Chapter 1
In those years when we had only each other's backs, Charles Stone and I lived no better than strays.
We would even hesitate over a single slice of bread, each of us insisting the other should have it.
Then I sold him to a sugar mama for two million bucks.
We ran into each other again at some business mixer.
"It's been a long time," Charles said, all careful and composed.
He looked like money now—even his shoes probably cost more than my rent.
Everything about him screamed how stupid I'd been.
But I kept my face blank while mentally cursing him out.
Just my luck!
*****
"Lisa, do you know Mr. Stone?" my boss asked, eyes bouncing between Charles on stage and me.
"He keeps looking at you."
I yanked my cap lower, pretending to be on my phone.
I let out a dry laugh. "No way. He's a big shot, and I'm nobody. If I actually knew him, would I be stuck here as some grunt employee?"
My boss nodded, looking thoughtful. "Fair point."
After his speech, Charles went back to the front row while I stayed in the nosebleeds.
The crowd between us might as well have been an ocean—two completely different worlds.
Ever since I took that two-million-dollar check three years ago, we were done. Strangers, nothing more.
I followed my boss around, passing out business cards like flyers.
When we got to Charles, I tried hiding behind my boss, praying that even if he recognized me, he'd just pretend we were strangers.
From my angle, the first thing I saw was his handmade leather shoes.
Subtle color, clean lines, insane price tag.
I bet his socks never got holes in them anymore.
I was zoning out when someone said my name.
"Lisa Reed."
"Yes," I instinctively replied, and suddenly, my view cleared as my boss stepped back, shoving me right in front of Charles.
"So you two are old friends! Go ahead, catch up. I'll give you some space," my boss said with a grin before wandering off.
Funny how you could spot someone you were that close to in a crowd—even from just a glimpse.
"Lisa." Charles let my name hang in the air for a moment before adding, "It's been a while."
I had nothing to say. What were the odds? I'd left Bayview City three years ago, and somehow I still ended up face-to-face with Charles.
Thank goodness Rachel Linden showed up.
"Honey, sorry I'm late—I was buying a new bag. Are you mad?" she purred.
Behind her, a nanny held a little boy who was Charles' spitting image.
The kid beamed at Charles. "Dad, hug!"
I had my mask on, so Rachel didn't recognize me. She glided in like royalty, chin up, not even glancing my way.
Oh right. Rachel was the rich lady who paid two million to take Charles off my hands.
Later, I found out she was the only heiress to some publicly traded company.
Two million was a bargain. I should've asked for more.
*****
Charles and I went to college together.
We first met while hustling part-time jobs in the campus cafeteria.
There are three things that cannot be hidden: coughing, poverty, and love.
That described Charles and me to a T.
Charles grew up in an orphanage. After my parents died, I survived on whatever the neighbors could spare.
Life dealt us both shit hands, and when money was tight, pride was a luxury we couldn't afford.
The cheapest motel near campus was 30 bucks a night.
So for the first six months together, the most we did was kiss and fool around a little.
It wasn't until winter break, when campus was empty, that we finally had sex on Charles' cramped dorm bed.
Not long after, I started feeling off.
At first, we figured maybe the condoms were the problem.
But then I found bugs crawling around in the bulk pads I'd ordered online.
I tried joking about it with Charles, but honestly, it was just sad.
"Buy one, and get bugs free. What a deal," I said, forcing a laugh.
Charles didn't smile. He looked away, voice heavier than I'd ever heard it.
"Lisa, I promise—one day, you'll have everything you deserve."