CHAPTER FOURTEEN
COURTNEY
––––––––
It helps to pretendI still hate him.
In truth, I’m not sure I everhatedZander Sterling, but during those days when he was rude and insulting, it was much easier to ignore how attracted I was to him.
Now, each time we’re in the same room, it’s impossible to ignore our chemistry.In his custom-made suits, his huge muscular frame towers over me.
Yesterday, when I walked into Zander’s office, he had a pair of reading glasses on, and I swear my panties were soaked in three seconds.There is something wrong with me.I’ve never felt this kind of attraction before.
The worst is when he rolls up his sleeves, exposing strong, ripped forearms.My God!
I’ve noticed his heavy silver timepiece several times.Having researched them while looking to buy Adam one, theRolex Day-Date,which is no longer available, would’ve cost a quarter of a million dollars.
Buying gifts for Adam was always strange, as I saw it as his money, not our money.The watch I landed on was worth much less than Zander’s, but it was still life-changing money.
He never would have let me gift money to my parents, but I did occasionally feel obligated.Soon, I will have the choice, and I guess they know it.
My father texted me to say that Mom is sick.That she has cancer and needs treatment.I don’t know whether to believe him.Junkies lie.It’s what they do.
I laid awake all night wondering how I deal with the news.
I rang Kylie.
“He’s lying,” she replied immediately.
“That’s what I thought, but what if he’s not?”I chewed the tip of my nail as I stared out across Central Park.“What if I’m standing in my golden tower—his words, not mine—and Mom is terminally ill?They kept me alive.I owe them that, at least.”
I heard her groan.
“That’s what parents should do.You don’t owe them.”
I felt like I did.
“Also,” she continues.“It’s illegal to kill your kid.So, there’s that.”
