AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I gasped. “That slimy maggot!”
“Exactly!! I wanted to murder him.” She kept going, rambling almost incoherently, and I listened intently, chiming in as I tipped the grocery lady and put away the food. When I was done, the cupboards and fridge were stuffed full. And Callie was leaving today! I was going to have to eat all this by myself?
For sure I’d have to take some to Benson.
And suddenly, Amara's voice faded to the background as a realization washed over me.
I had everything I needed.
I’d had to sacrifice—the tax thing was pressing, so I’d pawned my precious birthday necklace, determining that it was worth it. Keeping the house would give me more memories and happiness.
But everything else… with the house fixed up and having full cupboards.
I could breathe.
My world suddenly felt lighter.
I wouldn’t need to sell my soul to the Magnolia after all.
I would still have to figure out a way to make things work, but at least I had some time.
My shoulders relaxed and I inhaled a hitching breath, the anger at Rook inside me burning away into something so much stronger.
Gratitude.
Even if he’d done it for jerk-ish reasons, I was still just so—so grateful, I wanted to cry.
Warmth washed over me, the feeling settling in my chest and gut, tingling my insides out.
I could breathe again!
And I knew it; I would have to swallow my pride and thank him. Despite the brazen and annoying way he’d gone about it, he had saved me.
Smiling, I murmured agreement to Amara's ranting, spotting the envelope from earlier.
I absentmindedly opened it, pulling out a stack of papers and scanned over it.
My stomach dropped.
The blood drained from my face.
Something trapped in my throat and tears burned at my eyes.
Couldn’t breathe.
I was going to have to sign, after all.
Tears running down my face, I slid it back into the envelope and, putting the call on speaker phone so I could still hear Amara, I typed out a text.
I’ve decided to accept your offer.
CHAPTER 17
Summer
The grand mansion perched atop the cliff, its black gates entwined with ivy and a lion-head knocker embedded in the tall, dark door. I’d had to go through two security gates to get here, with serious-faced guards checking my credentials. Every step closer made my stomach twist and the pain in my head pulse.
Gulping in the scent of blossoming flowers, I shoved my waitress uniform in the car. After two weeks of restless anticipation, Olivia had finally responded, and I’d barely eaten or slept.
