Calista's POV

The alarm rang too loud, dragging me out of the little sleep I had.

My head felt heavy, but I pushed myself up. Staying in bed was not a good option. Bills don’t wait.

I looked around my small room. The curtains were thin, the paint on the wall was chipped and faded. Everything about my life felt tired. Including me.

Dad was gone and Mom was sick. And I was the only one left to keep things together. That meant working every job I could find, no matter how little it paid.

I stood in front of the mirror and tied my hair back. The girl staring at me looked pale, with dark circles under her eyes. She didn’t look like someone in her twenties. She looked like someone who had already lived a hard life. And of course, I had.

“Come on, Calista,” I whispered to myself. “You can do this.”

I took a deep breath and picked up my little phone. Another day filled with too many troubles.

I went into the bathroom and took my bath, brushing my teeth hurriedly.

I came out with water dripping from my hair to my toes. The towel was short and tight—I had been using it for years. It clung to my body, showing my curves, but what was the use of a nice shape without money?

And I could never think of selling my body for money. Mum wouldn’t be proud of that.

I scoffed and shrugged the thought away, going to my little box. That’s where I kept all my clothes. I selected a cute red bodycon dress, one that hugged my body and revealed my figure.

It was my most expensive dress, a gift bought for me on my 18th birthday. Yes, we were once rich before that unfortunate incident that changed everything.

I grabbed a pair of nice heels, then brushed my hair and applied perfume—the one I managed to buy from my past earnings.

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I sat at the small table with a cup of cheap coffee, scrolling through job listings on my phone. Most of them paid nothing. Some were already expired. Others wanted experience I didn’t have.

I was about to give up when one caught my eye.

“High pay. Immediate start. Come to Knight Luxe Groups.”

I immediately jumped up.

Isn’t that the company of the prince? Yes, you heard me right. The Prince of this city, only heir to the King and Queen. He had many companies all over the world, but the one in New York was the largest of all.

My heart skipped. It sounded too good to be true. Still, I clicked it. The salary written there… it was more than I’d make in months.

For a moment, I just stared at it. This could cover Mom’s medicine. It could keep the lights on. It could save us.

I didn’t even think twice. I grabbed my little bag and credentials, then ran out of the room, making sure to lock the door.

The company was very popular, but only esteemed guests and clients were allowed to go inside.

I boarded a cab with my last money, praying silently in my heart. I didn’t stand a chance, but at least I could try.

The driver kept glancing at me in the mirror. I scoffed at him and he immediately focused on the road.

Soon he halted, and I scurried out, already having paid him.

Two guards stood at the door in royal uniforms. They looked at me with raised eyebrows, and I quickly composed myself.

“Hi… I came for the application. The job,” I said, biting my lips. Truth was, I didn’t even know what job I came for—I hadn’t finished reading the post.

“You came late. The contestants are complete. We only need two hundred,” one of them said, and I gasped.

Two hundred? That was a lot.

“Urm… please, I—” A glare from the guard warned me not to beg.

I sighed sadly and turned to leave. I had already wasted my last money. That should’ve sustained me for a day. What was I even doing here? I didn’t stand a chance.

“They aren’t complete. One of the contestants fainted and she needs a replacement.”

A voice came from behind the gate. I froze.

The guards looked at me again, examining me carefully.

“Go in,” one finally said.

I bowed quickly, thanking them. Maybe it wasn’t necessary since they were only guards, but I did anyway.

It was unfortunate for the girl who fainted, but to me, it was a miracle. My conscience nagged at me, but I shoved it aside.

They opened the door, and I walked in, only to see two more guards at the front. I guessed it was one of them who had notified the others outside.

Guards were everywhere, patrolling the walls, standing in formation. There were at least thirty-five that I could count, all wearing gloves and all armed.

I lowered my gaze to the ground beneath me, and my eyes widened.

My mouth fell open in astonishment.