Chapter 2

Pinakabagong kabanata

• All for the Money    Chapter 75

  Phil squeezed Jodie's hand reassuringly as they walked into the adoption agency, both of their hearts beating fast with anticipation.The receptionist smiled at them. "Ah, you must be Lisa's two o' clock. Please have a seat."Jodie and Phil sat down, their eyes scanning the room, taking in the various brochure and adoption pamphlets.After a few minutes, a woman appeared from a door at the back of the room "Mr. and Mrs. DeMarco? Please follow me. I'm your adoption specialist." She led them into a private room.Jodie and Phil were nervous, but they answered all her questions as honestly as possible, telling Lisa about their backgrounds, jobs, and home life. Lisa listened carefully, taking notes as they spoke."It sounds like you two would make excellent parents," she said. "I think we can find a child who would be a great fit for your family.""Really?" Jodie's eyes lit up."Yes, there's an orphanage I'd like you both to visit. I'm sure they'd be thrilled to have you there," Lisa said.

• All for the Money    Chapter 74

  Two years later,Phil nearly groaned as Jodie presented yet another ridiculous home decor in front of him."What the heck is this?"He demanded.Jodie smiled proudly. "It's a wall hanging made entirely out of recycled bottle caps! Isn't it amazing?"Phil rolled his eyes. "It's a bunch of garbage glued together. How is that amazing?"Jodie's pouted. "You just don't understand art."Phil laughed. "Oh really? Is that what it is?"Jodie narrowed her eyes, sensing Phil's sarcasm. "Yes, it is. And it's also environmentally friendly. I think it's a great addition to our home."Phil shook his head. "I'm all for being eco-friendly, but that doesn't mean we have to sacrifice style and taste.""Stop being so grouchy all the time," Jodie snapped."I'm not grouchy.""Yes, you are!" Jodie argued."No, I'm not." Phil shook his head."Yes, you are."Phil sighed. He could never win an argument against Jodie. "Fine, maybe I am a little grouchy. But can you blame me when you keep bringing home these...u

• All for the Money    Chapter 73

  "OH MY GOD!" Jodie screamed as soon as Phil carried her inside his loft."What?" Phil scowled and put her down."This is the ugliest place I've ever seen! No wonder you wanted to hire me as your interior decorator."Phil groaned. "Jodie, I was joking when I said that and this place isn't the bad.""Oh no? Then why does it look like a dungeon?" Jodie gestured to the dark walls and minimal furniture. "And what is with that couch?""It's comfortable," Phil defended."Comfortable? It looks like a block of ice!" Jodie shook her head. "We need to start from scratch. New paint, new furniture, new everything."Phil sighed. "Fine, but we are not making the place look like a unicorn threw up on it."Jodie grinned. "I was joking about that too. Trust me, Phil. I'll make this place look like a palace." "Alright, my queen. You can do all that later. Now can we get on with our wedding night?" He smirked.Jodie rolled her eyes playfully. "Patience, my king. Let me just light some candles and put on

• All for the Money    Chapter 72

  Phil and Jodie stood at the altar, holding hands as they exchanged vows."I, Phil, take you, Jodie, to be my lawfully wedded wife," Phil said, looking deeply into Jodie's eyes. "I promise to love, cherish, and support you in all you do. I promise to be there for you in good times and in bad, and to always be your partner and best friend."Jodie's eyes filled with tears as she repeated the same words back to him. They exchanged rings and sealed their love with a kiss, surrounded by their family and friends.After the ceremony, they walked hand in hand to the reception, where a live band was playing and everyone was dancing and having a good time. Jodie's vision for the décor had come to life, with elegant white and gold accents throughout the room.As they sat down for dinner, Jodie leaned over to Phil and whispered, "I can't believe we're actually married.""I know," Phil said, beaming at her. "I'm already regretting my decision," he joked.Jodie playfully punched his arm. "Too late n

• All for the Money    Chapter 71

  "So, what did Phil say?" Faith asked Jodie later that day. "He said he would be my sugar daddy," Jodie said in a daze. Faith's eyes turned wide, but then she laughed. "What? I meant, what did he say about your illness?" Jodie blushed. "Oh, right. He was really sweet and understanding about it. He said he wanted to be there for me and that we'll face it together if it came to that. It was actually really nice to hear," Jodie said, a small smile appearing on her face. Faith smiled back. "I'm glad he's being supportive. You deserve someone who will be there for you, no matter what." Jodie nodded. "Yeah, I know. And I'm starting to think that maybe Phil could be that person." Faith raised an eyebrow. "Really? You're considering him as a serious option?" Jodie shrugged. "I don't know. It's just...he always pushed me away before but..." "But now he's showing a different side of himself," Faith finished for her. "I get it. Just be careful, okay? Don't let yourself get too swept up at

• All for the Money    Chapter 70

  Phil's heart jumped when he saw it was Jodie calling him. Fucking finally."What's going on, Jodie? Why are you avoiding me?" He demanded."I'm not!" Jodie whined."Yes, you are."Jodie sighed. "Alright, yes. But I have a good reason for it.""And what would that be?"He could hear her taking a deep breath as if to brace herself."Phil...I'm sick," she said.Phil's heart dropped as he heard Jodie's words. "What do you mean, sick? What's wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with concern."I went for a check-up the other day, and they found a small tumor in my brain," Jodie said, her voice trembling.Phil was stunned. He didn't know what to say. "I...I don't even know what to say, Jodie. I'm so sorry," he finally managed to get out.Jodie sniffled. "It's okay, Phil. I just wanted you to know. I don't want to hold back anything from you, especially if we're going to be together. I don't want to waste any time pretending things are okay when they're not. I just needed some time to process e