Valeria’s breakup with Diego wasn’t just over—it was a loud, cruel show that left her reeling. The guy she’d believed in turned her life into a humiliating spectacle, dragging her into a darkness she couldn’t shake. But as a young immigrant scraping by, Valeria couldn’t pause to grieve. Her new waitress gig at a fancy restaurant was her shot at stability—mess it up, and she’d lose her foothold, maybe even her place in this country. On day one, she buried the pain and walked in. The kitchen roared, and her boss, Antonio, stood like a wall, eyeing her late arrival. “Sorry,” she said, voice low. “My ex—it’s been a mess.” Antonio’s face stayed hard. “Your drama stays out there. This place demands perfection—one more slip, you’re done.”
She vowed to nail it, but then Diego sauntered in with his new girl, Lorena, at her station. Her heart pounded—his betrayal hit like a wave. She pleaded with Antonio, “I can’t face them.” He shrugged, “Work’s work.” Gritting her teeth, she approached, smile forced. Diego jeered, “Valeria, waiting tables? Perfect for you.” Lorena’s snicker stung. She’d normally clap back, but her job teetered. “What’ll you have?” she asked. Diego flicked his knife under the table, “Oops—get it.” Kneeling, shame flared as Lorena crowed, “She’s quick!” Then the tacos—Diego scoffed, “Spicy? Weak,” and dumped them on her. “My bad,” he smirked. She cleaned it, masking rage, then fled to the kitchen, breaking down. Crying by the prep counter, Chef Sofia spotted her, offering a towel. “You’re bigger than them,” Sofia soothed. “He keeps winning,” Valeria sobbed. “Next plate—super hot?” she suggested. Sofia wavered, “Can’t tank the restaurant.” Valeria’s desperation won, “Just once.”
Valeria drenched a napkin in killer sauce, grinning, “Their treat.” Diego wiped his lips with it—then froze. Face blazing, he gasped as Lorena yelped, “Chill out!” Valeria offered water, but Lorena ditched, hissing, “We’re through!” Diego croaked, “Fire her!” Antonio sampled the food, “It’s good.” Catching the napkin, he stashed it, telling Diego, “No case—just karma.” Diego sank. Valeria felt alive—she’d struck back, no longer their doormat. Months ago, Diego lured her to a party, away from her books. “It’s the night,” he charmed. Her roommate, Nina, pushed, “Live for love!” Club drinks spun her world, and she woke in chaos, her life exposed online. Expelled, she faced Diego and Nina’s betrayal: “Just a bet—you’re nobody.” Crushed, Valeria fought on, and now, she’d shown her fire.
