Chapter 5
Mom’s funeral took place under a steady drizzle.]
1 stared blankly at her name carved into the headstone, letting the cold rain soak through my clothes without feeling anything.]
I don’t know how long I stood there before an umbrella appeared over my head.]
“You’re still recovering from those injuries. Don’t catch pneumonia on top of everything else. Your mom would worry seeing you like this.“]
After we left the cemetery, I stayed silent the whole ride home, staring out the window as the scenery blurred past, Mom’s face and voice playing on repeat in my head.]
I didn’t notice River’s worried glances or the way he kept starting to say something, then stopping himself.[]
Back at the apartment, I was still lost in my grief, following River inside like a zombie.[]
He led me to the living room and handed me a warm cup of tea.]
“How are you holding up?“]
I looked up at him with red–rimmed eyes, my voice cracking. “Thank you.“[]
For what? We’re married. This is what I’m supposed to do.”
“But…” I hesitated. “This whole thing is fake anyway. If you ever meet someone you actually want to be with, I’ll totally understand. We can end this whenever.“]]
River looked me straight in the eye, his voice firm. “There’s nothing fake about this marriage from where I’m standing. You married me, Hazel. That makes you mine.“]]
I felt my cheeks flush as I looked down.]
“Your arm can’t get wet with those bandages. You’re gonna have trouble showering for the next few days.“]
River was eyeing the gauze wrapped around my arm, concern in his voice.
“It’s fine, I can just use baby wipes or something.”
“Let me help you.”
He said it so casually, like offering to help me bathe was the most normal thing in the world.]
My face went bright red. “I can manage by myself…“[]
“Hold still.“]
Before I could protest, River had grabbed a washcloth, dipped it in warm water, and started gently cleaning my uninjured arm.[
My heart was racing, this weird fluttery feeling spreading through my chest as our eyes met.
“Haze!…“]]
River’s voice was low and rough, loaded with something that made my stomach flip.]
I managed a soft “Yeah?“]]
That’s when he lost all self–control, leaning down to kiss me.[]
I froze for a second, then melted into him, kissing him back.
The next morning. I woke up wrapped in River’s arms.[]
Memories of last night flooded back, making my cheeks burn.
“Morning, sleepyhead.” River’s voice was husky and amused.
I nodded and wiggled out of his embrace. “I’m gonna… brush my teeth.“]
“Need help with anything?“]
“Nope! I’m good!”
I grabbed my phone and bolted for the bathroom.
Mason’s call came in like a verbal assault:
“Hazel! You sold the fucking condo?! We got kicked out! What the hell is wrong with you?!“]]
Dapter
My voice was ice–cold. “It was my place. I can sell it if I want to.”
“Cut the bullshit, Hazel! You’re just trying to force me to come crawling back. These manipulative games are pathetic.”
“You’re insane!”
I hung up without another word.[]
Then Bree’s text came through, pure venom:
[You psychotic bitch! Selling Mason’s home? Hope you enjoy prison. You’re gonna be ruined when this gets out.]]]
I was confused. What did she mean, Mason’s home?]
Before I could process that, a notification popped up on my phone.]
Some woman was making a sob story video online about how her boyfriend had generously taken in his “college friend,” only to have this friend secretly sell their home behind their backs.
The woman’s face was blurred and her voice was distorted, but I recognized the background immediately. That was my living room.]
And I was obviously the “friend” she was talking about.]]
The video was already going viral, and people were doxxing me in the comments.
Walking down the street, I could hear people whispering:
“Is that the scammer girl from the video?“]]
“She looks so innocent, but damn, that’s evil.“]
“Young people these days have no morals. Get a real job instead of stealing from people.”
Even the realtor called, asking if there were any ownership disputes with the property.
I assured him multiple times that the condo was 100% mine, legally and financially. He gave me three days to clear this up.
In three days, I’d go live and set the record straight.[]
