pte

na'

uncomfortable position I had slept in. I realized I hadn't even made

he passionate encounter with Peter, the abrupt way he had sent me

men," I muttered bitterly. "Use you

harassing women, but I had thought maybe, just

ng down on me once again. The doctor's words echoed in my mind - the

of cash?" I wondered aloud, feeli

as soon as the thought crossed my mind, I dismissed it. How pa

got dressed and headed out to the Holmes' mansio

with trembling fingers. To my surpri

g here?" he asked, his br

u, Bryon," I stammered

nd, a sharp voice interru

Elena," Chloe sneered, appearing be

Bryon, hoping for some kind of expla

ed, my voice shaking with anger an

pain. But it was Bryon's mother, Ma

ily has a good name, wealth, and a spotless reputation. Her mother wa

ife. I felt my face flush

ritted teeth, "but she paid the price with her life.

the insult. Before I could react, she reac

you'll regret not dying wi

as about to lunge at her when a boomi

oug

ter standing there, his

anded, his eyes darting betwee

look. Here I was, begging for scraps from the family t

Peter," Maria said smoothly.

elt my blood boil. But before I cou

with me. We n

r the way he had treated me. But the alternativ

ing the smug look on Chloe's face. As so

d. "Here to kick me while I'm down,

"No, Elena, I... I'm sorry about last night

. "Yeah,

o help you. I heard what you said about

could believe what I was hearin

g I'll give you the money. Whatev

his face for any sign of de

my voice barely above a whisper.

my hand, his touch sendi

terday Elena. And I can't stan

ll the pain and rejection I had faced, his

squeezing his hand. "You have n

ftly, pouring all my gratitud

an enough," I murmur

limmer of hope for the first time in a long time. Maybe, ju

of my mind warned me not to get too comfortable. In this world

g that my troubles