Not Cinderella
The Struggle Begins

Alyssa got out of the taxi with a heavy sigh. He was in front of the Denue restaurant this morning.

Yes, today he will start his fight for a better life. Hopefully his efforts will not be in vain. And hopefully this path that has been opened can lead to success.

Alyssa rubbed her stomach for a moment while muttering inwardly.

'We can do it, son. For father's sake'

Alyssa's footsteps began to walk decisively inside, adorned with her usual cheerful smile.

Alyssa was immediately greeted by the restaurant manager there.

"Welcome Miss Alyssa. You arrived so soon this morning" said the manager. His age may be young. Seen from his face.

They shake hands with each other.

"Yes, I'm quite excited sir" Alyssa replied with her smile.

"You can call me Lady Bayu, there is no need to call mister. I am still young enough to be called that" Bayu said. He was no less friendly to Alyssa.

"Alright Bayu mas, then call Alyssa only. I am not honorable enough to be called Miss" Alyssa said.

Bayu laughed at hearing that. They walked into the restaurant. Where is the room Bayu. But Bayu only invites Alyssa to sit in a waiting room restaurant. Right near the glass wall that shows the front yard of the Denue restaurant. International five star restaurant.

"We'll just sit here first Alyssa. The boss of the restaurant owner has not arrived. We still need to wait for his arrival" Bayu said while allowing Alyssa to sit down.

Alyssa smiled and nodded while sitting in her seat.

"You look pale, are you not well" asked Bayu who had been watching Alyssa's face.

"Just exhausted" Alyssa replied.

"Oh. if so you really have to rest a lot" said Bayu.

Alyssa just smiled and nodded. How does he want to rest, if circumstances require him to have to be strong as a rock.

"Your age still looks young, about nineteen years old. That right?" ask Bayu.

Alyssa nodded.

"Yes" replied Alyssa

"I salute you. At this young age you have achieved and become a chef. You are the youngest chef in the history of the chef who is here" said Bayu.

"really?" ask Alyssa

Bayu nodded quickly.

"Yes, I salute there are still young girls like you who have pent-up spirit and talent. Aren't you in college?" ask Bayu.

Alyssa smiled and shook her head.

"No mas. I just graduated High School. Wasn't it written in my letter" Alyssa replied

"I still don't expect. So where did you learn to cook?" ask Bayu again. It seems like he has already started the Alyssa interview. I have not stopped to ask.

"I learned self-taught and also because of hobbies. Coincidentally, I have been working in the past. So a little more I can steal knowledge little by little "Alyssa replied.

Bayu smiled and nodded. It seemed like he was quite proud and amazed to see Alyssa. The little girl who turned out to be the chef at this cruel master's restaurant.

"I hope, mentally you are also as strong as your spirit Alyssa" said Bayu.

Alyssa frowning.

"Is there anything you should pay attention to?" ask Alyssa

Bayu nodded.

"This restaurant is owned by the Dewantara family. Sometimes Mr. Malik will hold a dinner together here. And if that happens, you have to prepare yourself well. He does not accept the slightest mistake. There have been many chefs who have been forcibly dismissed from here just because of their little negligence" Bayu said.

Mr Malik??

What is that cold-faced big boss?

Might as well.

"What are we waiting for is him?" ask Alyssa.

Bayu. And that again made Alyssa confused.

"You're pretty lucky. Because now, the restaurant has been handed over to her lover" replied Bayu.

Alyssa again frowned at hearing that.

"Miss Zea..?" ask Alyssa.

Bayu nodded slowly.

"Yes Miss Zea. Lucky girl who got Mr. Malik. Looks like you guys are the same age, still look the same young" replied Bayu.

Alyssa smiled and nodded.

They are the same, just as young. But it seemed like the girl was much luckier than Alyssa.

Alyssa immediately turned to the glass, and right. Zea just got off a fancy car.

Alyssa immediately moved and went to follow Bayu's steps to welcome the beautiful and meek girl.

He was standing in front of the restaurant right behind Bayu. Look at Zea talking to someone in the car. While Bayu seems to run in a hurry to approach them.

Very honorable, though,

very powerful, very powerful,

and Zea. The girl looks so lucky.

Why did Alyssa become so envious.

No, can't..

Although his fate was not as lucky as the girl, but at least he also got someone who loved him so much. Someone who has been locked up in prison rather than having to betray their love.

Yes, Alyssa should be grateful for that.

"Welcome miss" said Alyssa who immediately lowered her head when the beautiful girl named Zea came towards her followed by Bayu.

"You've come, it turns out, am I late?" ask Zea.

Alyssa smiled and shook her head.

"I was not long ago, Miss" replied Alyssa

Zea smiled and nodded.

"We'd better get in, miss. Let's go ahead" invite Bayu.

Zea immediately walked in first, and followed by Alyssa and Bayu who looked so friendly to Zea. But different attitude.

Alyssa watched Zea from behind. Her graceful yet gentle appearance, her face was beautiful yet look sad and ayu. It's so perfect. He was indeed very compatible with that cold-faced big boss.

Although different characters, but Zea looks to be able to compensate and make the aura of the big boss for the better.

Really, if Alyssa could do that, maybe she would be the same as Zea. Can be next to his lover and complement each other.

Alyssa's mood is really easy to change. It turns out that this was due to her pregnancy.

Finally, they arrived in a room devoted to Zea. Bayu has prepared all of them.

Zea sits in her seat, while Alyssa sits at her desk.

Bayu stood beside Zea while handing over a document to Zea.

"This is the contract letter of miss" said Bayu.

Zea nodded, and she was seen reading the letter carefully. And not long after she smiled as she handed her back to Alyssa.

"You can read it first Alyssa. Nothing seems difficult" Zea said.

Alyssa nodded and immediately read the agreement letter.

There were two agreements Alyssa could choose from, the first being a two-year employment contract. With a salary of 1.5 billion.

Alyssa's eyes instantly widened seeing such a large salary.

And the second job with a monthly salary but not as big as a two-year contract. Only about 30 million a month.

Very much different. Maybe because it's not contracted.

"Is there a choice?" ask Zea.

"It's very much different that's because of Alyssa's contract issue. If you work under a contract, all the rewards you get are that big. If you don't want to choose a contract. Your salary is just that. But it is also different from a bonus. If there are a lot of fans, then you will get an additional bonus. But if not, then that's all you get" Bayu said.

Alyssa nodded slowly. That 1.5 billion dollars is certainly quite big and very lucrative. But Alyssa remembered that she was pregnant. He also could not possibly work for too long. Alyssa had to stop for childbirth in a few months. Meanwhile, if his job is contracted, Alyssa should not take too long off.

Yes, finally Alyssa just had to be grateful with such a salary. Because that's enough for him too.

"I chose the second choice only miss, mas" Alyssa replied at last.

"Why not just contract Alyssa? You will get good results" Zea said.

But Alyssa immediately shook her head and smiled.

"No miss. I don't know what his future will be like. So instead of upsetting you, I prefer to work without a contract. But miss don't worry, I will definitely work well" Alyssa replied.

"All right, I believe you. Hopefully with this you can advance this restaurant yes" hoped Zea.

Alyssa nodded and smiled.

"Of course, miss. Hopefully" Alyssa replied.

...

*About Zea, you can read her story in my other novel (Figuran's wife only)