look at Castellano City and can almost call it home. It’s a peculiar city, blending the old and the new uniquely. The buildings in the city center have classic architecture, with ornate facades that tell stories from another era, while the surrounding glass and steel skyscrapers serve as a constant reminder that progress never stops.
Wide, well-paved streets are lined with trees that change color with the seasons. In the summer, the vibrant green contrasts with the blue sky, and in the fall, the entire city transforms into a palette of gold and red. The shops range from family-owned boutiques to major international brands, always offering something new at every corner.
Cafés with outdoor seating, restaurants emitting a variety of enticing aromas, and well-maintained parks make Castellano City a vibrant place. Yet, there’s a certain air of mystery to it all. Maybe it’s the name Castellano that carries that feeling, as if the city still holds secrets from its founders and leaders.
Nick and I found our place here. Even though the memory of what I left behind still hurts, Elyssia gave me a chance to start over. Castellano City is beautiful in its own way, and now I can finally see it clearly.
Over the years, I’ve gone out with a few people. I never deluded myself with promises of love or lasting relationships. Maybe I’ll never be ready for that. I just enjoy a night, and the next day, I move on. My life revolves around work, home, and occasionally, a night of no-strings-attached sex.
We share an apartment. It’s not the most expensive, but it has a touch of luxury that still surprises me. Polished wooden floors, large windows that let in plenty of sunlight. Everything has a refined look. This city is well maintained, and I can’t deny that I’m grateful to have found a place like this.
Of course, Castellano City has its dark rumors. People talk about a leader who controls everything—a cruel and dangerous man. According to the whispers, walking alone at night could mean abduction and an uncertain fate at some secret auction. At first, Nick and I believed every word. We were newcomers, and fear kept us cautious. But after five years, we’ve never seen anything with our own eyes.
I spend my days working at the diner. Nick works at TechNova Solutions, a tech company, where he’s a systems' analyst. He loves what he does, and his dedication to his job is admirable. We’ve always supported each other, and that partnership has been the foundation of our life here.
6:30 AM – Diner – Castellano City
Friday
In the employee break room, I put on my uniform for another day of work. This isn’t just any diner—it’s one of the most famous in the city, always packed. The rush never stops, and I like that. Keeping busy prevents my mind from wandering to places I’d rather forget.
I take a moment to look in the mirror. Light brown eyes stare back at me, holding an intensity that sometimes unsettles me. My recently dyed gray contrasts with my tanned skin. I like the look. I chose it for myself—a way to express the control I now have over my life.
At five foot five, I was always one of the shortest among my friends, but it never bothered me. My body, once skinny, has gained definition over the years. The physically demanding jobs when I first arrived here shaped my muscles, giving me a stronger appearance. I’ve gone from an insecure boy to a man who understands his own worth.
I adjust my shirt, making sure it looks perfect, and take a deep breath. Time to face another day.
The break room door swings open as my coworkers start to filter in. Liam, always the first to arrive, walks in with that mischievous grin of his.
"Hey, Asher! Ready for another chaotic day?" He laughs.
"As if we had a choice, right?" I reply, chuckling as well.
Sophia and Jack walk in right after him, animatedly debating some TV show. The room quickly fills with voices and laughter.
"You have to watch this show, Asher! It’s amazing!" Jack says enthusiastically.
"If it’s as good as the last one you recommended, I think I’ll pass," I reply, remembering that terrible experience.
"Hey! That one had its charm!" He protests, laughing.
Sophia puts her bag in the locker.
"Since it’s Friday, how about going to a club after work?" she suggests, excited.
"Yes! It’s been a while since we all went out together," Liam agrees.
"I’m in," Jack responds instantly.
They all turn to me, waiting for my answer. I think for a moment. It’s been months since I last went out. Inviting Nick sounds like a good idea.
"Why not? I’ll invite Nick. He’ll like it," I say, and they all cheer.
"It’s going to be great!" Sophia exclaims, thrilled.
With our plans set, we finish getting ready. Everyone puts on their uniforms, and we head out to start another busy day, excited about the night ahead.
As soon as we step out of the break room, our manager, Mr. Harris, greets us with his usual stern expression.
"Why are you all so cheerful? Don’t get happy just because it’s Friday. There’s still plenty of work to do," he grumbles.
I roll my eyes quietly, just like the others. Mr. Harris loves asserting his authority and constantly reminding us of our place, but we’re used to it.
"Liam, you’re on the counter today. I want you to pay attention to every single order—no mistakes, got it?" He barks, not even waiting for a response. "Sophia, you’re in charge of deliveries. I don’t want any delays; is that clear?"
She simply nods, sighing quietly.
"Jack, clean the outdoor area before we open. There’s a lot of trash out there, and I want everything spotless for the customers."
Jack makes a face but nods.
Finally, Harris turns to me, giving me that same usual look.
"Asher, fryers, and the kitchen floor. I want everything to shine. No excuses."
My stomach twists. Cleaning the fryers is one of the worst tasks, but I just force a smile and nod.
"No problem, sir."
He simply gives me a look that says good choice before walking away. My coworkers glance at me with sympathy, but we all know arguing with him is pointless.
Liam heads to the counter, organizing the menus and checking the order system. Sophia adjusts her helmet and reviews the delivery list, while Jack grabs a broom and heads outside, muttering something about the disgusting smell of piled-up trash.
I make my way to the kitchen, trying to ignore the frustration. Cleaning the fryers is exhausting, and the stench of burnt grease sticks to clothes and skin.
I grab rubber gloves and the strongest degreased available. As I pull the fryer away from the wall, I stare at the thick layer of grease stuck to the bottom.
"Great," I mutter, picking up the brush and dipping it into the cleaning solution.
I scrub hard, feeling the heat and the heavy scent of grease invading my nostrils. My arm is already aching, but I push through, determined to get it done as quickly as possible.
The grease starts loosening, turning into a brown sludge that slides down the metal edges. I try not to think too much about it, but it’s impossible not to feel my stomach churn.
As I scrub, my mind drifts to tonight’s plans. Going out with my coworkers, dancing, maybe meeting someone interesting… It’s been too long since my routine has been anything but work and home.
After nearly half an hour of effort, the fryer finally looks clean. I rinse it thoroughly, making sure no traces of chemicals remain, and dry it with a clean cloth.
But there’s still the floor.
I grab the mop and bucket, filling it with hot water and detergent.
As I run the mop over the sticky floor, I feel every muscle in my body protest. Probably the result of countless frying sessions with no proper cleaning.
"Damn it," I grumble, scrubbing harder.
The water in the bucket quickly turns a murky gray, proof of all the grime built up over time. I wring out the mop and keep going until the floor finally starts shining under the fluorescent lights.
Leaning against the wall for a moment, I wipe the sweat from my forehead with the sleeve of my shirt. The scent of disinfectant and grease still lingers in the air, but at least the worst part of the day is done.
"Not bad," I murmur, trying to find some comfort in the fact that the hardest part is over.
I put away the supplies and washed my hands quickly before heading back to the main area. My coworkers are already busy, and the diner is starting to fill up.
Still exhausted, but with a small wave of relief, I allow myself a brief smile. The night is still ahead, and maybe—just maybe—it will bring something that makes all this effort worth it.