The owner, spotting Melissa, greeted her warmly, "Ah, there you are, Melissa. The dirty dishes are waiting in the kitchen. Looks like you have a busy night ahead."

Melissa replied with a slight smile, "No problem at all. I've got plenty of energy."

The owner appreciated Melissa's hard work. Getting the dishes cleaned at a professional facility would cost her twice as much. Being a small business owner, she was always looking for ways to save money.

She just wondered why such a young and sweet girl would take such a grueling job.

It was tough and dirty work after all.

Trusting Melissa to manage, the owner left.

Melissa crouched in the dimly lit kitchen, tirelessly scrubbing the stack of greasy bowls and plates. If she finished these, she'd earn $100, adding up to $3, 00 for a month's work. With her other two jobs, her monthly earnings could soar to nearly $20, 000. She was determined to pay off her debts as quickly as possible.

She often thought about clearing her debt to Marcus, believing it would bring her some peace when facing him.

The thought of their relationship, however, was something she dared not entertain.

The events of that night in her rented apartment seemed like a distant dream to her.

A dream she felt she should forget.

And she almost did forget, like a child who relishes a sweet cake only to have the taste fade over time. Yet, whenever it crossed her mind, a tinge of sadness still lingered.

Her focus was broken by a sharp pain. She realized her cut finger had been soaking in the dirty dishwater, now swollen and throbbing with discomfort.

Melissa extended her hand, her gaze fixed on her calloused fingers.

She was deep in thought, yet she knew she couldn't afford to daydream for long.

She realized it would be past one in the morning by the time she finished.

And she had an early start at the breakfast shop at six.

As she washed the dishes with intense focus, the pain in her hands seemed to fade away. In the dimly lit, cramped restaurant, a man of elegance stood. His silhouette stretched in the faint light.

Melissa only looked up when the light wisps of smoke cleared.

Her eyes met his.