8

Chapter 8

Jennie Orlando

Mr. Smith?

Heat blossomed in my chest as I took a step back.

"Hey! I know you are home. Open the damn door!"

My fingers curled into my hands. For a second, I wanted to run away. To hide anywhere I could... Just to get away from him. But my legs refused to give in. They were rooted rigidly in the same spot.

Even after years of working my ass out, trying to pay up this loan, I still couldn't meet up. I didn't even know for how long I would continue to live like this.

My father used to be a businessman, doing well for himself although he wasn't wealthy. But his business suddenly stopped thriving, and he was soon drowning in debt, until he fell ill and passed away.

Well, as the only child, Mr. Smith, the CEO of the loan shark company demanded that I pay off the money.

Five million dollars was no joke. And the fact that he kept increasing the money each month was already killing me slowly.

"Come outside, Jennie!" I flinched when

I heard his bang on the gate. As if he were standing close to me.

He waited for another few minutes, and when I didn't go to him, he backed off.

"I'm coming back for you, and you won't be this lucky next time."

I sighed, dropping to the floor weakly once he left.

Tears blurred my vision. I've only managed to pay out of the money with my paycheck all this while. How do I cope now that my job was gone?

I was still reeling from so many thoughts when the doorbell rang, and I looked up to find Ciara's face popping in the intercom.

I scoffed.

'Why is she here?'

I hesitantly went to the door, and her smirk welcomed me as I stepped outside.

"I thought you were not going to open the door for me, cousin."

"Why are you here, Ciara?"

She frowned.

"What game are you playing, Jennie?"

I crossed my arms in front of me, but she pushed me out of the way, forcing her way in, and I followed her.

"Game..." I muttered, going to sit on the couch. "I'm not like you, Ciara. I don't play games."

She scoffed, dragging her fingers through her hair, frustrated. "And you expect me to believe that? What the fuck are you doing with Justin's dad?"

I raised my brows. "Oh... You're talking about that."

"Yes, I am talking about that.. " she paused, lips curled in a smirk. "Are you so desperate to be with Justin? Getting married to his dad to get close to him again?"

"Come on, Jennie. Don't be pathetic."

I stared at her. Silent. Calculatingly.

"Justin doesn't want you, Jennie. You are acting like a pussy!" She continued.

"Are you furious that I beat you to your game?" I leaned close.

Her face went pale. "What?

"Were you also planning to manoeuvre your way into Maverick's life by marrying Justin first?"

She batted her eyelashes.

"Or have you changed your mind now that you've seen his dad? Do you want to have Maverick instead of Justin now?"

"Jennie!" She shot to her feet, fingers curled inside her palms. Eyes blazing with fury.

"How dare you!" She grabbed my flower vase. To do what? I was sure she wouldn't dare throw that at me.

"Careful with that, sweetheart. That vase is worth more than your engagement ring, and trust me, you are not leaving without paying if you break it."

I stood and faced her.

She grunted, jaw clenched tightly as she dropped the vase back on the center table.

"Look, Jennie..." she paused, closing the distance between us, eyes locked on me, atmosphere tensed. "I don't care about whatever game you are playing, but stay away from my husband. Don't ruin him."

"Fiancé." I corrected her.

She huffed. "What?"

"He's still your fiancé, sweetheart. You are not married yet,"

I lifted my hand to her shoulder, dusting away the invisible speck of dust on her cloth and said calmly. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Ciara. It doesn't always end well..." I paused and took a step back. "And oh... Congratulations on your engagement."

She glared at me, and without another word, she turned and dashed out of my apartment, slamming the door behind her.

The moment she left, I sank into the chair, dragging my fingers through my hair, frustrated. How the fuck was I going to cope without a job? All the debt... How would I pay them off.

For a second, I thought of going back to the company. To beg Mr. Holt, but I knew better than anyone that I would just end up wasting my time. He would never change his mind.

"Oh, sweet lord. I'm screwed." I whispered, running my fingers through my hair...