Watching Edmond disappear with me in his arms through the doorway, Zeke and Hendrick snapped out of their
stupor.
Vivian yanked at their sleeves in a panic. “Zeke, Hendrick, what now? You have to help me. Maltimum Enterprise is about to send me a lawyer’s letter…”
It had always worked this way before. A few tears and Zeke and Hendrick would soften, willing to give her anything
But this time, the coldness in their eyes was all she received
Zeke’s expression turned dark. “Vivian, did you really trick Frish into drinking that mango juice? Those cookies had mango in them, too…”
Hendrick scowled. “You knew Trish was allergic to mangoes. Why did you do such a thing, Vivian? Do you want to kill her?”
Vivian felt the blood drain from her face as she began to tear up. “No… I didn’t mean to… I didn’t know Trish’s allergy was that severe. I thought just a little mango wouldn’t matter-
Before she could finish, Zeke slapped her hard across the face. “Shut up!”
Vivian froze. “Zeke, didn’t you say you loved me more than anything?”
In a fit of rage, Zeke shoved her away. “Get lost! Do you really think any of us care about you? We just wanted Trish to make a choice, to pick one of us to marry.”
“Trish is too proud, never showing any weakness. I thought this would make her back down, show her who she really loved…” Hendrick added bitterly.
Vivian couldn’t believe it, grabbing Hendrick’s arm. “Hendrick, what are you talking about? I’m the one you love,
not her…”
Hendrick slapped her as well. “Get out of here! You were always just Trish’s stand–in! You think you can truly replace her?”
With those final words, the two of them stormed off, leaving Vivian sobbing alone.
She knew it was over for her. The 30 million in debt would be a shadow hanging over her for the rest of her life.
Once in the car, I whispered a quiet “Thank you” to Edmond. Although we hadn’t known each other long, his willingness to help me like this was already a big deal.
Edmond, however, looked irritated. “I’m almost your husband. Why are you being so formal with me?”
I lowered my head. “This is just a family arrangement. I know you’re doing this out of obligation…”
Without warning, Edmond leaned in closer.
“This isn’t just a family arrangement. Maltimum Enterpris is powerful enough not to need an alliance. I sometimes envied those two guys, you know? They got to be with you all the time. How come, after I changed schools, you don’t even recognize me anymore? At first, I was the one always by your side, Trish. I was your most loyal little follower.”
I stared at him, my mind racing as a forgotten memory began to resurface,
Before I knew Zeke and Hendrick, I had been close to a little boy in our neighborhood. He was always by my side,
+25 BONUS
Chapter 7
following me everywhere, and even as a child, he had sworn he’d marry me one day.
