Chapter 2

I couldn't sleep, so I spent the whole night messing with that cheap glue.

I finally stopped when morning light slanted through the window onto the vanity. I'd glued it into a rough shape, but cracks crisscrossed everywhere—like an ugly face covered in tear tracks.

I picked it up and held it to the light.

I really should just throw it away.

I sighed, walked straight to the trash can by the desk, and dropped it in.

I stood up to leave, then doubled back with a self-deprecating laugh. I fished it out and pried off the valuable gemstone.

Forget it. I can't afford to have issues with anyone, least of all money.

I checked the time. Holt should be at the office by now. I tidied up and got ready to go cash the check.

After all, with Zara back, I needed to be ready to get kicked out anytime.

Walking past the first-floor dining room, Zara immediately put down her silverware when she heard me coming.

She gave me a mocking little smile:

"Sandra, finally up?"

"You look awful. Did you toss and turn all night without Holt there?"

She drawled the words and pointedly adjusted her bathrobe collar.

Revealing several fresh, suggestive red marks on her collarbone.

Only after she was sure I'd seen them did she continue, smirking:

"Sorry, but when I can't sleep from jet lag, Holt always... stays with me like this to help me adjust. You don't... mind, do you?"

"After all, Holt and I go way back. You can't compete with that."

I took a deep breath, feeling a sharp, sour pain in my chest.

But lucky for me, I've been toughing out pain since I was a kid.

I tilted my head and calmly reminded Zara:

"Oh, right—Holt and I are getting married at the end of the month, and we're getting our marriage license early next month."

That comment hit a nerve with Zara.

She shot up from her chair, yelling at me:

"What are you so proud of!"

"If his mom hadn't been dead set against us back then, we would've been together already. I never would've had to leave the country!"

"Now I'm back. Do you really think you can stay with Holt?"

Watching her lose it, I just raised an eyebrow and repeated, deadpan:

"Oh, right—Holt and I are getting married at the end of the month, and we're getting our marriage license early next month."

Zara was shaking with rage, screaming like a maniac:

"Bitch! Still dreaming about a wedding! Let me tell you, you'll never marry Holt!"

"I'm going to kick you out of here!"

Watching Zara practically lose her mind, I stayed calm. I even took my time adjusting my cuffs and replied casually:

"Oh, right—Holt and I are getting married at the end of the month, and we're getting our marriage license early next month."

"Enjoy your breakfast. I'm going wedding dress shopping."

With that, I walked out the door without looking back.

Behind me, Zara was so mad she went into full-on table-flipping mode, screaming as she swept all the dishes off the dining table. Plates shattered everywhere.

See? Even enemies can't stand being ignored.

After leaving, I rushed to deposit the check into my bank account. Staring at that long string of reassuring numbers, I finally let myself smile—a real, relaxed smile.

I detoured to a mid-range apartment complex on the west side of town, where I'd bought a small unit for myself.

It was all mine, a place where no one could ever kick me out.

Having money really is the best.

After resting most of the day, when I got back to the villa, I immediately sensed something was off.

The living room lights were on. Holt, "who should've been at the office working," was sitting on the couch with Zara in his arms, still sobbing as he comforted her gently.

The sound of me opening the door made them jump.

Holt looked over at me. His mouth opened like he wanted to say something, but nothing came out.

Until Zara in his arms tugged his sleeve, sobbing harder.

That seemed to make up Holt's mind.

"Sandra, let's call off the wedding."