Chapter 9
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Cecilia wouldn’t shut up–going off about how I ruined her life, turned her from some spoiled heiress.into a trainwreck.
Said she lost the baby after one of Mike’s beatings. Somehow, that was my fault too.
She swore the second they got the money, she’d kill me, then ride off into the sunset with Mike.
No clue what fantasy he fed her, but by the end of it, she was full–on laughing.
I nodded, playing along, just in case she snapped early.
“Totally. You guys are gonna live the dream. I totally lost in this life. So jealous, Cecilia. You’re the real winner–your man loves you and you’re rich.”
Mike had clearly messed with her head. She couldn’t tell up from down, just kept grinning like she’d won.
But that smile tugged on a busted lip from yesterday’s beating, and she flinched.
While I sat there wondering how much longer I’d be stuck in this dump, an engine roared outside.
“Mike Spencer! I brought the money! Where’s Demi? I want to see her unharmed!”
The second I heard his voice, tears hit me outta nowhere.
Mike, panicking, yanked me up to the rooftop.
Terrance was down below. I was up high. We locked eyes.
He looked rough–like he hadn’t eaten or slept in days. Stubble covered his face.
I gave a bitter smile. What a mess. Guy couldn’t even function without me.
He came alone, just like Mike asked. Probably scared cops were hiding nearby.
The second he saw I was okay, he finally exhaled.
Terrance signaled for the trade–me for the money. Even if this was the last time we saw each other, I wanted him to remember me smiling.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I forced one.
“Haven’t been eating right, huh?”
His eyes turned red. He took a breath.
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Chapter
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“I failed to protect you.”
I shook my head.
“Just meeting you was enough. I was happy. Guess I was never meant to have everything.”
Mike lit up once the cash checked out.
“You really dropped a billion for her? Damn. Didn’t think you were the romantic type.”
Terrance didn’t answer. Just shot Cecilia a look cold enough to freeze the air.
“I brought the money. Let us go.”
Mike flashed a smug smile.
“Of course. We take pride in honest deals.”
But I knew I wasn’t walking out of here. I’d already said goodbye in my heart.
Then–bang.
A shot split the air.
Terrance took it.
For me.
I hit the ground, blood soaking my hands as I tried to hold him together.
“Are you insane?! You’re literally dying–why would you do that?!”
He smiled, weak, brushing hair from my face.
“Don’t cry… I just wanted
you safe.
My chest tightened. He coughed, pulling me close.
“If we make it… will you marry me?”
Up above, Cecilia still had the gun.
Nowhere to run.
I nodded.
“I will.”
Bang.
Silence.
