Chapter 3

I was crying so hard I could barely breathe. All these memories kept hitting me.

When we first met, Eric spent six months trying to win me over.

He was always checking on me, bringing me little things, making sure I was okay.

I thought I'd found something real. Turns out it was just another business deal to him.

Now, his actual fiancée showed up, and I, the girl he paid to satisfy his needs, became a total joke.

The more I thought about it, the worse I felt. I ended up curled up on the sidewalk, sobbing.

The wind kept messing up my hair, and I felt like I was losing it.

Tears wouldn't stop coming. Everything hurt—my chest, my eyes, everything.

I grabbed my phone with shaky hands, thinking about calling my parents.

I wanted to tell them I was sorry. That I'd made a huge mistake.

Gosh, I'd been so stupid, so completely naive.

I had everything handed to me, and I threw it all away to become someone's plaything.

If I'd seen through his act sooner, maybe I wouldn't be feeling like this.

I found their numbers, but I couldn't bring myself to hit call.

What would I even say? My parents had always been so proud of me. How could I tell them I'd screwed up this badly?

While I was still staring at the screen, my phone rang.

It was an unknown number.

Normally I'd let it go to voicemail, but something made me answer.

To my surprise, it was my mom, Charlotte Lynn.

"Viv! You finally answered. Where are you? Are you doing okay? It's been two whole years. Are you still mad at us?

"You always wanted to make an album, right? Your dad and I can start a music company for you. We'll help you make it happen. Just come home, sweetheart.

"Whatever you need, we will get it for you. Just come home."

I tried to keep it together, but my voice cracked anyway. "Mom, I was so wrong. I was so stupid back then.

"Just wait for me a little longer, okay? I'll come home as soon as I can. My album's almost finished. I can't give up now."

Charlotte sighed, "Oh honey, look how much you've grown up.

"If you need money, just call us. You're our only daughter. If you wanted the moon, I'd figure out how to buy it for you."

Charlotte's words made me smile despite my tears. "Thank you both so much. I promise I'll come home soon."

The moment I hung up, I started crying all over again.

What was wrong with me back then? How could I have been so stupid?

I had everything—parents who loved me, a comfortable life—and I walked away from it all for what? This mess?

But now, even though my family had money, I was not giving Eric a single penny. He'd probably demand some ridiculous amount, and there was no way I'd let him win.

Once this album was done, I'd go back to being heiress of the family. Then, I'd show both him and Sophie exactly what they messed with.

*****

Back at the apartment, my stomach was rumbling. I grabbed an egg and some sausages from the fridge. It was time to make an omelette.

It was basically the only thing I'd learned to cook in two years, but hey, I'd gotten pretty good at it.

The front door suddenly opened, and there stood Eric, taking up the entire doorway.

I raised my eyebrow. He actually had the nerve to show up right now?

He acted like I wasn't even there. Just changed into his slippers, grabbed his towel and clothes, and walked straight to the bathroom.

Soon, I could hear the shower running.

Eric always loved my scrambled eggs. He said they made him feel at home.

In the old days, whenever he came over, I'd make him different kinds of eggs. Watching him enjoy them used to make me so happy.

Now? I couldn't care less.

I was really hungry, so by the time Eric came out of the bathroom, I'd already finished eating.

He frowned at me. "Where's mine?"

I kept cleaning up without looking at him. "You had all that fancy food at your welcome dinner tonight, Mr. Goodman. I didn't think you'd want something this simple."

Eric blinked, caught off guard. He wasn't expecting me to talk back like that. After a beat, his voice turned sharp and mocking. "What, you're pissed I didn't back you up tonight?

"You used to know better than this. Guess I've been too easy on you, huh?

"I was overthinking everything." I finished cleaning up and looked at him with a blank expression. "Anything else you need? Because I'm exhausted and I'm going to bed."

Eric stared at me for a long moment. Then, he got up from the couch, his robe hanging open, and walked over. He leaned down, trapping me against the sofa.

His hand caught my chin, tilting my face up to look at him.

"Are you mad at me?" His voice was quiet, almost teasing.

His fingers brushed against my neck. I couldn't help the way my body reacted.

Before, I would have melted right into his arms. But not anymore. I was done bending over backward for him, done trying to make him happy, done giving him everything.

I gritted my teeth and shoved him back, trying to keep some space between us.

"Mr. Goodman, I don't feel well tonight." I looked him straight in the eye, my voice ice-cold. "If you need someone to warm your bed, go find your fiancée."

His expression darkened instantly, and his fingers dug into my chin so hard I thought he might break something.

My jaw throbbed and I could barely breathe, but I clenched my teeth and refused to cry, not even a single tear.

His eyes went cold and dangerous. "Vivian," he said slowly, "don't push your luck."

I stared right back at him and laughed bitterly. "Push my luck? I'm nothing but an expensive escort. What luck do I have to push?"

Eric's face darkened. He stared at me, his mouth set in a tight line.

"Since you heard that, remember your place. When you're at work, show some respect to my fiancée."

Then, he let go and walked out.

I just sat there in a daze. It wasn't until I heard the door slam that I came back to myself.

I let out a hollow laugh. "Show respect. Right."