Chapter 29
She shoved the door open and climbed out without a second
thought.
No taxis, no hesitation–she just walked straight toward the
sidewalk, letting the icy night wind seep into her bones.
Trying to push away the storm of memories in her head.
The only time she’d ever felt safe living with the Pollard family
had been those nine years by Lewis’s side.
She had no family. He’d become hers.
He looked after her, protected her, raised her from a shy,
uncertain girl into a grown woman.
His friends used to tease him–where had he picked up such a
sweet, obedient little sister?
Lewis would always laugh and say, “Don’t be fooled–she’s only
well–behaved in front of you. At home, she’s a little tyrant.”
At sixteen, she was abandoned again–for the second time in her
life.
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The first was when her parents died and left her alone in the
world.
The second was when her brother gave up on her too.
For a long time, she couldn’t escape the spiral. Night after night,
she broke down, stuck on the same question:
What was so wrong with her that everyone kept leaving?
The night she was sent back to Lilly’s courtyard, she was forced to bow for two full days.
Lilly had smiled as she spoke, “That boy–he’s always been unpredictable. When he’s in the mood, sure, he might keep a cat, or a girl like you. But once he’s tired of it? Tossing you out like garbage is only natural.
“Only someone as desperate and alone as you would think of him as a lifeline.
“Maybe now you’ve learned your lesson?”
Lottie couldn’t even remember what she’d said in response–if she said anything at all.
She just remembered the heat. The blinding sun. Passing out from dehydration, only to be jolted awake by a bucket of
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freezing water.
Since then, she’d drilled one thing into her mind, over and over: Don’t depend on anyone. Don’t be anyone’s burden.
She learned to move carefully, calculating every step like a
chess piece in a game she couldn’t afford to lose.
The next night, Lottie and Alan landed in Asrark. Nancy was waiting at arrivals.
When Alan saw someone there to pick her up, he said his
goodbyes and headed back to the clinic.
Nancy started the car, glancing at the suitcase in the back seat. “So, Zen Queen, are you staying at my place or what?”
“Take me to Greenwood Estates first.”
That so–called “home” she shared with Nigel was there–right in
the heart of Asrark’s most exclusive neighborhood.
Nancy nodded, then frowned. “Still no word from Nigel?”
“Nothing”
“What’s he doing, mourning his mistress?” She clicked her
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tongue. Nancy was a lawyer–her sarcasm was always weaponized.
Lottie didn’t answer. She didn’t know either. That was why she needed to go back and end things properly.
When they arrived, she didn’t take her luggage. “Can you take
my stuff to your place? No point dragging it back and forth.”
She hadn’t packed much anyway–just a few essentials.
There were still clothes left at Greenwood Estates. Most she didn’t care about, but they’d do for now.
It was nearly midnight.
As always, a warm light glowed from the entryway.
When she stepped inside, her footsteps echoed in the quiet hall. Corinne came out, visibly surprised. “Mrs. Mathis, you’re back. Would you like something to eat?”
“No, I’m fine.”
Lottie shook her head, getting straight to the point. “Is Nigel home?”
Corinne’s expression stiffened slightly, but she still answered honestly. “No, Mr. Mathis hasn’t been home th
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days.”
She quickly added, trying to smooth things over, “He’s always
been busy. Don’t overthink it.”
Lottie replied calmly, “Alright. I won’t.”
She didn’t have the energy–or interest–to obsess over her almost-
ex–husband’s whereabouts.
She hadn’t slept well in days. After taking a hot shower, she lay
down on the familiar bed, assuming she’d drift off until
morning. But instead of peace, insomnia found her.
