My Contract Love Story

“Hey, dream girl! Your break is over. Time to get back to work.”

Ashleigh jolted awake at the sound of a loud voice cutting through the small break room.

She groaned, rubbing her tired eyes as the realization set in that her short nap was over, and the next time she’d get real sleep would be late at night, at home. With a sigh, she stood up, wiping the sweat off her forehead.

Digging into her bag on the couch, she retrieved a comb, pulled off the sanitary hairnet, and quickly ran the comb through her hair before securing it into a tight bun. Grabbing a fresh hairnet from a nearby box, she slipped it on and checked her reflection in the mirror. Satisfied with her neat, light green uniform, she headed out to face the person who had woken her.

At the front desk, a middle-aged woman with a stern expression awaited her.

“Miss Ashleigh Hartman, once again, you’ve overslept,” Mrs. Smith said, giving her a disapproving look.

Ashleigh rushed forward, grabbing her hands. “Ma’am, I’m so sorry. I’ll be more careful next time.” She offered a sweet smile, resting her head against Mrs. Smith’s shoulder in an attempt to soften her mood.

Mrs. Smith shook her head, pinching Ashleigh’s nose playfully. “Hmm, how many ‘next times’ have you promised me now? If I weren’t your aunt, you’d be back on the streets.”

Ashleigh pouted, but before she could respond, Mrs. Smith waved her away. “Now go. You’re assigned to the fourth floor today. Start early so you can finish on time.”

With a sigh, Ashleigh begrudgingly left the break room. Once the door shut behind her, Mrs. Smith lingered, staring at it with a thoughtful expression.

********************

Ashleigh entered the elevator, scrolling through her social media feed while waiting. A picture of her friend at a dreamy vacation spot popped up with the caption "Vacation."

Her lips curled into a bitter smile as she locked her phone and tucked it into her pocket. She could admire such a lifestyle from a distance, but experiencing it? That was another matter entirely. Right now, she could barely afford to put food on her table.

The elevator doors dinged open, pulling her back to reality. She stepped out and made her way to the supply room to gather her cleaning equipment. But the moment she stepped inside, her stomach dropped.

Three girls stood waiting, their eyes lighting up with mischief.

“Hey, look who it is... Dream girl has finally woken up,” Tyra, a tanned complexion girl with an intimidating presence, sneered.

Before Ashleigh could react, Tyra grabbed her wrist, yanking her inside. The door shut behind her, and one of the other girls swiftly locked it.

“Let me go,” Ashleigh protested, struggling against Tyra's grip, but it was useless. Tyra pushed her down to her knees while the other two girls pinned her arms.

“Little Miss Out-of-This-World,” Tyra taunted, crouching in front of her. “Why haven’t we seen you around much