DIANE'S POV
WHO said I can't get rich? I can–and I will.
"DONG." The clock on the wall chimed. Time to go home. I walked over to the two top tables at the corner and packed my stuff into my bag. A huff slipped out as I massaged the nape of my neck.
Frustrating. My eyes scratched like hell, but the vacant silence that filled the shop was worse. By now,customers would be lining up at the counter, but the tall glass cases, filled with doughnuts garnished with nuts and sprinkles, only stared back at me.
I zipped up my bag, and slung it over my shoulder. A heavy wind rattled the window–a reminder to close it. Just then, the soft swoosh of the door made me freeze.
My heartbeat quickened. A customer?
"Welcome to bits and bites."A wide smile spread across my face.
"How were sales today?" The light familiar voice asked, her tone laced with anything but concern.
My smile dropped. My fingers are digging deep into my palms.
"Amelia, what are you doing here?"
I watched as her hips swayed to the movement of her legs. Her hair cascaded down her back and landed with a dramatic motion on her tight- fitted gown.
"I thought I'd come to greet an old friend." She said with venom in her voice.
I am no smooth talker.but betrayers in my space? Hell no. Having her as my best friend for three years was no joke. I knew Amelia too well. She always has something up her sleeve
"Stop with the pretense, it doesn't benefit you." I retorted.
"If I was your boss, I'd sack you. You bring bad luck to people's businesses." She said, hinting at the silent space.
My blood boiled, I felt like strangling her. Wasn't it enough that she stole my boyfriend and now shows up here gloating?
"Just shut up! And get out!" I shouted.
Amelia didn't flinch, she only tucked her index finger into her ear, like she was blocking out noise.
"Not so fast, darling. She smirked. I brought you a little something."
She snapped her fingers like she was calling for someone. My brows furrowed together. Who was she here with? My ears perked up at the soft click of shoes coming closer to us. It sounded very familiar. Like that of a man.
I was still lost in thought when a figure stopped in front of me. My eyes were still fixed on the tiled floor and it confirmed.It was men's shoes.Slowly, I raised up my head, praying he wasn't the one coming.
My breath hitched. The whole space suddenly felt too hot as I saw the face I once loved. He stood tall, flashing that damn perfect smile at me–the one that once made me forget how to breathe. His perfect set of teeth, well shaped jawline were still the most attractive. Something I was drawn to, the first time we met.
"Hello, Diane." His deep voice still sounded ethereal in my ears.
"Hi," I replied, stretching my hands for a handshake. He took it and my whole body went still. I felt butterflies in my stomach. I hated him. But I couldn't help it. He was and still is my first love. The boy who once shielded me from bullying.
"Ron, Amelia purred, interlocking hands with him. I don't like someone else touching you."
I closed my eyes, trying to control myself. God help me, I don't break someone's teeth tonight.
The shop was silent as we sat staring each other down.My eyes drifted to his full lips. I still fantasize about kissing them.
"Hmm...I broke the silence. "What's this gathering about?"
Ron sat up and looked at Amelia. The subtle nod she gave him didn't go unnoticed.
"Let me get straight to the point. He continued, "We have a job and feel you are the perfect person for it."
My eyes widened, blood rushing through my veins. So this was it. So stupid of me to think they were here to apologize.
I scoffed, and leaned closer. "I am not interested," I deadpanned. The seriousness in my tone left Ron looking stunned.
"Look Diane, it's a good deal. You will make real money."
I looked at him with disgust and shook my head."A Good deal? I bursted out laughing. I'd rather crash a party than partner with you."
All this time, Amelia just stood there,watching. "You don't have a choice." She broke in.
I stiffened, Was she talking to me? "What did you say?" I asked just to be sure I wasn't imagining things.
"Look, we all know you need money. You can't afford college. Neither can your parents. Especially your useless father."
I slammed my palms on the table and lunged towards her. Slowly, through gritted teeth, I said, "You don't get to talk about my father in that tone." But she was right. He was useless.
Amelia stood up. She walked over to my side and leaned on my shoulders. "I just heard from Patricia, she whispered gently, your father used your mother's treatment money to pay for her trip to Mexico.
"You are lying," my words came out slowly. She met my eyes, raising an eyebrow.
"You know I am not," she smiled devilishly.
Deep down I knew she was right. Amelia might have betrayed me but she doesn't lie. Especially the fact that she and Patricia–my stepsister are friends. I clenched my fists, biting back tears. This was no longer betrayal. It was blackmail.
Amelia turned to Ron. The two of them smiled like they already won. They had me cornered. They knew my weaknesses. I shouldn't give in, but somehow I knew I would.
Especially now that my mother's life was on the line.
LIAM'S POV
It's exhausting, playing the perfect son every single day. The air in my room was cooler than usual, goosebumps all over my skin. I grabbed a sweater from the clothes already laid out on my bed. That was when it hit me. The A.c was set way too low. I pressed my temples in annoyance. I couldn't afford to be distracted, not today. Not when I'd be in the hospital.
Mum has been battling with kidney failure for years now. She is in the final stage and needs a donor badly. Every effort to find a match has proven futile. I could already see the impact this would have on the family.
"The Benson's lose a family member despite their riches". Parasites. Those newscasters would run it into the ground like their lives depended on it.
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of my suit. It had just been delivered yesterday by air. I have an important business meeting, so I needed to look my best. I ran my fingers over the buttons, a faint smile pulling at my lips.
Worth every dollar. It was the latest collection after all.
The buzz from my phone snapped me out of my thoughts. I pulled it out of my pockets. It was from Ron.
"We found a donor. She will be meeting you at the hospital today."
A smile crept across my face. Finally, the moment was here. I sprayed my cologne, grabbed my keys and stepped out of the door.
Today is going to be a good one. Or so I thought