Chapter 2
Meanwhile, she transformed herself from a girl from the projects into a golden phoenix, spoiled by Landon Carter like a princess.
But I didn’t care anymore.
After my family went bankrupt and my parents couldn’t handle the shame and killed themselves, nothing could stir even the slightest emotion in my heart.
Except for the two things Landon had promised me before I went to prison.
First, that he would marry me.
Second, that he would get back my family’s turquoise heirloom bracelet.
Now I didn’t want to get married anymore. My only wish was to get back that heirloom.
Lost in thought, the gnawing pain in my stomach grew more vicious. I clutched my stomach and walked to the kitchen.
When I tried to make something for myself, a housekeeper rudely slapped my hand away.
“Don’t touch anything. Mr. Carter and Miss Blake don’t want some outsider messing around in their kitchen.”
“Just wait it out.”
She rolled her eyes at me and walked away.
After another three hours, Landon still hadn’t returned. I collapsed on the couch, everything went black, and I passed out completely.
When I woke up, I was lying in bed with an IV drip. A doctor had been called.
Landon had his back to me, scolding the housekeepers.
“Are you fucking stupid? She’s starving and not one of you thought to make her a damn meal?”
“Next time this shit happens, you’re all fired!”
Savannah Blake walked in at the sound. “Landon, don’t angry. Come have some coffee.”
She pulled him out of the room.
The housekeepers looked at each other with pale faces.
“That scared me. Mr. Carter hasn’t been that angry in ages.”
“It’s all her fault! Acting all pitiful and getting us yelled at!”
“Don’t get cocky—she’ll be gone in two months anyway.”
They hurried away.
I removed the IV needle and slowly walked out.
The first person to see me was one of Landon’s friends. He obviously didn’t know who I was and asked curiously:
“Landon, is this a new housekeeper? Why is she coming out of your bedroom?”
Landon spun around, and when our eyes met, his pupils visibly contracted.
After six years apart, he was still as elegant and handsome as ever.
But I looked like a weary traveler at the end of her journey, my face etched with exhaustion and hardship.
Savannah laughed lightly and gracefully walked over. Playing the role of lady of the house, she said to the man in the gray suit:
“Reed, this is… a relative of Landon’s from his hometown. Not a housekeeper.”
I looked at Landon. He watched me silently without contradicting her.
I guess he really was too embarrassed to be associated with me now.
Which made sense. I was just an ex-con now, and it had been six years since our engagement. Things had changed.
During the awkward silence, the chef finished preparing dinner.
After we sat down, they started talking about recent events. I couldn’t follow any of it, so I focused on eating.
But suddenly, Reed Collins said with surprise:
“Oh man, your ex from prison’s probably getting out soon, huh?”
“Whatever, just throw her some cash and make sure she stays the hell away.”
Instantly, the lively dinner table fell silent.
Savannah glanced at me casually, her mocking smile clearly visible.
Landon kept his expression steady and didn’t respond.
