Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 57891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
“Fuck!” I scream from deep within my chest.
I hate my father.
I hate my life.
I hate the lies that have all added up. One right after the other. I have nothing left. Not my family. Not my wife. Not my world. All I’m left with is empty answers.
With my knuckles bleeding, I throw my cell phone across the room next. I know this is the end…
Of the life I wanted so desperately with her.
CHAPTER 25
Brooklyn
Maybe some people are meant to just be alone. Like there’s something wrong with the way they love. That’s the conclusion I came to at Aspen’s place, where I’ve stayed the past few nights.
I adjust the jacket slightly so it doesn’t look quite as tight. Aspen’s a size smaller than me, and I don’t have anything else to wear. I’m not going back to Ronan’s.
I’d absolutely lose it if I did.
I think I’d beg him to love me if I ever saw him again, and I’ll never forgive myself if I do that.
I’ve loved my father for as long as I can remember. He was my hero growing up. All those memories came back to me over the past few days. My mother called me her mini me and loved me too.
We were happy once.
What happened?
I know they loved me back then. When I was just a kid and when they loved each other. Then everything changed, and at some point, however, that love just wasn’t enough.
My mother hasn’t said she loves me since I decided to stay with my father, and my father certainly doesn’t love the person I’ve become.
And now Ro.
I love him more than I’ve loved anyone. I’ve never felt so utterly and completely destroyed.
So … hopeless.
Like I’m just not meant for this life.
“Mr. Stagert will see you now,” the secretary says from her desk in the waiting room.
My financial manager has always had impeccable decor. It’s all clean, modern, and minimalist, but the pieces reek of wealth. As my heels click in beat with my heart and I follow the secretary down the hall, I realize I couldn’t afford a single piece right now.
Maybe if Ro sends me that million, although we never signed that contract. At this point, I don’t think he will give me a cent. I don’t trust anything he says anymore and haven’t answered a single message from him.
Instead, I've blocked him.
Seeing his name is just too much.
Texts and emails have piled up, and I’ve simply ignored them as well. Professor Montgomery from my astrology class has noticed my absence. An email like that, one that should have never bothered me, made me bawl my eyes out this morning.
I’m obviously unwell, so I’m just going into hiding.
Unfortunately, as Aspen pointed out, I need to face my financial situation to determine my options. Just so I know.
I need to grow the hell up.
With a deep breath, I shake the old man’s hand. He’s known me for as long as I can remember, but it’s never felt like this. He offers me a sad smile that seems forced, and behind his thin-rimmed glasses, he narrows his eyes as he looks at me.
He unbuttons his gray suit jacket and motions to the wingback chair to the left across from his desk. “Have a seat.”
With a thud in my chest and a sinking feeling, I lower myself to the chair.
“Mr. Stagert, how are you?” I ask. He tells me he’s doing well and doesn’t ask me in return.
I get the feeling my father has filled him in.
Fuck.
I clutch my purse and regret not getting my things from Ro. I could have at least sold them.
“Miss Chambers, I’m glad you came in because there’s something I really need to discuss with you,” he starts, and my throat closes up with emotion.
I second-guess coming altogether. I can’t take more bad news.
“It’s not wise to let the recent deposit sit. We should invest a good chunk of it, and I have a plan if you have time to look it over.” He speaks matter-of-factly, and it takes me a moment to comprehend what he’s said.
“What?” I barely get the word out.
“You’re young, and I realize you have income now, but we need to look at your retirement, what you’ll need in the far-off future.” He squares his shoulders, lacing his fingers together in front of him, seeming to contemplate his next statement. He’s delicate with it. “I realize there have been some changes for you recently, and I think it’s best to use this deposit to prepare for life ahead. Just in case.”
“What deposit?”
“From Mr. Wolf. For ten million.”
My bottom lip drops open as I’m struck with shock.
Ten million.
I could cry on the spot for several reasons. But the first that hits me betrays the wall I’ve been trying to sustain around my heart. If he’s sent me money, he’s done with me for good. I’m taken care of like he promised he would. But that comes with a price.