Bound By His Shadows ( The Vincolo Series)

Sunday mornings in this city were loud, and completely unforgiving if you were running late,which I was. The street was filled with students heading to coffee shops, families going out for brunch, and friends catching up over for a late breakfast. I adjusted the strap of my bag as I walked into the cafe, ready for another busy Sunday shift.

I had come to this city a year ago on a scholarship after being accepted into the Business program at a prestigious university. It scared me to leave my small town, I had always been underconfident about whether or not I would be able to survive in such an enormous and unfamiliar city. But the scholarship was the proof that I was capable, that I had worked hard, and that I deserved this opportunity even though there was always some self - doubt lingering in the back of my mind.

Living with my roommate who is also my best friend Mia, while balancing lectures and assignments with part time work at the cafe, has not been easy. Independence is liberating but exhausting at times and some days I question my strength to handle all of it.

"Morning, Emerson ! " came a cheerful voice from behind the counter .

I turned to see Riley, my co-worker, effortlessly balancing a tray of muffins while arranging them in the display case. Her hair was slightly messy with sleeves rolled up and she wore that mischievous smile on her face again. She had this uncanny ability to make even the busiest mornings feel less stressful and fun.

"Morning." I replied, giving a small smile. "Survived the early crowd? "

Riley smirked, "Barely, if one more person asks for extra foam today, I might start charging them a therapy fees. "

I chuckled. "You'd make a fortune, then." I said to her teasingly.

"That's exactly the plan," she replied still grinning at me but then quickly added, "But don't worry! I saved you the last blueberry scone. Consider it a reward for surviving your own morning . "

Even in the midst of chaos of the Sunday rush, Riley's humour kept work from being complete hell.

I tied my apron around my waist and took a deep breath. The weekend crowd was heavier than usual, filled with families, friends and couples chatting over coffees and pastries. I liked that no one noticed me too much, it helped me to blend in.

But these quite moments always dragged me back to my past. I had left my mother and yonger brother behind, carrying guilt tied to a father who never loved me. Every step forward, every decision I made in this city came with another stab of self - reapproch. Was I selfish ? A coward? Could I ever forgive myself leaving them behind?

A spoon clattered to the floor and pulled me from my thoughts. As I bent down to pick it up, I caught sight of myself in the reflection on the coffee machine. The girl staring back at me was stronger than she had been a year ago, more cautious, more determined,but traces of fear, pain and longing still lingered in her eyes .

The day passed in its usual rhythm, taking orders, making drinks, getting throught that relentless Sunday rush. I liked the work, it grounded me, gave me some sort of purpose and kept me on track. It also reminded me that I was alone here, truly alone except for Mia & Riley and this life that I had fought to claim.

By the time the sun dipped below the city skyline, colouring everything in shades of orange and purple, I had closed the register and stepped outside. I took the breath of the cool night air. One year in and I was still figuring out how to live, how to survive, how to forgive myself, and maybe, just maybe, find a place where I feel like home.

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I stood in the doorway, my mouth hanging open, as I took in the sight of Mia. My best friend looked so damn hot in her cute and sexy mini red dress. The way it hugged her curves perfectly, highliting her figure in all the right places. The heart shaped neckline was adorable and the flirty to top with thigh - high slits showing off those toned legs, blonde waves cascading down her shoulders, completed the look. It killed me inside because she looked like one of those girls from fashion magazines.

Mia was practically bouncing off the walls with excitment! She spun around in front of the mirror, her eyes were shinning brightly as it reflected nothing but apure joy! A huge smile lit up her face. "Em, what do you think? " she asked me with an eager voice that i could feel the nervous energy coming from her! "Do I look ok? "

I nodded, a warm smile spreading across my own face. "Ok? Mia, you look amazing. He's going to be blown away." And I meant every word. Mia's confidence was shinning though, and the dress was just the thing to highlight her natural beauty.

"I'm so nervous! But I'm also so excited. I can't believe I'm actually going on a date with him!" Mia said with a breathless laugh, her hands were fluttering up to her cheeks.

Just then, just then there was a buzz from Mia's phone indicating that she had received a text message. She looked down at it and her eyes lit up even more when she read it. "He's here! " she exclaimed in an excited and nervous voice all at once.

I chuckled, stepping into the room for a quick encouraging hug. "You should be excited. You look incredible, and you deserve to have fun. Just be yourself, and everything will be perfect. "

Mia's eyes shone with gratitude as she pulled back from the hug. "Thanks, Em. I don't know what I'd do without you. " She took in a deep breath, while straightening herself up like someone who had gained new found confidence. "Alright, wish me luck ! "

I watched Mia as she picked up her clutch and walked out the door, feeling happy and little envious. I couldn't help but think when it would be my turn to feel that way. "Good luck,Mia." I said as she walked out, her blonde hair bouncing with every step.

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I fell back on to the couch, the soft cushion wrapping around me as I grabbed the remote. Mia had gone on her date, leaving with with the apartment to for the next few hours. I was going to take advantage of this time by sinking into a Netflix binge. Sharing an account was both a blessing and a curse, while it meant there was too much content available at my fingertips but also that I constantly watch Mia is obsessed with these days.

It was just 7 PM, and I had a full night ahead of me. I scrolled through the recommendations, until something caught my eye, new drama series that had been getting rave reviews from critics and viewers alike. The first episode was already queued up, thanks to Mia's recent binge. I hit play and let the show pull me in with the characters and their dramas becoming my world for the next few hours.

I knew I had to be up early for my classes at the university, but for now, I was in content to lose myself in the show. The apartment was quite and the only sounds coming from the TV with the occasional rustle of my snack bag. I was completely engrossed, forgetting about everything else.