Chapter 11

In Scarlett's Perspective:

Upon returning home, I began preparing to resume my studies. When I brought my documents to the school, I was welcomed with exceptional warmth by my teachers and classmates.

"I knew you would wake up," my mentor said, tears welling up in his eyes when he saw me back at school, "I kept your student records because I believed you would return."

"You've always been diligent and faithful. I believe you'll become an excellent judge," he said, patting my shoulder, his voice choked with emotion. Anyone who didn't know better would think he was the one who had to leave school due to a coma.

"I knew you'd come back. I missed you."

"I told you she'd be fine!" My classmates gathered around me, concerned about what had happened since I woke up.

I especially remember Avery, Elara, and Sienna. We were all students of the same teacher, so we naturally became close.

They were all kind-hearted people, genuinely happy to see me awake.

"Scarlett, we've all heard about what happened," Avery suddenly grabbed my hand, and the classmates around us looked at me seriously.

"Yeah. We know about you and Alexander," they said, looking regretful for me. "Your story was really heartbreaking."

"But we all think you're very brave." They continued to comfort and encourage me constantly. "We fully support you in suing Alexander and making him pay."

Their support boosted my confidence immensely.

They bombarded me with questions to ensure I was okay before finally feeling reassured. Shortly after, Avery handed me the class notes she had prepared.

"These are the notes of the courses you missed during your coma," Avery said proudly, puffing out her chest, "I spent a lot of time organizing this."

"You're so smart, and you won't need much time to catch up." Avery pointed to the notebook in my hand. "I believe you'll quickly get back on track."

I didn't know how to express my gratitude. This was exactly what I needed. It was such a timely gift!

"You must have missed out on all the delicious food while you were in the hospital." Elara suddenly squeezed in, carrying a big box.

She then shoved the large, heavy box into my arms. "It's all your favorite snacks. Don't mistreat yourself." Elara said with a pained expression, causing everyone around to burst into laughter.

"She won't," everyone joked, smiling as we walked into the classroom.

They were not just my teachers and classmates but also my precious friends. Their care made me feel the true meaning of being alive.

Life was about experiencing these beautiful emotions.

When I was dating Alexander, he was almost always by my side. I didn't even notice that I had such a lovely group of friends.

I was so focused on my relationship that I didn't realize how pure and wonderful my friends were.

This time, I must cherish my time with them.

"Scarlett, if you need any help, just let us know," the classmates offered, willing to help me solve any problems.

I never asked others for help. But now, I thought seeking help wasn't a bad thing.

"Do you know of any good part-time job opportunities?" I inquired to my classmates in the classroom, eliciting uncertain glances exchanged between them.

"I do. Follow me." Sienna, in the corner, suddenly clapped her hands and called out to me happily.

I knew my classmates were more reliable than Alexander.

In the evening, I went to the "Velvet Nocturne" bar as Sienna had suggested.

It was completely different from what I imagined. The hall was very noisy, with many beautiful women dancing in the pool.

There were all kinds of people: middle-aged men who seemed to have failed in life, teenagers with dyed hair, and even some who looked like mafia members and thugs.

I never expected Sienna to work part-time in a place like this.

I looked around, unable to associate this place with the word "normal."

"What are you waiting for?" The boss's urging left me no time to hesitate.

Thinking about the one hundred thousand dollars I still owed Lucas, I gritted my teeth and walked in.

"Why are you so late? If you're going to do this job, you can't feel shy!" he said impatiently, sizing me up before tossing a package into my hands.

I was puzzled. I was just here to play the piano. Did what I dressed matter?

I immediately looked down at myself and felt nothing wrong.

I was about to ask him what I had done wrong, but he cut me off.

"Shut up. Go change," he said, pointing to the dressing room.

Reluctantly, I opened the package only to discover a revealing bunny girl outfit inside. I couldn't comprehend why I was expected to wear such attire while playing the piano.

"Hurry up. Don't keep the customers waiting," the boss urged repeatedly, and the noisy surroundings left me no time to think.

I had to change into the outfit and follow him down the hallway to the private rooms.

As we walked past the rooms, I could faintly hear a cacophony of sounds—cursing, shouting, and various noises mixed together. Now and then, I caught glimpses of scantily clad women kissing men in the hallway.

I never expected to see such scenes here. Instinctively, I turned my head away. The boss, however, seemed unfazed.

The central dance pool was still loud, with conversations about sex and strong liquor never ceasing.

None of this matched what Sienna had told me. But Sienna wouldn't lie to me; she even showed me pictures of the place.

Looking around at the unfamiliar environment, I realized I must have come to the wrong place.

I tried to recall what Sienna had said and suddenly realized the problem.

She didn't say "Velvet Nocturne." She said "Violet Nocturne"!

"Boss, I don't think I can do this job anymore." I turned to leave, but the boss suddenly grabbed my wrist.

"Once you came here, you can't just leave," he said, pushing me into a nearby room.

Scenes before made me want to run away.

The room was chaotic, with naked and entangled couples. As I turned to open the door, a shirtless man suddenly lunged at me.

"When did we get such a pretty hostess?" He almost caught me in his arms, but I quickly dodged.

I saw the man sitting in the center of the room. It was Lucas!