I shut the apartment door behind me and let out a deep breath. The place was still mostly empty, but somehow, it already felt like home. Or maybe I was just trying to convince myself of that.
Daniel was sitting on the couch—or what we were calling a couch for now—scrolling through his phone. He looked up the second I walked in, his eyes narrowing slightly like he already knew I was up to something.
I dropped my bag onto the small table and stretched my arms. "I got a job."
Daniel's expression didn't change. "Where?"
I hesitated for a second. "Eclipse Nightclub."
That got a reaction. His phone hit the table with a soft thud as he sat up straighter. "You're joking."
"Nope."
"Tell me you're joking."
I sighed, already bracing myself. "Daniel, it's a legit job. I met Sophia Moreau herself, and she offered me a chance to prove myself tonight."
He scoffed, shaking his head. "Sophia Moreau? Rose, do you even know what kind of place that is?"
"Yes, I do," I shot back. "It's the biggest nightclub in town. It pays well, and I need this."
His jaw clenched. "It's not just a nightclub. Yeah, VIPs go there, but there's also a crowd full of… let's just say people who don't care about rules. Drunks, creeps, and guys who think they own the world."
I folded my arms. "I'm going to be a waitress, Daniel. I'll be delivering drinks, not getting involved in anything else."
"That doesn't mean you'll be safe." His voice was sharp now, frustration creeping in. "You don't belong in a place like that."
I exhaled slowly, softening my tone. "I don't have many options right now. I need a job, and this one is available. I'll be careful, okay? I promise."
Daniel ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head. "This isn't about dignity, Rose. It's about not putting yourself in a dangerous situation."
I stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I hear you. I do. But I have to do this. It's just work, nothing more."
His shoulders stayed tense, but after a long pause, he let out a heavy sigh. "Fine. But if anything feels off—anything—you walk away."
I nodded. "Deal."
Later that Night – Eclipse Nightclub
When I stepped into the club, it was completely transformed. The dim elegance I had seen earlier was now alive with pulsing neon lights and music that vibrated through the walls. The scent of expensive perfume and alcohol filled the air, blending with the low hum of conversations and laughter.
Sophia was waiting near the bar, watching me as I approached. She was still effortlessly composed, dressed in sleek black, a glass of wine in her hand like she owned the entire city.
"Right on time," she said, glancing at my outfit—a simple black dress, nothing too revealing, but enough to fit the club's atmosphere. "Good. Follow me."
I fell into step beside her as she guided me through the club.
"This is the main floor," she explained, gesturing to the large dance area where people moved to the music, their bodies pressed close. "VIP is upstairs. You won't be serving there unless I say so. Your job is simple—take orders, deliver drinks, and don't get involved in anything beyond that."
I nodded, absorbing every word.
She led me behind the bar, where a few bartenders were already mixing drinks with effortless skill. Sophia motioned toward one of them. "This is Leo. He'll be handling most of your orders. If you need anything, talk to him."
Leo, a guy in his mid-30s with sharp eyes and a confident smirk, gave me a nod. "Welcome to the madness."
Sophia handed me a tray. "Let's see how quick you learn."
For the next hour, she put me through a series of tests—balancing trays, memorizing drink names, and handling fake scenarios where customers got difficult. She watched me closely, correcting my stance, my tone, even the way I moved through the crowd.
"Confidence is key," she reminded me as I dodged a particularly rowdy dancer. "If they sense hesitation, they'll take advantage."
I nodded, adjusting my posture.
By the time we reached the end of the tour, I was exhausted but determined.
Sophia studied me for a long moment before finally saying, "You'll do."
Relief flooded through me.
"Come back tomorrow night. Your real shift starts then," she added before walking off, leaving me standing in the middle of the club—right on the edge of something new.