Chapter 7

• Hailey had a terrible headache from drinking too much. She felt annoyed and prayed to God that Arturo wouldn't come to the apartment.
• And her wish was granted because he didn't show up.
• She did a little cleaning because there wasn't much to do. Then she took off her apron, packed everything in her bag, and left for the mansion.
• When she arrived, she was waiting in line to pay when it was her turn. She thought it might be Paulo, but it wasn't.
• She lowered her head.
• "Good afternoon, Mr. Arturo," she said.
• "Your payment and sign today's receipt, please," he said, serious as always. She was expecting him to insult her or something, but it was as if nothing had happened.
• "Do you need anything?" he asked, looking into her eyes without any emotion.
• She snapped back to reality and said, "No, sir! I'm leaving."
• Hailey left the office and sighed. She was confused and quite upset.
• The thought of sleeping crossed her mind, and that's exactly what she did all afternoon.
• In the evening, she went to the kitchen. Chelsito was cooking a delicious dinner, and it smelled amazing.
• "The sleeping beauty has awakened," Luis teased.
• "Leave her alone, she's not used to it," Iliana said.
• "Yes, let's eat instead. The boss has a visitor, and I don't think he'll appreciate the noise."
• "A visitor?" Hailey asked.
• "Yes, my dear, his father, mother, and siblings are here."
• "Oh, wow!"
• Hailey went to her room but felt a pang in her heart when she saw the calendar. In 2 hours, it would be midnight, and it's her mother's birthday. They won't be together to celebrate it like they always did.
• Sadness overwhelmed her heart. She felt like she couldn't sleep or breathe. She put on a robe and went out to the garden. It was very cold, but she felt the need to go outside.
• There was still snow...
• but the moon was beautiful and radiant.
• She sat on a bench with a wooden roof that protected her from the snow.
• She started singing, and singing... tears streamed down her face. "No matter how much I want to move forward, it's hard, Mom. I miss you, I miss Dad. New York is not how I imagined it. There are good and bad people, but thank you for being with me and giving me good friends, Mom. But I miss you, I want to have you by my side. I want you to hug me..."
• Hailey closed her eyes and remembered when she felt sad, her mom would stroke her head and back. She imagined her mom doing it and cried like a little girl.
• "Are you okay?"
• Hailey jumped in fright, wiping her tears.
• "Hey, calm down, girl. Who are you?" she asked.
• "It's me, I work here. And you?"
• "Nice to meet you, I'm Sabrina."
• "I haven't seen you before."
• "I rarely come here. I'm Arturo's sister."
• "Miss!" Hailey stood up.
• "Sit down," Sabrina said.
• "It's not proper, miss."
• "I'm not like my brother."
• "Well, that makes me feel better."
• "Tell me, what is a beautiful young girl like you doing working here?"
• "It's a long story, Sabrina."
• "I'll be here for two days. You can tell me little by little."
• "What were you doing at this hour, miss?"
• "I suppose the same as you," Sabrina smiled kindly. "My life is a bit complicated, you know, being the 'baby' of the family with two brothers."
• "I understand, but you're lucky to have your family."
• "Well, yes, now tell me about yourself."
• "Oh, do you want to smoke?"
• "What is that?"
• "It's an expensive cigarette. If my family sees me smoking, they'll kill me, hahaha."
• "Why do you do it?" Hailey asked curiously.
• "To distract myself, to relieve stress."
• "Oh, I see! But I don't know how to do it."
• "Don't worry, I'll teach you."
• Hailey tried it and started coughing.
• "Hahaha, that's normal... you'll get used to it."
• Hailey told him about her life but stopped when she saw Sabrina crying.
• "I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?"
• "You've suffered a lot. Life can be unfair. Do you want another cigarette?"
• "Yes, please."
• "It's sad, really. Despite how my mother is, I don't know what I would do without her," Sabrina said.
• "My mother's birthday is today. I used to always make her favorite chocolate cake."
• "I'm so sorry, beautiful. But you'll see that there are good things waiting for you."
• "We're the same age, you know. Have you thought about studying?"
• "Of course, little by little, I've bought some books. I want to finish university."
• "But it will be difficult while working here."
• "I know, I want to do a different kind of job. I'll figure it out."
• "I think it's better if we go to sleep."
• "Alright, see you tomorrow."
• "Good night, Miss Sabrina."
• Hailey went to her room.
• She was very cold, so she covered herself completely to keep warm.
• The next day, she went to the kitchen to help bring breakfast to the family.
• "Good morning!" Hailey said kindly and sweetly. Arturo's brother stared at her.
• Arturo was annoyed.
• Hailey couldn't help but think about how much they resembled each other and how beautiful their mother was, not to mention their father.
• Sabrina winked at Hailey as a greeting, and she just nodded.
• Hailey went to the garden to check on the plant she had planted. It was growing beautifully. Every time she watered it, she would sing to it.
• Then she returned to clean the floors of the mansion.
• "What are you doing there, Hailey?" Sabrina asked.
• "Miss, it's easier for me to clean this way."
• "Leave it there, let's go out."
• "No, Miss, I can't. If your brother finds out, they'll deduct it from my salary."
• "Eh, you like my brother..."
• Hailey blushed like a tomato.
• "Don't worry, I'll keep your secret. It's a shame that my brother only has eyes for fake plastic women. You're so beautiful."
• "Thank you, Miss, but I know my place."
• "Well, dear, I'll see you later, alright?"
• "Yes!"
• "Oh, I forgot to tell you, there's a party."
• "A party? Here in the mansion?"
• "Yes, dear, and the employees can attend."
• "What is it for?"
• "It's to celebrate my brother being the number one CEO."
• "Oh, that's great."
• "I'll bring a beautiful dress for you."
• "No, Miss, please, it's not necessary."
• "What do you mean?"
• "If that's the case, I'll have to work, and that's what I'll do. Please don't do these things."
• "Don't be silly. The only one who will be working is the chef. We'll have expert waiters. I'll bring something for your shift."
• "You're about my size. Well, see you later, beautiful."
• Hailey was speechless.