Ma? Is that you?" asked Dyana Rosey when she saw her mother standing stiff like a doll, smiling at her.

"Ma?" Dyana Rosey tried to approach her, but her mother's figure immediately vanished from sight.

"No! No! Ma, please don't leave Rosey! I'm so sorry, Ma..."

"Dyan! Dyan! Dyana!" Suddenly, Dyana Rosey heard someone calling her name and-

"Huh!" Dyana Rosey woke up from her sleep.

"Dyan... did you dream again?" asked her best friend who was lying next to her.

"Hmm..." Dyana Rosey gave a faint smile. A dream. She often dreamed of her late mother. She missed her dearly.

"Hurry up! We're late already! If not, your uncle-oops, I mean our boss-will start nagging again!" ordered Emma as she headed toward the kitchen.

After a long yawn, Dyana Rosey went straight to the bathroom to get ready for work.

"Hurry up!" Dyana Rosey urged after waiting for half an hour. She watched the girl her age scrambling to pull on her socks.

"You woke up first but I'm still the one who's ready earlier! Strange!" remarked Dyana Rosey as she drove the car.

"Oh come on, Dyan, I'm a girl! I need makeup and all that. You should understand."

"So what am I then? A boy? An alien?"

"Even without makeup, your face is already beautiful, charming, graceful, elegant-you've got it all! Ugh, I'm jealous!" teased Emma as she pinched Dyana Rosey's cheek.

"Ouch! I'm driving!" Dyana Rosey pouted.

Dyana Rosey had met Emma while they worked at her uncle's café. Their bond grew closer after Dyana Rosey asked Emma to live with her. Emma had been kicked out of her rented house simply because another tenant could pay more on time. Such a terrible landlord.

"Oh, you're finally here... I thought you weren't coming!" Sir Edward mocked when he saw the two young women walk into his café.

"Oh boss, don't be mad! We're just a little late!"

"Earlier, Dyan nearly hit a cat!" Emma quickly added, winking at Dyana Rosey, who had to stifle her laughter.

"You're good at making excuses, huh..." Sir Edward tugged Emma's ear.

"Aaa... ouchhh! Soooorry boss!" Emma screamed.

Dyana Rosey chuckled at their antics.

"I'll get to work now, boss..." Emma smiled, her dimples showing.

"Me too!" Dyana Rosey was about to walk off when Sir Edward held her arm.

"Wait, Dyan. Follow uncle into the office."

"What's going on, uncle?" Dyana Rosey asked once inside.

She looked at the man in his fifties, who used to be her father's driver. He had quit to help his wife open this café. Dyana Rosey already considered Sir Edward as family.

"Dyan... don't you want to go back home and see your father?" Sir Edward asked. Dyana Rosey fell silent, then slowly shook her head.

"How long will this go on?" Sir Edward pressed. He had no idea how else to persuade the girl.

"Uncle, you already know what our relationship is like. I just follow whatever he wants, that's all. Besides, Papa doesn't even want to see me."

They both fell silent.

"Dad! We've got a problem!" shouted Hash, the café's manager and Sir Edward's eldest son.

"What now?" Sir Edward asked, glancing at Dyana Rosey. The three of them walked over to where Emma was talking to a man.

"At the very least, your company should give us a month to move out. This café has been running for four years, and now you just want to take it over so easily!" Emma protested.

"Miss, all the other owners have already signed to sell their properties, and we gave notice last month. This café is the only one refusing to sell." explained the dark-skinned man.

"Uncle..." Dyana Rosey looked at Sir Edward questioningly.

"Please, give me more time!" Sir Edward pleaded.

"Dad! What is this? Why didn't you tell us? How could you hide something this big?" Hash scolded bitterly.

Meanwhile, Emma had to usher all the customers out of the café.

"Hash... uncle must have his reasons," said Dyana Rosey, glancing at Sir Edward, who hung his head in silence.

"What's taking so long, huh? The president is waiting! Do you want him to yell at you?" barked a man dressed all in black.

"Sir Gio... they're protesting and asking for more time," his subordinate explained.

"I'm begging you, please give me a little more time. I love this café. Please, sir, I'm begging..." Sir Edward pleaded again.

"Tch, what a nuisance! Hey, old man! Listen carefully. The president is generous enough to offer you a high price for this place! I don't care about your problems-within one week, sell this café and get out!" Sir Gio shouted, shoving Sir Edward's chest harshly.

"What are you doing? Please be polite!" Dyana Rosey shoved Sir Edward's arm away from Sir Gio's grasp, anger rising as she saw her uncle treated that way.

"How dare you touch my father! Who do you think you are!" Hash shouted furiously.

Sir Gio ignored him. Instead, his eyes roamed over Dyana Rosey, admiring every inch of her. She was stunning. He had never seen a woman as beautiful as the girl before him, he thought.

He grabbed her arm. Everyone gasped at his audacity.

"Let go!" Dyana Rosey demanded. Emma quickly pulled her toward her. "What's wrong with you?"

"I've got a better deal. How about..." Sir Gio eyed her again until Dyana Rosey had to avert her gaze, disgusted.

"Give me this girl! Just for one night... and I'll give you more time. Deal?" Sir Gio smirked in satisfaction.

SLAP!

A loud slap landed on his cheek.

"Watch your mouth! I'm not a prostitute!" Dyana Rosey shouted angrily.

"You bastard! How dare you insult Dyan! I've had enough of you!" Hash grabbed Sir Gio's collar, fury boiling within him, ready to smash his face.

"Get out of here!" Emma yelled.

"Shit! Let go! Damn it!" Sir Gio struggled until Hash shoved him away roughly.

Suddenly, a man dressed in black, wearing dark shades, appeared before them.

"Sir, the president is calling," the muscular man said.

Dyana Rosey noticed Sir Gio's face pale instantly.

"Our business isn't over!" Sir Gio warned before leaving, flanked by the two men as they crossed over to the restaurant opposite Garden Café.

Dyana Rosey glanced at the man with the blue-tinted glasses-probably the company president behind all this. But she was shocked when he smiled at her. A smile full of meaning.

"Dyan... are you okay? That guy was such a bastard! Disgusting!" Emma cursed.

Sir Gio stood frozen, trembling with fear. The man before him said nothing. I'm dead, Sir Gio thought. His career and life would not be safe if his boss lost his temper.

"I... I'm sorry!!! I promise I'll drive them out as soon as possible."

The president raised his right hand, signaling him to leave. Sir Gio obeyed immediately.

Then, the president turned his gaze toward Garden Café.

"Tuan Marchos, the groundbreaking ceremony will begin soon. The area must be cleared for the construction of a world-class hospital," explained Mr. Jack, his personal assistant.

"I want you to investigate that woman's background. I want to confirm something," ordered Tuan Marchos.

Mr. Jack followed his gaze toward Dyana Rosey.

"Understood," Mr. Jack nodded slowly.

"Why didn't you tell me about this problem earlier? I'm your wife! Now what are we going to do? We have to find a new place..." cried Mrs. Helena, overwhelmed.

Sir Edward turned to his wife, then to his son Hash, Dyana Rosey, and Emma. He took a deep breath.

"I just didn't want to worry you... I've tried to find a suitable place but haven't found one yet. Hash, I'm sorry. I thought once I found something good, then I would tell you. Besides, the company offered a high price."

"So, boss already agreed to sell the café?" Emma asked.

"Not yet! But all the other owners have sold their land. Sooner or later, we'll have to agree too." Sir Edward sighed.

"Then I'll help find a new place for the café," Dyana Rosey suggested. Sir Edward shook his head.

"Dyan... uncle doesn't want to drag you into this mess."

"Uncle... I just want to help however I can. Besides, I'm also doing it for myself. If this café closes, I'll lose my job-and honestly, I don't feel like finding another one." Dyana Rosey smiled. She held Mrs. Helena's hand as the woman continued to weep. Mrs. Helena looked at the young girl with teary eyes.

"Aunty, I already consider you and uncle as my family. Uncle has helped me a lot, accepted me as I am. So let me help too, okay? Don't worry! Aunty, you have migraines, so don't overthink. We're all here for you," Dyana Rosey reassured her with a sincere smile.

Mrs. Helena had known Dyana Rosey since she was a child. Ever since her husband worked as her father's driver, she often brought the girl into their home. Mrs. Helena had loved Dyana Rosey like her own daughter. A cheerful, beautiful, kind girl-who wouldn't love her?

"Thank you, Dyan..." Mrs. Helena whispered, hoping everything would be alright.

Emma, I’m taking MC today. I already told the boss. The car keys are on the shoe cabinet. Take care.

Dyana Rosey’s eyes wandered around after sending the WhatsApp to Emma. Many tables were still empty. She had gone out early today to meet someone. She sipped her latte to quench her thirst.

“Miss…” A man in a cocoa-colored suit approached. Dyana Rosey looked up at him.

“Yes, why?”

“Miss, are you interested in joining our agency? We’re from a modeling and talent agency. Our company—”

“Sir, sorry, I’m not interested. Besides, I already have a job. Sorry.” Dyana Rosey declined politely.

“It’s okay… Miss, you can consider it as a part-time job. After all, you’re very beautiful and suitable to be a model with our agency.” The man insisted, as if trying to persuade her.

Dyana Rosey fell silent with a faint smile. She was already used to this. She had received many offers before, but she had no interest in becoming a model or celebrity. That was never her dream.

“She already told you she’s not interested!” A voice cut in. Dyana Rosey turned around. At once, she stood up from her seat.

“Ryan…?” Before Dyana could step toward Ryan, her hand was grabbed by the agency worker.

“Miss, please think about it. Our company is a big company. We’re willing to offer you a high salary.” The man tried again.

“You!” Ryan shoved the man away from Dyana.

“Ryan! Please… He’s just doing his job.” Dyana held Ryan back before he could go out of control. She noticed many people were watching. This was exactly the kind of scene she hated most.

“Okay! Forgive me!” Ryan patted the man’s shoulder.

He then looked at Dyana and pulled her away from the place. Dyana just followed.

---

Marchos Alexander looked at the man standing before him. Mr. Jack handed him a file.

Mr. Jack watched as his employer opened the file, which contained information about a young woman named Dyana Rosey. He was puzzled as to why Tuan Marchos had asked him to investigate her. In all his years working at Sky Company, he had never seen this girl. What was her connection to Marchos? he wondered.

Tuan Marchos Alexander carefully read through the papers.

“I’ve learned she’s the daughter of Mr Michael, the CEO of a well-known hospital. Five months ago, Dyana Rosey just returned from London, where she had been studying.” explained Mr. Jack.

“Err… I’m not sure what age she was in London?”

“Sixteen years old!” replied Marchos firmly.

“Huh?”

“She was sixteen when she was in London.” The man’s cold gaze pierced Mr. Jack.

“My apologies! I didn’t investigate properly!” Mr. Jack lowered his head in fear. How did he know that? he thought anxiously.

“Who’s this man?” Marchos asked, pointing at a picture of Dyana with a young man. They looked very close.

“Ra… Ryan, sir! They’ve been friends since childhood. His father works as a doctor at Tuan Michael’s hospital.”

“I see… I want you to investigate everyone connected to my Rosey.”

“Y-yes, sir!” Mr. Jack quickly left the room once dismissed.

“Finally… I found you, my Rosey. You haven’t changed at all! Still so beautiful…” Marchos studied several photos of Dyana with a satisfied smile. The girl he had been searching for was finally found. Now, he only needed to make her fall into his grasp.

---

After arriving at another restaurant, Ryan pulled out a chair for Dyana.

“Thanks,” said Dyana.

“Long time no see…” Ryan looked at the girl, four years younger than him. The girl he had missed for so long.

“It’s been six years, right?” Dyana smiled sweetly as she glanced at the menu.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming back to Canada? Why? Why, Dyan? For six years I called and messaged you… You never answered. You could’ve at least replied once. I just wanted to know how you were doing. I was worried about you. I thought I was your best friend… but maybe I’m the only one who thought that way…” Ryan’s tone carried regret.

“No… It’s not like that, Ryan!” Dyana’s breath caught for a moment at his words. She knew she had to tell him the truth.

She looked at the boy she had known since childhood, now a handsome man. His tall figure resembled a model’s, his fair skin and striking blue eyes easily drew attention.

“During my time in London, Papa didn’t allow me to use a phone or laptop except for studying.” Dyana admitted. All her movements were strictly controlled. She never dared disobey him, afraid his hatred toward her would deepen.

Ryan looked up, shocked. He never imagined Mr Michael had been so controlling of her.

“I’m so sorry for not telling you I was back here!”

“I went to your house. Your maid said you don’t live with your father anymore? Why? Did he kick you out? Where do you live now?” Ryan bombarded her with questions.

“It’s not like that… Papa just doesn’t want to live under the same roof as me, or even see me. Funny, right?” Dyana smiled faintly, letting out a small laugh.

“This isn’t funny, Dyan… Why would your own father cast you out? I don’t get it! There’s no way he still holds a grudge against you for that old story… Right? You’re his own daughter! He shouldn’t do that!” Ryan clenched his jaw, clearly angry. Mr Michael had gone too far.

Dyana tried to lighten her tone.

“Well… even if Papa’s like that, he still gives me money and a place to live. It’s not so bad being his daughter.”

She forced a smile despite the sadness in her expression. Ryan watched her, sighing heavily. He knew she was pretending to be strong.

“Luckily you still use the same phone number. I was worried you’d changed it.” Dyana grinned widely, showing her white teeth.

“How could I change it, when I was still waiting for a call from that person!” Ryan playfully pinched her cheek. It had been so long since he had done that. He had missed it.

---

“Sir, you’re still awake?” Mr. Gray asked his employer, who was sitting in his daughter’s room. Tuan Michael quickly stood up from the pink bed.

“How is she?” Michael asked his butler.

“Miss Dyan… She’s fine. Why don’t you invite her back home?” Mr. Gray suggested. He had served alongside Michael for many years.

Michael sighed briefly.

“Sir… I know I shouldn’t interfere, but what happened wasn’t Miss Dyan’s fault. You know she was also a victim of circumstance.”

“I know! But… I still can’t accept the fact that Gisselle is gone. If not for her, my wife wouldn’t have died!”

“Sir, it was fate. You must accept it, no matter how painful. She’s your only daughter.” Mr. Gray gently advised. He pitied Dyana deeply.

Michael took a long breath and stepped out of his daughter’s room. Mr. Gray followed silently behind, knowing his master missed Dyana.

---

“Emma, can I sleep with you tonight?” Dyana asked, hugging her pillow.

“Dyan… This is your house. I have no right to stop you. And one more thing—you’re my BFF! Come here!” Emma replied excitedly.

They were still wide awake, exchanging glances playfully.

“Dyan… How long have we known each other?”

“Ermm… five months? Why?”

“Five months… But Dyan, why are you so nice?”

Dyana chuckled softly at her friend’s question.

“What kind of question is that?”

“Well, we’ve only just known each other. Aren’t you afraid I might harm you, steal from you, or sneak guys into the house? You’ve helped me so much. I just feel… ashamed.” To her, Dyana was too kind a friend, and she didn’t want to lose their bond.

Dyana turned to face Emma, who had her back turned.

“Emma…” Slowly, Emma looked back.

Dyana burst into laughter at her friend’s serious face.

“Even if it were someone else, I’d still help. Maybe the kindness I do can erase my mistakes.”

“Mistakes? What do you mean, Dyan?” Emma asked.

Dyana quickly pulled a pillow over her face.

“Dyan… I’m curious. I always see you having nightmares. What do you dream about?” Emma hesitated but her curiosity won.

“Dreams? Oh… Hurmm… Mama, I dream of my mother.” Dyana answered, still covering her face.

“Why do you dream of her?”

“She passed away seven years ago.”

“Dyan… I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Btw, how about your family? I want to know them too,” Dyana asked while fiddling with Emma’s teddy bear.

“Huh? My family…” Emma froze.

“Emma?”

“Oh… my family? I’m an only child. My mother passed away. My father… he…”

“Sleep! We have work tomorrow!” Emma cut her off, turning away.

“Emma, you…” Dyana knew her friend was hiding something, just like she was.

Emma buried her face into the pillow, holding back tears. She didn’t want Dyana to see. She didn’t want her friend to know her secret. If it was revealed, would Dyana still want to be her friend? Their short friendship was something she didn’t want to lose.

“I want that woman to serve me!” ordered Marchos Alexander to Hash. Hash looked toward Dyana Rosey.

“This place doesn’t have that kind of service. I hope you understand, Sir,” Hash explained, clenching his jaw.

‘What does he think this place is? Picking people like it’s a game! No way Dyan will serve you!’ Hash grumbled in his heart. He knew many guys came to the café just to see Dyana Rosey. The garden café owned by her father had become famous because of her beauty and friendliness.

Dyan, I already asked my friend who works at a real estate agency. He said everything already has an owner. Most of the areas are full. I’m sorry Dyan that I couldn’t help you. But I’ll try to find another solution.

Dyana Rosey fell silent after reading Ryan’s WhatsApp. She stared at the table she was wiping. Yesterday she had asked Ryan to help find a place for her uncle. She actually didn’t want to trouble her best friend, but she had no other choice.

‘I’ll have to ask Papa for help. But are you sure Papa will help you? She argued with herself. She wasn’t confident about asking because she knew her father never interfered in other people’s business. But she would still try—nothing was certain yet.

She finished her work and saw Hash still taking orders from a table further away. It took a while.

‘Isn’t he the boss of the company that wants this garden café?’ Dyana wondered.

“You!” snapped the woman sitting beside Marchos Alexander.

“You! How dare you! My darling told you to do that, so… you must do as he says! Don’t you know us? Hey! I’m a top actress, Sharlyn Swan, and he is the CEO of Sky Company,” Sharlyn explained proudly, her arrogance showing.

She herself didn’t understand why Marchos Alexander wanted to eat in such a common place. And the biggest shock was that he wanted that woman to serve him. Disgusting. That girl wasn’t worthy. Sharlyn decided she would use this chance to reveal her relationship with the wealthy man. Famous would become more famous. Popular would become even more popular.

A perfect stepping stone for Sharlyn Swan to exploit.

Everyone nearby started taking pictures and videos to share.

“Wow, Sharlyn Swan and the CEO of Sky Company together? Awesome!” said one customer witnessing the scene. Dyana Rosey only listened before moving closer to Hash.

“Hash… are you okay? What’s happening?” she asked, glancing toward Marchos Alexander. The man gave a cold, mocking smile.

‘What’s with this guy? He’s been staring at me like he wants to eat me alive since the other day,’ Dyana thought uneasily.

Hash held Dyana’s hand resting on his arm.

“It’s okay!”

“I want you to serve me!” interrupted Marchos Alexander. Dyana was startled.

“Babe, I want to eat somewhere better and cleaner. I told you this place isn’t good enough for us. Rubbish! Let’s go, babe…” Sharlyn coaxed him with a sweet tone.

“Hey, woman! Watch your mouth insulting my father’s café! Who do you think you are? What was your name again? Shar… Sharrr shit! Just f*** off. I don’t even know you. That means you’re not that famous after all! If you don’t like eating here, then don’t come! No need to insult!” Hash snapped. Actress or not, he didn’t care. He couldn’t hold back at her foul mouth.

“Hash!” Dyana pulled his arm. She knew his short-tempered nature too well.

“I’m sorry about our poor service. Please… please forgive Hash. He didn’t mean to say that,” she said, glancing at Marchos Alexander who just sat silently, showing no reaction at all. His girlfriend was the one causing trouble, but he said nothing to stop her.

Sharlyn Swan looked Dyana up and down. Very pretty. No wonder Marchos wanted her. Huh! I’m prettier. I’m more worthy of him. Sharlyn scoffed inwardly.

“Dyan, don’t apologize! That woman is rude! Get out! Customers like you aren’t welcome!” Hash barked.

“Hey… who do you think you are to throw me out? Apologize right now! Don’t make me sue you and this trash café along with it!” Sharlyn threatened.

“Go ahead and sue! You think I’m scared?” Hash shot back. Such a trivial matter and she threatened to sue? Crazy woman.

“Miss, we can talk this out. I apologize on his behalf,” Dyana said, not wanting the issue to escalate. She feared her uncle’s health would worsen if he learned their café might be sued. One problem wasn’t even solved before another appeared.

“What? You want me to forgive him? Never! Unless… you get on your knees and plead!” Sharlyn sneered.

Everyone gasped. Dyana sighed shortly, then knelt without hesitation.

“Please forgive him!” she begged. If it could prevent a lawsuit, she’d rather endure. She was already used to begging, pleading, and humbling herself.

“Dyan! What are you doing? Are you crazy? People like her don’t deserve respect! Stand up! Please, stand up!” Hash quickly pulled her to her feet, shocked she obeyed Sharlyn’s command.

“Babe, I’m sick of them. Let’s go, babe…” Sharlyn said, satisfied with what she had seen.

‘Know your place. Low class!’ she thought smugly.

“You! Apologize!” Marchos Alexander finally spoke, arms still crossed, eyes fixed on Sharlyn.

“What? Babe… no! No way! Why should I apologize?” she snapped. He had been silent all along, and now suddenly wanted her to apologize? But his crimson-tinted glasses couldn’t hide his icy gaze. His reputation was well-known—whoever angered him would regret it. Ruthless. She didn’t want to end up on his blacklist. It wasn’t easy to get close to him.

“Sorry,” Sharlyn muttered half-heartedly, forced.

“It… it’s okay,” Dyana replied softly, surprised that he had made his girlfriend apologize.

Marchos Alexander left. Sharlyn followed behind.

‘Wait! Maybe I can talk to him!’ Dyana thought, quickly chasing after him.

“Wait, Sir!” she called.

“What else do you want?” Sharlyn snapped bitterly.

‘What does this stupid girl want now? Because of her, I got humiliated!’ Sharlyn fumed inwardly.

“Sir… I heard you’re the CEO of Sky Company. Err… so… I beg you to give my uncle more time to prepare! Please, I beg you!”

“You…” Marchos stared at Dyana, puzzled and suspicious.

“Sir?”

“Okay! I’ll give you one month. So, good luck!” he said before stepping into his white Audi A6.

“Thank you, Sir! Thank you so much!” Dyana replied with relief. She was thrilled he agreed. She hadn’t expected him to have such kindness. She watched until the car disappeared from sight.

---

“Babe… where are we going next? I want to go to the mall. My clothes are all worn out!” Sharlyn whined, resting her head on his shoulder.

“By the way, babe… do you know that girl? Do you like her? Babe… I’m here to serve you.” Her fingers teased his chest. All her questions went ignored.

“I think, with her face, she’s only fit to be a side chick! She’s not worthy of you! Babe… sweetheart, I’m talking to you! Why are you silent?” she pressed closer.

“Arkk! Ba… babe…” Sharlyn’s eyes widened when his hand suddenly wrapped around her throat. She hadn’t expected him to choke her. What had she done wrong? She clawed at his grip, struggling, but failed. Her face turned blue.

“Listen carefully! If you don’t want to lose your career and luxury, don’t you ever touch my Rosey! She’s mine! Remember that!” Marchos Alexander snarled before shoving her away, releasing her roughly. Sharlyn gasped, struggling to breathe.

“Stop,” he ordered his driver.

“Get out!” He pushed her out of the car.

“Babe… you shouldn’t treat me like this! What did I do wrong?” she pleaded, her voice shaking. But he ignored her, the car driving away.

“Arghhhh! Bastard! Shit! You think you’re so great? This is all that woman’s fault! Arghhh! I hate her!” Sharlyn screamed by the roadside, her dream of riches and fame shattered.

---

“Dyan, why did you do what that woman said? Were you worried she’d sue us? Let her sue if she wants! Who cares!” Hash said when Dyana returned to the café.

“You don’t care, but I do! Don’t you feel sorry for your parents?” Dyana shot back, looking at the 23-year-old.

“Sorry… I’m sorry! I didn’t think of that! It’s all my fault! Because of me, you had to kneel! I just couldn’t tolerate her vile mouth. I’m so, so sorry!” Hash pleaded, putting on a puppy face.

“Haihh! Okay, apology accepted. Don’t ever do it again! You… control your temper a bit!”

“Sorry… By the way, Dyan, why did you chase after that guy? What did you talk about?” Hash asked. He had been watching her earlier.

“Oh… guess what?”

“Ugh, don’t make me guess. Just tell me!”

Dyana laughed.

“Okay, okay! That guy is the CEO of Sky Company who wants your father’s land, right? So I asked him to give us more time and he agreed!” she said excitedly.

“What? Really? Are you sure?”

“Yup, I’m sure!”

“You just asked like that and he agreed? Weird…” Hash frowned. From the man’s behavior, he had a hunch. Could it be… he liked Dyan? Surely not—this was probably the first time he had even come to the café.

“Yes, he agreed! What’s wrong with you? Just be glad he agreed. Now we can prepare. Haihh!” Dyana sighed at Hash’s suspicious face.

“Do you know him?” Hash asked.

“Him? That boss? No, of course not! Why? Hash, why are you looking at me like that?”

“I think he likes you. I mean, he wanted you to serve him! Why do you have to be so pretty?”

“What nonsense are you spouting? He has a girlfriend—the woman you just fought with. If she heard you, it’d be war number two!” Dyana chuckled, and they both laughed.

“Dyan! Dyan! Dyana!”

Their laughter stopped when Emma came running, shouting Dyana’s name.

“Emma, what are you doing here? Aren’t you on leave today?” Dyana asked, noticing Emma panting.

“Yeah, wasn’t our Miss Emma on leave today? Or did you miss me?” Hash teased.

“No! I came because of this…” She showed her phone to Dyana and Hash.

Both of them were shocked to see the video of the earlier incident already spreading online.

“Famous actress Sharlyn Swan dating Sky Company’s CEO. Also, café worker accused of seducing the actress’s boyfriend,” Emma read aloud from the headline. She herself was stunned when she first saw it.

“That spread fast!” Dyana said.

“Nonsense! It must be one of the customers here earlier! Useless!” Hash fumed, reading the fake article.

“Dyan… what happened?” Emma asked.

“Long story. I’ll tell you later.”

“Fine, later. But now, let’s file a police report!” Emma pulled her arm.

“No need to file a report. My face isn’t that clear in the video anyway. Just ignore it!”

“Dyan, everyone’s commenting terrible things about you! I don’t care—we must report it!”

“Dyan, Emma’s right! You should report this! It’s all fake news!” Hash added, guilt gnawing at him. Because of him, Dyana had become a target.

“Emma… please, I don’t want to. Please…” Dyana begged. She didn’t want to prolong the problem.

“Dyan, you—”

“Hash, let’s get back to work! Don’t forget it’s your turn to cook today! I want mac and cheese! Extra cheese!” Dyana quickly headed to the kitchen, dodging Emma.

“Dyan! I’m not finished talking!” Emma yelled, but Hash grabbed her arm.

“Enough! Dyan said she doesn’t want to. We can’t force her!”

“I know! I’m just worried about her! You’ve read the nasty comments about her. I’m so mad at her for being like this! I told her to make a report, but she refuses!” Emma fumed, frustrated at her best friend being treated so unfairly.

---