Chapter 1
My boyfriend and his so–called “sister” checked into a hotel, only to get caught in a prostitution sting.
When I showed up to bail him out, his neck was covered in hickeys, and he was busy comforting her as she sobbed into her hands.
“The lock on her apartment broke, and she was terrified, so I stayed with her,” he explained.
If this had happened before, I would’ve lost it, demanding answers.
But this time, I didn’t want to play the role of the jealous, crazy girlfriend.
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I calmly signed the release papers, keeping silent.
A friend from the operation team asked, “Family?”
I shook my head. “Just neighbors.”
Then I looked down and texted my mom.
[That arranged marriage you mentioned? Fine, I’ll do it. Give me three days, and I’ll come home.]
When we left the station, Leigh Clayton, still sniffling, climbed into the passenger seat of my car.
I didn’t feel like arguing, so I started the engine. Just as I reached for the wheel, she grabbed my arm.
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Except, she wasn’t looking at me. She turned to my boyfriend, Harvey Robson, instead.
“I’m scared. I don’t like riding in someone else’s car,” she said, her eyes brimming with tears, her nose red. She looked like the very picture of helplessness.
I yanked her hand off me. “Then get out.”
The air in the car grew cold, and Leigh’s tears spilled over, her sobs filling the space.
From the backseat, Harvey’s voice was sharp.
“Berenice, do you always have to be so harsh? You know she’s traumatized because of her brother’s situation. Can’t you just show some consideration?” he snapped. “Get out. I’ll drive”
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Before I could respond, he yanked open my door so violently that it rattled, letting the frigid wind rush in.
I shivered but didn’t move, just sat there, staring at him.
The ever–calm Harvey was suddenly rough and impatient. He unbuckled my seatbelt and dragged me out of the car.
I stumbled, nearly falling, but managed to steady myself.
Without a glance in my direction, he slid into the driver’s seat and leaned over, gently brushing Leigh’s hair. “Hush now. I’ll take you home first.”
“Oh, Harvey, you’re so good to me!” Leigh cooed, throwing me a smug little look.
Chapter 1
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Before he drove off, Harvey left me with one sentence: “You’re an adult. Figure out your own way home. I’ll be back after I drop her off.”
I stood frozen as their car sped away. Just before they turned the corner, I saw that bitch lean over and kiss his cheek.
My phone buzzed in my han
up, my fingers still stiff.
and I picked it
“Sweetheart, did you see Torin’s photo?” Torin Fernandez–the guy my mom wanted me to marry.
Tall, good–looking.
On the other end, my mom’s voice was relieved. “Oh, sweetheart, you’re finally growing up. Your dad’s getting older. He’s been furious about you running away from
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home all these years. It’s good you’re coming back.”
I glanced up at the insects buzzing around the streetlight, my thoughts scattered.
I ran away all those years ago because I didn’t want this life.
Then I met Harvey, and for a while, I thought I’d struck gold.
Seven years. I stood by him through everything–helping him build something out of nothing.
But every time I mentioned the future, he’d just say, “It’s too soon.” I’d quietly terminated my pregnancies because of that. More than
once.
I was so naive, thinking that his love would
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be enough.
But now, I couldn’t take it anymore.
In the end, I took a cab home.
Harvey must’ve felt guilty because he came back not long after.
He walked in just as I was packing. Clothes were scattered across the room–most of them already stuffed into bags.
“Why are you packing your clothes?” he asked, his voice uncertain.
“Decluttering,” I replied flatly, hoping he’d just go take a shower.
The cloying scent of perfume on him made my stomach turn.
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He hesitated for a moment, unaware of anything amiss, and continued talking to himself.
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