Chapter 4

I gave Nancy a polite thanks and was ready to head home.

It felt like I'd just come out of a wild dream. Man, I was a wreck.

I used to fantasize about marrying Edward, having kids, and building a perfect family together.

But in the end, it was nothing but a silly fantasy I scripted all on my own.

I was totally zoned out, lugging my heavy suitcase behind me as I headed home.

Actually, I really didn't want to go back there.

Home was never a place of comfort for me. Just endless pain, that was all it was.

As soon as I walked in, I heard Mom calling relatives to borrow money.

I asked, concerned, "Mom, is something wrong at home?"

When Mom saw me, her defeated look disappeared right away.

She took my hand and said warmly, "Anna, you're back!

I've been waiting for you to come home. Go wash your hands and get ready for dinner. I made eggplant just for you."

I hated eggplant, but William loved it.

I knew Mom had mixed things up again.

But it was one of those rare moments when she was actually nice to me.

I didn't want to kill the mood.

So I forced a smile and went to wash my hands and get ready for dinner.

At the dinner table, William was dropping hints, trying to get the scoop about me and Edward.

He asked, "So, Anna, how's it going with that rich boyfriend of yours lately?"

I kept my head down, quietly eating.

I acted like I didn't hear anything.

Mom finally couldn't hold back and spoke up, "Anna, would you help me out with something?"

"What is it?" I asked.

She said, "William got into trouble again. He hit a classmate and left him deaf in one ear. The parents are demanding 60 grand in compensation.

"You know how things are at home. There's no way we can pay that. They said if we don't pay up, they'll have William thrown in jail."

My heart dropped, and my eyes darkened.

"But I don't have any money either," I said.

Mom clearly didn't buy it.

She scooped some food into my plate.

Then she said, "Anna, I know I haven't really been there for you these past years, and maybe you feel like we've grown apart. But right now, we really need your help.

"I know Edward's always giving you money. Where's that ring you used to wear? I had William look it up. It's something with a fancy name, right? Must've cost a fortune.

"If he's willing to spend that much on you, you've probably saved up a lot, haven't you? Just lend William 60 grand for now, and I'll pay you back, alright?"

I set my fork down and let out a weary sigh.

I said, "Mom, I swear, I really don't have any money.

"You've spoiled William so much. Maybe a stint in jail will finally teach him a lesson."

Mom slammed her fork down.

She snapped, "So, Anna, you think you're all grown up now, huh? After all the years I busted my back raising you, this is how you pay me back?

"Not only do you refuse to lend me money, but you're even cursing me and William?"

She glared at me, like I was some kind of enemy.

She said, "I'm your mother, and William's your brother. It's only natural for you to help your own family when we're in trouble.

"If you won't give me the money, fine. I'll just go ask your rich boyfriend for it."

Mom pulled out her phone and dialed the number I couldn't be more familiar with.

I stared at her, stunned. "Mom, how did you even get Edward's number?"

She sneered, "I knew now that you're all grown up, you'd rather help outsiders than your own family."

Mom grinned smugly.

She said, "I'm always one step ahead of you. I knew you'd pull something like this, so I went through your phone ahead of time and saved Edward's number.

"He's got money to burn. Of course he'll fork over 60 grand for his future mother-in-law."

"Mom, I'm not with him anymore. Reaching out to him is pointless," I said.

I tried to snatch her phone away, but William kicked me hard in the belly.

Since I was on my period, that kick almost knocked me out cold.

I curled up on the floor, writhing in agony.

William towered over me, looking down with that smug attitude.

He scoffed. "I'm not falling for your crap. Isn't it just a little too coincidental? The moment I get into trouble, you suddenly break up with him?"

Mom curled her lip and shot me a contemptuous eye-roll.

She said, "Yeah, William, I don't believe a word she says either.

"Raising a girl like her was a total waste. She's not even married off yet, and she's already bending over backwards to save money for her man."

I curled up in pain on the floor, holding my belly.

I could only watch Mom dial the number.

Edward answered almost immediately.

Mom put on her extra sweet voice. "Hi, is this Edward? It's Anna's mom. I heard you and Anna had a bit of a falling out, so I just wanted to check in. Oh, everything's fine? That's great."

Edward didn't hang up. He just listened patiently as Mom started beating around the bush, clearly gearing up to hit him up for cash.

She said, "Well, it's nothing serious, really. Anna's brother got into trouble at school and hurt someone. Money's really tight for me right now, so I tried asking Anna to lend me some, but she turned me down..."

Not sure what Edward said on the other end, but Mom's eyes suddenly lit up.

She started winking at William like crazy.

She said, "Awesome, Edward, thanks a lot. I'll have Anna take you off her blocked list right away.

"I totally spoiled her when she was a kid, and I have no clue where she got that attitude from. Don't let it get to you, okay? You're the only guy I want as her future husband."

With that, Mom hung up the phone, looking totally satisfied.

William couldn't wait and blurted out, "Got it?"

Mom beamed. "Yes. He even said we don't have to pay him back. Hurry up and get my bank card from the drawer. I'll send him the account info."

Watching the two of them so overjoyed, I finally broke down.

I sobbed, "Mom, he's married! He's got a family. His wife already came looking for me at my school.

"Can't you just give me a little dignity? I don't want to be the other woman!"