Chapter 2
That downpour lasted for two whole days.]
Westlake was soaked in rain, damp to the bone.
I couldn’t sleep, constantly getting up in the midnight to click my lighter.]]
When I first got together with Rhys, he was just a broke hustler who couldn’t pay rent, living in a basement apartment.[]
In the damp air, only that small flame from the lighter gave any light.[]
Click Click–igniting and extinguishing.[]
Rhys, with his buzzcut, stared at me in my school uniform.
“Think carefully, Camden.“[]
“Im nobody. I’ve got nothing.“[]
“I can’t give you the future you want.“[]
I was so innocent back then–taking off my rain–soaked canvas shoes and pushing my cold feet into his embrace through his thin tank top.[]
Rhys’s body heat was like a torch, gradually setting my body aflame.[]
Even with just that tiny lighter flame, I stubbornly nodded.[]
e.“]
“Rhys, I don’t care about some future.”
I only want you.“]
I went through hell and back with Rhys.[]
In nights filled with the smell of bandages and disinfectant, we had passionate nights that lasted till dawn.[]
Rhys said that when he finally went legit, the first thing he’d do would be to marry me.
e.]
Now he was going legit, but the first thing he wanted to do was cut ties with me.[]
I was twenty–eight now, not young anymore, couldn’t keep acting reckless.
Besides, my family had already chosen a man for me, just waiting for me to give him a chance.
I decided to leave Westlake.]
Taking the keys to the house, I went to Rhys’s club one last time.
No makeup, just jeans and canvas shoes–when I walked in, many didn’t recognize me at first.]
When I took off my hat, the crew who used to eagerly call me “boss lady” fell silent.]
They obviously knew about Rhys’s new relationship. The ones who were closest to me started teasing:
“Cam, as your brothers, we still think you and Boss are perfect together.”
“Some little girl? That’s a joke. He’d look ridiculous taking her anywhere.“]]
“Why don’t you go sweet talk the boss? He always listens to…”
I laughed binerty]
Ten years with Rhys, I looked innocent, but with thin eyebrows and red lips, I could be sultry []
Many men watched me from afar, but Rhys was my protector
Anyone who dared touch a hair on my head was sent to the northern border to stack sandbags
just one tear from me, and Rhys would drop everything to comfort me.]}]
This had been my exclusive privilege ()
But this firme, the guys couldn’t finish their sentence]
A ceramik cup smashed against someone’s eyebrow, shattering into pieces
Chapter 2
Rhys’s face was deadly serious.
“Is this Camden’s place now or something?“]
“Is this how you run my business when I’m not around?!“]
The enormous room fell instantly silent.
That was Rhys’s influence.[]
But now, that influence was being used against me.[]
I tried to explain. But the girl behind him peeked out cautiously, casually remarking:[]
“Rhys, is this the Camden you told me about?”
“She dresses just like me!“]
Rhys frowned slightly, examining my outfit–jeans and canvas shoes, indeed identical to Lily’s style.[]
He looked at me suspiciously.
“Camden, have you been stalking Lily?”
Looking closely, Lily resembled my eighteen–year–old self quite a bit. Especially in jeans and canvas shoes, the resemblance was uncanny.
I understood the girl’s little ploy. But I refused to speak up.
Rather than me stalking Lily, wasn’t it more likely someone had researched Rhys’s preferences?]
After ten years together, Rhys couldn’t even trust me this much…]
I pressed my lips together stubbornly.[]
Rhys snorted mockingly:]
“Dressing alike doesn’t make you eighteen again.“]
“Camden, why are you being difficult with me?“]]
I blinked, not believing what Rhys had just said.[]
“How about this,” Rhys licked his lips, mercilessly continuing.[]
Ten years–name your price?”
I was stunned.
Ten years with Rhys, I’d taken bullets for him, knife wounds for him.]
Yet nothing had ever hurt as much as this moment.[]
My nails dug into my palms as my voice trembled.[]
“Rhys, what did you just say?!“]]
“I said, for wasting ten years of your youth, name your price.“[]
Rhys stood with his hands in his pockets.
Even with emotions churning in his eyes, he still spoke through gritted teeth.[]
After hearing this, I could barely stand.
1.By tugged at Khys’s sleeve, softly trying to mediate.]
Rhys, don’t be so harsh.”
“Camden didn’t do anything wrong.”
Rhys lowered his head, gently brushing her nose with his.]
“Be good, listen to me.
He pulled her behind him. “I won’t let anyone hurt you“]
From Grime to Deh by Ca’s Sew Flame
14.30
Chapter 2
Rhys used to protect me just like that.
I couldn’t bear to watch, acid churning in my stomach.]
Looking down, I noticed the silver bracelet on my wrist.
When that bracelet was first given to me, it had been tight.[]
But the deeper I fell in love with Rhys, the looser it became.[]
