Y

estment opportunity instead of handing me a sum of money that could alter the course of my life. "A retain

st the part of me that still wants to believe I didn't just agree to sell my future in exchange for survival. My pride is screaming, loud and frantic,

ake pain go away. Pride doesn't sit beside my mother's bed at nig

to stop it, and I slide it into my purse as carefully as if it mig

ept,"

like they belong to someone else, som

upward in something that looks like satisfaction. They exchange a glance that feels

Mrs Valentino says. "

ike that,

he conversation that has just reshaped my entire life. Just expectation h

if it needs extra time to catch up. I manage a nod that feels awkward

ot loo

mirrored box that reflects a version of me I barely recognise. Pale. E

ust ha

for tears to come. None of it happens. There is only a strange quiet, a blank stretch inside my head where thoughts should be colliding. It f

and pull the e

pecting them to fade into nothing, to reveal this whole th

ousand

e held at one time in years. Enough for another roun

against my chest before tucking it away, like a

ator doo

ionist offering me the same polite nod as if I hadn't just walked out of a meeting that has

st. Voices overlapping. Life is

ng looks

othin

lar destination, just away. The cold air bites at my cheeks, stinging enou

nearly

until the

meet the man I am

thing I have agreed

h other in ways that make it hard to breathe. I unlock the door and step inside, letting it

st, afraid that if I set it down, I will lose the only proof that t

is

aid

ke it out of silent mode, I see the missed

the phone star

at her name on the

ey

?!" she shouts. "I've been trying to reach yo

ear. "Good morning to you, too

d," she says. "

an inte

e brightens instantly. "Really

... dif

immediate. "D

ay instead. "Ca

use. "I'm

, hair pulled back in a messy ponytail of red hair, cheeks

she says

ee table and set my purse down, pulling the

lows it. She

is t

en

and when she sees what's i

ys quietly. "How

rs." I let out as I

t me, eyes wid

Valen

ike I have lost my mind. "What? How? Why would they give

tion crashing into me all at

es. "Then wha

moment, then open th

me to marry

ws feels endless. Unti

ha

"A contract. A chi

is insane!! This is how people disappear!! Have y

r my mom's care,"

pens, then

lly considering t

ady sai

horror and worry b

ispers. "What ha

t the envelope still sitti

what I

it, I know this is