MISCHIEVOUS

Nestled between a florist and a bookstore, the eatery radiated warmth even from the sidewalk. Faded blue shutters framed windows dotted with potted herbs, and the sign above the door read Eddie's Hearth in curling script. Inside, the air hummed with the melody of clinking dishes, laughter, and the rich scent of rosemary and garlic. A young woman with a fiery ponytail bustled between tables, while an older lady behind the counter scribbled orders with a pencil tucked behind her ear.

"Good afternoon!" I greeted, my voice tinged with nerves. "I'm here to see Eddie Murphy?"

The older woman's eyes narrowed. "And you are…?"

"Valerie. Matt referred me? He mentioned you needed help—"

"Matt?" The ponytailed woman snorted, wiping her hands on her apron. "We get a dozen Matts a week. You expect us to remember all of 'em?"

Panic fluttered in my chest. "I—I didn't get his last name. I'm so sorry, that was careless—"

A thump of a walking stick cut me off. A petite woman with silver hair swept into a bun emerged from the kitchen, her gaze sharp as a hawk's. "Who's causing a ruckus in my diner?"

"Grandma Lucy, this girl claims—" the older hostess began, but I blurted out, "Lucy! Good afternoon! Matt said you'd be expecting me. I'm Valerie!"

The room froze. Then the ponytailed woman burst into laughter, doubling over as the hostess scowled. Even the silver-haired woman's stern face cracked into a smile.

"Oh, you're a riot," the younger woman wheezed. "She's Lucy." She jabbed a thumb at the scowling hostess. "And this," she gestured to the silver-haired woman, "is Eddie Murphy."

My cheeks burned. "Matt—he must've mixed up the names—"

Eddie chuckled, patting my arm. "Relax, child. Matt's like a grandson to me. Terrible with details, but he's got a knack for spotting good souls." She eyed Lucy's pinched expression. "And better company than some."

"Grandma!" Lucy huffed. "You're hiring her because of Matt? Look at Manda!" She gestured to the grinning ponytailed woman, now refilling salt shakers. "She's been here two years and still forgets the soup specials!"

"But she makes the customers laugh," Eddie retorted, winking at me. "You start today. We'll talk wages tonight."

Just like that, I was swept into the whirlwind—taking orders, balancing trays of fragrant stew, and dodging Manda's playful quips. The hours blurred into a symphony of clattering dishes and chatter, the cozy diner alive with regulars who hugged Eddie like family. By closing time, my feet ached, but my heart hummed with purpose.

Eddie pressed a warm envelope into my hands at dusk. "You kept up, kid. Welcome to the Hearth."

I stumbled home at 10:30 p.m., exhaustion clinging to me like flour dust. Yet, as I collapsed into bed, I replayed Manda's parting grin, Lucy's begrudging nod, and Eddie's twinkling eyes. For the first time in months, the future didn't just feel bright—it smelled like rosemary, sounded like laughter, and tasted like hope

The Royales Family

The night was cool and refreshing, the bustling streets of New York alive beneath towering skyscrapers, their lights glowing like liquid gold against the dark sky.

The Royales mansion stood as a breathtaking monument of luxury—magnificent, yet cold. The dining room was as silent as a graveyard, the only sounds being the careful clinking of cutlery and the quiet breaths of those gathered. The family sat rigidly, bound by unspoken rules of etiquette as they endured another dinner together.

"Why is Leon not here?" Mrs. Ariana Royales, the formidable CEO of Royales World, demanded, her sharp gaze landing on her only daughter, Julian Royales-Gava.

Julian had once defied her mother by running away, only to return pregnant. To avoid scandal, Ariana had forced a marriage between Julian and Rogers Gava—a man she deemed unworthy. Though the union produced five children, Julian was never granted a share of the family fortune.

The Royales-Gava children were:

- Emily Royales, the eldest, married to Grayson Walter, a shrewd businessman who strengthened the family empire.

- Charlotte Royales, wed to Alfred Hitchcock, a rising journalist from a prestigious media company.

- Ethan Royales, married to Sophia, the daughter of a powerful politician.

- Olivia Royales, bound to Dante Pettis, a middle-class man the family openly scorned.

- And then there was Leon Royales—the black sheep, carefree, always smiling, and utterly unconcerned with the family's expectations.

Ariana had orchestrated every marriage except Leon's. The family barely acknowledged him—until he made his presence impossible to ignore.

"Did a cat cut your tongue?"Ariana snapped when Julian hesitated to answer. The tension was suffocating. No one dared speak without permission.

Julian sighed inwardly. "Mother, Leon is probably on his way. We don't need to wait for him—you know how he is."

"I don't know how he is!" Ariana's voice cut like ice. "You failed to raise him properly. And you—"She turned to Rogers, her lip curling in disdain. **"You have no real ambition. The least you could do is discipline your son."

The room fell deathly silent.

Then—

"Hello, fam!" A cheerful voice shattered the tension. Leon strolled in, completely at ease, before planting a kiss on his grandmother's cheek. "Missed you, Grandma."

Ariana's stern expression softened. "Leon, my boy! It's good to see you."

"I know, Granny,"he grinned. "And I've got a surprise for you."

"A surprise? Oh, you mischievous child—what is it?"

"Ah-ah, not yet. Tomorrow, you'll see."

The rest of the family seethed in silence. Leon had waltzed in, ignored them all, and yet commanded Ariana's affection effortlessly.

"Mom. Dad. Siblings." Leon nodded at them with a smirk, fully aware of their resentment. He didn't care. They were all hypocrites anyway.

His eyes landed on Ethan. "You don't mind if I sit by Grandma, right?" Before Ethan could protest, Leon yanked him up by the arm. "You're the best,"he said mockingly, taking his seat.

Ethan's jaw clenched, veins bulging at his temple, but he forced a smile.

Throughout dinner, Leon was the only one who spoke freely—joking, feeding his grandmother bites of dessert, while the others simmered in silent fury.

When the meal finally ended, the family dispersed to their separate wings of the mansion, each nursing their grudges.

But Leon? He just smiled.

Because tomorrow… everything would change.

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