Chapter 2

"I told you before, poor people have no genuine feelings!" the woman, Tiffany, said smugly, snuggling into his shoulder. "I just feel bad for you, getting played. She showed her true colors after only three months. How boring."

I couldn't see Mason's expression, only that he calmly swiped his card.

"A bet's a bet. I misjudged her this time," he said. "It doesn't matter anyway. Mia's pretty and has a good figure. I'll just consider it like keeping a call girl for two years. No loss there."

Tiffany couldn't hide the joy on her face as she pulled Mason into the new car.

I knew that car dealership all too well.

During the months Mom was sick, I worked there part-time as a mechanic, eagerly taking on every dirty, exhausting job I could find.

I was actually coming back now to pack up my things and quit.

Watching that flashy, limited-edition Ferrari peel out of the lot, I slowly approached.

Sarah, the car salesperson, was still beaming and chattering away.

"That's the son of our city's richest man!" she said. "Casually dropping millions on a luxury car. I don't even want to work hard anymore. Marry a guy like that, and you'd instantly save yourself ten years of effort!"

I stood there, clutching Mom's urn, frozen for a long time.

Mr. Davies, my supervisor, settled my remaining wages, sighed, and patted my shoulder.

"My condolences," he said. "If you ever want to come back, you're always welcome here."

Less than two thousand dollars--not enough for even half a day of Mom's medical bills.

Now it was all I had left in the world.

I trudged home, completely distraught.

My landlord, Mr. Henderson, was waiting at the door.

"Mia, you're two months behind on rent," he said. "The deposit won't cover it if you can't pay up soon."

I forced a weak smile, clutching the cash in my hand.

"There's been an emergency," I said. "I can't pay. I'll move out as soon as possible."

Mr. Henderson's eyes held a hint of amusement.

"Bought a new place?" he asked. "I saw your husband driving a luxury car home the other day. You two certainly keep things under wraps, don't you?"

I lowered my head with a bitter smile, unsure how to explain, just as Mason stepped out of the elevator.