Chapter 2
"So slow." Lillian wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Crank the heat. Don't let your chill get on me."
I silently turned it up and started driving.
"Nathan, doesn't she look like a drowned rat?" Lillian giggled and snuggled against him.
Nathan didn't laugh. He just said flatly, "No."
My heart relaxed for a second, until he added, "A rat would do better."
The car finally pulled up to Skycrest Villa.
It was the most expensive neighborhood in the city. Seven years ago, I'd actually fantasized about living here with Nathan.
"We're here." I turned off the engine and pulled out the keys.
Nathan got out, then walked around to open the door for Lillian.
She clung to his arm like a proud peacock.
I held out the keys with both hands. "Your keys, sir."
Nathan didn't take them. His gaze dropped to my hands.
Years of rough work had left them chapped and calloused, with little hangnails around the edges.
A flicker of disgust crossed his face. He pulled a wad of cash from his wallet.
It was easily over a thousand, way more than the fare.
"Take it and get lost." He tossed the bills into a puddle on the ground. Muddy water splashed up.
I froze.
"Oh, Nathan, why give her so much? People like that just get greedy," Lillian cooed, stepping her heel right onto the cash and grinding it down.
"Pick it up. What are you waiting for? Not enough?" she taunted, looking at me with a nasty smirk.
I wanted to walk away. I wanted to throw the money back in their faces.
But... Bella's medical bills for tomorrow weren't paid.
The hospital's payment reminder was still sitting in my phone.
Dignity meant nothing when I was fighting for survival.
I slowly crouched down and reached for the muddy bills.
Lillian's toe was still on them. She didn't move it.
"Beg me." She looked down at me from on high.
I clenched my jaw, my voice shaking. "Excuse me... could you move?"
"Can't hear you." She cupped a hand to her ear. "Louder. What did you say?"
"Excuse me," I said, louder.
"Such an attitude." She pressed down harder. "Look at this money, all dirty. Honestly, it's disgusting. I feel gross just looking at it."
Nathan stood to the side, lighting a cigarette. He just watched, like this had nothing to do with him.
If anything, he seemed to enjoy watching me get trampled.
"Mr. Collins..." I couldn't help looking up at him, hoping for some kind of reprieve, even if it was just for old times' sake.
Nathan blew out a smoke ring, his eyes mocking.
"Hannah, seven years, and you're already cracking?" he asked.
I flinched and quickly looked down.
He'd known all along.
From the very start, this was just a game.
"Well, since we've recognized each other." Nathan stepped closer, his dress shoe stopping right by my hand. "Let's catch up."
He bent down, his long fingers gripping my chin, forcing my head up.
"You were pretty slick walking away with that one million back then. How'd you end up like this?" he asked.
I opened my mouth to explain, but the hatred in his eyes choked off every word.
"Nathan, you know her?" Lillian gasped, covering her mouth dramatically. "Oh my god, don't tell me she's the ex-girlfriend who dumped you for money?"
"Ex-girlfriend?" Nathan scoffed. "She's not even worth that."
He let go and wiped his fingers, disgusted. "Just a plaything."
Lillian's eyes sparkled. Her smile got even wider.
She said, "Well, if you're old friends, that makes it easier. Perfect timing. We actually need a cleaner. Take the money, and come by tomorrow to scrub the toilets."
She flicked her toe, scattering the cash. "If you don't show, we'll say you stole it."
Nathan didn't object. He just watched me coldly as I picked up the money.
I picked up every single bill from the ground, the muddy water mixing with the rain, ice cold.
Each one was a piece of hope for Bella.
"Fine." I kept my head down, clutching the money in my palm. "When?"
Nathan's expression froze. He hadn't expected me to agree so easily.
"You're pathetic, Hannah." He wrapped an arm around Lillian and turned toward the villa gates.
The gate slammed shut, closing me off from that shiny, perfect world.