Chapter 3

Sienna’s idea of job hunting had always involved “someone else” looking for a job and her personal assistant forwarding their résumé to select luxury brands. She had never looked for a job, never mind the idea of working? Yuck… Standing outside a dingy café with a handwritten “Help Wanted” sign taped to the window was a new low.

She pulled her borrowed jacket tighter around her, squared her shoulders, and walked in. The inside smelled like burnt coffee and desperation. A harried-looking woman behind the counter barely glanced up before barking, “You here for the job?”

Sienna hesitated. “That depends. What does it pay?”

The woman scoffed. “Not much. But it’s honest work.”

Sienna had never cared for honesty. It had a way of making people uncomfortable. But she needed money, and more importantly, she needed to prove Rafa wrong.

She forced a smile. “Great. When do I start?”

The woman shoved a notepad at her. “Now.”

It was less a job and more a baptism by fire. Within minutes, Sienna was juggling coffee orders, wiping down tables, and trying to decode a register that looked like it belonged in a museum. The customers were relentless, barking orders at her as if she was invisible.

“Hey! Extra sugar, I said extra sugar!” a man snapped, shaking his cup at her.

She gritted her teeth. “You get what you get.”

“You’re supposed to serve with a smile.”

Sienna bared her teeth. “There. Happy?”

He muttered something under his breath and stalked off. She groaned, rubbing her temples. This was humiliating. She was Sienna Putri Santoso. She used to be served, not the other way around.

She was about to fake a bathroom emergency and escape when she heard a familiar voice.

“Well, well. Look at you. Working class looks good on you.”

Rafa.

Sienna turned slowly. He was leaning against the counter, arms crossed, smirking. He had that annoyingly relaxed confidence, like he owned the world and didn’t need to prove it.

“Are you following me?” she shot back, flipping her hair over her shoulder.

Rafa chuckled. “This is my usual spot. Imagine my surprise when I walk in and see you… taking orders.”

Sienna grabbed a coffee cup. “What do you want?”

“Americano. No sugar. Unlike some people, I don’t need things artificially sweetened.”

She narrowed her eyes but scribbled it down anyway. “Fine. One sad, bitter coffee coming right up.”

As she turned, she heard him say, “By the way, the apron suits you.”

She nearly threw the cup at his head.

For the next hour, she pretended Rafa didn’t exist. He, however, found great amusement in watching her struggle. He took his time with his coffee, occasionally throwing out sarcastic comments just to rile her up.

“Careful, Sienna. You almost looked like you were enjoying yourself for a second.”

“I’d rather bathe in sewage.”

“Interesting choice.”

By the end of her shift, her feet ached, her patience was gone, and Rafa was still there. The café owner finally waved her off. “Not bad, new girl. Come back tomorrow.”

Sienna pulled off the apron, tossed it on the counter, and walked straight past Rafa. He followed her out. “So? How was your first day in the real world?”

She scowled. “Awful. People are rude. The register is older than time itself. And coffee is stupidly complicated.”

“Welcome to reality.”

She exhaled, rubbing her face. “I don’t get how you do this every day. I need a drink.”

Rafa grinned. “Come on. I know a place.”

She eyed him suspiciously. “I swear, if it’s another warung—”

“No warung,” he promised. “Trust me.”

Famous last words.

Minutes later, she found herself seated at a tiny bar tucked in an alleyway, dimly lit with jazz playing in the background. It wasn’t high-end, but it wasn’t sketchy either. Just comfortable.

Sienna took a sip of her cocktail. “Okay. I’ll admit. It’s not the worst.”

Rafa raised his glass. “High praise coming from you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t get used to it.”

“So, are you going back to the café tomorrow?”

She hesitated, twirling her straw. “Maybe.”

He smirked. “That’s a yes.”

She sighed. “I hate that I need this job.”

“You don’t have to like it. You just have to do it.”

She glanced at him. “Is that how you got where you are? Just… did things?”

Rafa studied her for a moment before answering. “Pretty much. No shortcuts. No handouts. Just work.”

Sienna pursed her lips. It was the opposite of everything she’d ever known.

He leaned forward. “What about you, princess? You gonna stick it out? Or run again?”

Her grip tightened on her glass. “I don’t run.”

He held her gaze, unreadable. “We’ll see.” The challenge was clear. And damn it, she was going to win.

a witty, emotional, and fast-paced contemporary romance novel about Sienna Santoso, a runaway heiress who finds unexpected love and independence while escaping an arranged marriage. Facing family pressure, personal growth, and undeniable chemistry with Rafa, a self-made entrepreneur, she must decide between her past and her future. A gripping slow-burn romance filled with tension, humor, and heartfelt moments.