CALI
"I agree," I said, my voice coming out weak. Tears threatened to spill, but I forced them back. I couldn't cry in front of an animal like you.
"Okay. I'll send the money into your account, and we'll talk later," they said nonchalantly.
I stormed out, heading straight to my office.
At the door, I ran into the so-called PA. She looked like she'd been trying to eavesdrop but hadn't succeeded. She blocked my path, but I pushed past her, ran into my office, and slammed the door shut behind me.
I cried like never before. But I had to do this for my brother. I couldn't let him die over some foolish dignity my husband would probably enjoy preserving. I wiped my tears, trying to console myself, but they kept falling anyway.
Then my phone beeped.
When I checked the message, my breath caught—$500,000 had been sent by my boss.
Is this guy serious? I thought bitterly. You couldn't lend me $200,000, but now you can suddenly send $500,000?
I hissed in frustration.
I immediately sent $120,000 to the hospital account and called the doctor. She assured me they would begin the surgery immediately.
Next, I sent $80,000 to my landlord for the house rent.
I sighed heavily. There was no turning back now—I was already in too deep. Life could be so cruel. First my parents' death, and now this.
My dog had suddenly gone to Auntie Stella's. I wondered how she was managing my parents' property after forcefully taking it from us—bribing a lawyer to alter the will in her favor.
The reason I studied Business Administration was to take over my parents' company and grow it beyond what they had built. Unfortunately, our aunt took everything from us and even denied us the things our parents' friend had left behind.
The house we currently lived in was purchased through a trust fund my parents had set up—something only I knew about. Immediately after the address was released, I withdrew all the funds. When Aunt Stella sent us away, I was able to secure the house and enroll Edward in a cheaper high school using what remained.
I also completed college with that money. Now the fund was gone, and I depended solely on my salary.
No one would have ever believed Aunt Rita could be this cruel. She had always been our favorite among our parents' relatives. I remembered when she used to visit—she always brought us candies and chocolates.
She had been more like a sibling than an aunt… until our parents died. That was when she showed her true colors.
BRYAN
Why did I even ask her to warm my bed? God, that was stupid. Now she'd see me as a bad person.
I don't want to admit how I feel, but I'm scared she'll hate me.
Oh my… Carli Rillion, what are you doing to me? When did I start feeling this guilty, like some heartless jerk? I felt like I was losing my mind.
I called the office and asked for her. Minutes passed, and when she finally came on the line, I suddenly had nothing to say.
"Sit," I said firmly.
She didn't argue. She sat down immediately.
"My mom will be coming over next week, so my driver will pick you up a day before. You'll need to get some clothes for yourself," I said quickly. She nodded.
"You can leave now," I added calmly.
She left.
My phone rang almost immediately, and I picked it up at once.