Chapter 2

Lisa POV

“Think about it,” Priscilla continued. “If the marriage falls apart, your mom wouldn’t be able to stay in New York.”

I stared down at my drink. The idea was absurd, completely ridiculous and impossible.

Wasn’t it?

“Besides,” Priscilla continued, “your mother has expensive taste. The guy has to be attractive.”

“Hopefully.” I snorted

“Please,” Rosa laughed. “Have you seen your mother? That woman could get any man she wants.”

That wasn’t exactly comforting.

“Trust me,” Priscilla said. “Your future stepfather is probably fine as hell.”

The table erupted again.

I laughed despite myself. For the first time all night, some of the tension eased from my chest.

Maybe because laughing was easier than crying. Maybe because thinking about revenge hurt less.

“Don’t listen to these idiots,” Olivia said.

I looked down at my drink. The ice cubes clinked softly against the glass. Maybe it was ridiculous and childish but the more I thought about it…

The less ridiculous it sounded.

Mom wanted to destroy everything. She wants to ruin my life.

Fine.

Let’s see how long her perfect little marriage lasts.

A small smile tugged at my lips.

Game on.

After I finished my drink, the music suddenly felt louder. Rosa grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the dance floor.

“Enough drama for tonight,” she shouted over the music.

And honestly? I needed the distraction.

The lights flashed above us as we started dancing. I moved freely, letting the bass vibrate through me. For a few minutes, I forgot everything, my Mom, the wedding, New York.

But even while I laughed and flipped my hair dramatically, that plan kept replaying in my head.

After hours of dancing, I checked my phone. 11:37p.m.

“We should head home,” Olivia said. “It’s late.”

The others agreed. We said our goodbyes and left the club together but when we reached my street, I didn’t feel ready to go inside.

I wasn’t ready to breathe the same air as my mother.

“Can I stay at your place tonight?” I asked Olivia quietly.

“Of course,” she said immediately.

That’s why she’s my best friend, she always got my back.

The next morning, I woke up feeling slightly better. I grabbed my phone from the nightstand and checked for missed calls.

There was none, not even one from my mom

I stared at the blank screen.

What was I expecting? That she would suddenly care? That she would apologize and say she changed her mind?

I tossed my phone onto the side of Olivia’s bed and headed to the bathroom for a shower.

The warm water hit my skin and for a moment, I just stood there.

When did everything become so messy?

Maybe I never noticed how far apart we’d grown.

When I stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around myself, Olivia was lying on the bed scrolling through her phone.

“Any plans for today?” Olivia asked, leaning against the doorway.

“No. Just going home,” I replied, rolling my eyes.

“Let me drop you home off,” she said softly.

When we pulled into my driveway, my stomach tightened.

Mom was already outside, standing near her car like she was about to leave. She looked perfectly composed, dressed neatly, makeup flawless like nothing dramatic had happened last night.

“Hello, Mrs. Adams,” Olivia said politely.

Mom smiled.

“Hello, Olivia.” Then she tilted her head slightly. “Hasn’t Lisa told you the news? I’m not Mrs. Adams anymore. I’m getting married. Just call me Amelia from now on.”

I froze.

Amelia?

Olivia blinked awkwardly. “Oh… okay. Congratulations on your wedding… Amelia.”

The way Mom smiled made my blood boil.

I stormed past them toward the front door.

“Lisa,” Mom called.

I stopped but didn’t turn around.

“Start packing, all your paperwork and your passport are ready. We’ll be leaving very soon, before the end of the week.”

My fingers curled into fists and I slowly turned to look at her. She looked determined, like there was no room for discussion.

God, I hate her so much right now.

Without saying a word, I walked inside and slammed the door behind me.

I forgot to tell Olivia goodbye, but I quickly sent her a message: I’m fine. Talk later.

She replied almost instantly: I’m always here for you.

--------------

Days later, everything felt like it was moving too fast.

I spent my remaining time saying goodbye to my friends, especially Olivia. That one was the hardest.

We hugged for what felt like forever outside her house.

“Promise you’ll call me every day,” she said.

“I will,” I replied, forcing a smile. “And when I come back, it’ll be like I never left.”

But deep down, I wasn’t sure when “coming back” would even happen.

The next few days were a blur of packing. Clothes, shoes, makeup, memories. I packed everything that made me feel like myself….

Before I knew it, I was sitting on a plane headed to New York.

I stared out the window as the city I loved grew smaller beneath the clouds. Goodbye, my kingdom.

When we landed, the airport was loud and busy. As we walked outside, a sleek black car was already waiting near the curb. A tall man in a neat black suit stood beside it.

“Hello, Madam,” the driver said respectfully to my mom as he opened the door. “Mr. Ramsey asked me to get you safely to the mansion.”

Mr. Ramsey. So that’s his name.

We got into the car. The leather seats were soft, the interior spotless. Even the air smelled rich.

The drive was quiet at first. I watched the city pass by, there were tall buildings, busy streets, people who didn’t care about anyone but themselves.

Very different from home.

Then Mom turned to me.

“Lisa,” she said calmly, but there was a warning in her tone. “Make sure you behave yourself.”

I didn’t respond.

“Don’t start any of your childish or silly behavior when we arrive,” she continued. “This is a new beginning. I won’t tolerate embarrassment.”