Chapter 4

Nick slowly woke to the unpleasant sensation of someone shaking his shoulder roughly. He blinked groggily up at a figure in a nurse's scrubs. 

"What do you think you're doing?" she barked. "Visiting hours ended hours ago."

Rubbing the crick in his neck, the events of the previous day came rushing back. "I'm sorry, I must have dozed off in the chair. It was a long day."

The nurse's frown deepened. "You can't just decide to spend the night here whenever you feel like it. This is a hospital, not a homeless shelter."

Nick scrambled to his feet."I know, I didn't mean to overstay. It's just...she's my mother. I wanted to be close by in case..." His voice trailed off awkwardly. 

The nurse folded her arms with a sigh. "Look, I understand you're going through a tough time. But we have rules for a reason."

His shoulders slumped. "Please, I have nowhere else to go. Can't I just stay a few more hours?"

"Absolutely not. This ward houses over a dozen patients, not just your mother. I can't have people camping out whenever the mood strikes. Visiting hours are noon to eight." 

“I’ve lost so much in the past few days. I really have nowhere else to go,please.”

Her glare remained rigid, unmoved. "Spare me the sob story. If you intended staying, you should've paid for a private room but obviously you couldn't." She nudged his leg pointedly with a pen. "Now come on, out with you,we can't have loitering layabouts crowding the place!"

It was pointless to beg now.He glanced back longingly at his mother's still form as he excused himself from the ward. 

He made his way to the facility’s public restroom and splashed cold water on his face, trying to wipe the tiredness from his eyes. He stared at his expression in the mirror. His tanned skin looked pale,his brown curly hair disheveled and his bright blue eyes somehow looked dim. 

As he dried off, an idea struck him. Many hotels needed cleaning staff so he decided to go job hunting. He  wandered aimlessly through the affluent part of town. Most of the establishments here were far above his experience, but something drew him to the grand Bristol Hotel. 

Its polished marble lobby glowed with wealth and prestige. He was already feeling out of place but it couldn't hurt to ask.

Spotting a well-dressed woman behind the reception desk, Nick took a deep breath and approached. "Excuse me ma'am, I was wondering if you might be hiring? I'm in need of work and I’m a hard worker." 

She peered at him over her slim glasses. "Do you have any hotel experience?"   

Nick shifted uncomfortably. "No ma'am, but I'm a quick learner. And I'm willing to start in any position - housekeeping, kitchen, maintenance, you name it."

She eyed his worn clothing skeptically. "Experience is preferred, but there might be a space for you as we are short staffed at the moment due to the busy season.”

Before Nick could reply, a cold voice cut in from behind. "Well,well,well, if it isn't my woman’s loser ex." 

He froze and slowly turned to face the guy standing with two hulking bodyguards, smirking with disdain. He was wearing an expensive perfectly tailored suit,face freshly shaven and as handsome as ever. Nick recognized him instantly from the other day as Clara’s new man. His name was Max.

"I see you still haven't managed to get your life together," Max scoffed. "The last time you looked like filth, and I must say you have somehow managed to outdo yourself.You couldn’t handle being dumped?" 

Nick's fists clenched, feeling angry and embarrassed. "I don't want any trouble," he muttered through gritted teeth. "I'm just here for a job, same as anyone."

Throwing his head back, Max let out a derisive laugh that seemed to echo through the spacious lobby. "You? Work here? Don't make me laugh. This is my hotel, and I wouldn't let scum like you soil its floors."

Nick took a step back,a little surprised. "Your hotel? I didn't realize. I was just looking for a job, that's all."

"You're not qualified to scrub toilets here. I think it's time you get the hell out before I have you removed. Run back to your little rat hole where you belong."

Nick's face burned but he knew a confrontation would only make things worse so he backed away towards the door, Max's mocking laughter following him out.

He decided to try restaurants and as he stood in front of the first one, his eyes locked on the big sign that read "No Scruffs Allowed." He couldn't believe that in this day and age, there were still places that openly discriminated against people based on their appearance. 

As he made his way towards the door, a security guard stepped in front of him with his arms crossed over his chest.

"Can't you read the sign mate? That sign is there for people like you." 

Nick's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he stammered, "I apologize. I just wanted to check if there were any job vacancies."

The security guard scowled, pushing Nick back with a forceful shove. "No vacancies for people like you in this luxury establishment. Now get lost before I have to call the authorities."

Feeling utterly defeated, Nick watched as the security guard continued to push him towards the exit. It was then that he noticed a familiar figure emerging from the restaurant's entrance. It was Clara. She stopped short upon seeing him, a blank expression on her face before she resumed walking.

Despite the pain she had caused him, Nick knew he had little choice. Swallowing his pride, he hurried after her, catching her arm from behind. 

"Clara, please, can I talk to you?."

She spun round, eyes flashing. "Would you let me go? I have nothing more to say to you."

"Clara, I'm begging you. I've lost my job, my home - I have nowhere left to turn. If you ever cared for me at all, please just listen." Nick's voice cracked with desperation.

Her face remained hard but she stopped trying to pull away. "Very well, but make it quick. What do you want from me?"

Nick took a steadying breath. "I need work, a place to stay, anything you can offer."

"And why should I help you?" Clara replied coolly. 

Grabbing both her hands in his, Nick looked deeply into her eyes. "Because you’re all I have at the moment. Please, I'm begging you,don't let me end up on the streets."

She pulled her hands free, her expression unreadable. "Touch me again and you'll regret it."

After a moment of contemplation, she let out a humorless smirk. "Fine.I do know of a job that might suit you."

Nick's eyes lit up hopefully. "Really? You would help me?"

Clara nodded,looking mischievous. "Come to our mansion tonight at 7 o'clock sharp.You can be our new house boy."