MILENA'S POV
What a narrow escape.
If not for that stranger my unexpected, handsome helper I might have been raped tonight.
Handsome. Really, Milena?
When did I start complimenting men?
Men are scumbags. All of them.
They take what they want and leave you with the pieces.
Just like Eric.
My ex-boyfriend.
We dated for a year. I loved him stupidly, deeply. I sacrificed everything for him, even when he knew exactly how badly my foster parents treated me. He was the first person I trusted with my heart… and he crushed it.
Eric worked for my uncle Thomas back then. When he stole Thomas's money, he came crawling to me, begging me to take the blame. He said Thomas would forgive me because I was "family."
And like a fool, I did it.
Thomas punished me so brutally that I became a school dropout.
When I told Eric what happened, hoping he'd care…
he broke up with me instead.
The pain still stings, even now.
If not for Lina begging Thomas nonstop, I wouldn't have been allowed back in school at all.
I hate men. Especially Eric.
Still… despite everything, I can't help hoping my handsome helper isn't like him.
But hope is dangerous.
I shake my head, pushing the thoughts away. I need to focus.
I have breakfast to prepare before Lina gets back, and I still need to get ready for tonight's club shift.
Another day in my life.
Another fight to survive.