Chapter 3

The next day in court during the morning recess, I steel my nerves and prepare to do the unthinkable … go with hat in hand to ask Grant Roberts for a loan. I’m standing there with him in his office, smiling nervously as I explain that I need to ask a favor of him.

Grant sits back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he eyes me up and down. “Sure, Molly, anything for you,” he says in that smarmy tone of his. The jerk’s been trying to get me into bed for months now. My gaze flicks pointedly at the picture on his desk featuring his lovely wife and two kids.

I swallow with a dry throat. “Normally, I’d never think to ask you for—” Before I can complete my request to Grant, my ringtone suddenly cuts me off. I glance at the screen and freeze, surprise flickering through me. Dad never calls me at work unless it's urgent.

"Sorry, I need to take this." I hold up a finger to Grant as I quickly step outside his office to answer the call.

"Molly!" Dad's voice is loud and excited in my ear. "You're not going to believe this. It's a miracle!"

I frown, confused by his enthusiasm. "What is it, Dad? What's going on?"

"The debt, the house ... it's all taken care of!" he exclaims. "Everything has been paid off!"

I'm so stunned I have to put a hand against the wall to steady myself. Paid off? How is that possible?

"What? How?" I stammer out.

Dad laughs gleefully. "I don't know, angel! I got a call this morning saying it was all handled. The mortgage, the Moroni’s, everything!"

I'm reeling, unable to process this sudden turn of events. We're saved? After being so hopeless just yesterday, it's all resolved in a single phone call? It seems too good to be true.

"That's ... that's incredible, Dad," I manage to get out. "I don't understand. Who paid it?"

"No idea!" he says brightly. "But who cares? We're in the clear, Molly!"

I let out a shaky breath, almost dizzy with relief. No more threats, no more unpayable debts looming over us. It's the miracle I've been praying for.

But a small seed of doubt worms its way in. Things like this don't just happen. Not without strings attached. What's the catch here?

"Dad, are you sure there's no ... conditions to this?" I ask carefully. "It seems too easy."

"Well, there is one little thing," he admits, tone still cheerful. "But we can discuss it when you're home from work. It's nothing to worry about, just a minor detail."

My stomach drops. I knew it. Nothing comes for free, especially not sums this large.

"What detail, Dad?" I press, anxiety creeping in. "What did you agree to?"

"Don't fuss, it's fine," he assures me breezily. "We'll talk tonight. Go finish your work, angel. And thank your lucky stars because you have no idea what a blessing this is!"

He hangs up before I can protest further. I lower my phone slowly, unease swirling within me even amidst the wonder of our miraculous salvation. I have a terrible feeling in my gut that this gift horse will come with a hefty price tag. But what choice do we have? Beggars can't be choosers, as they say.

With a heavy sigh, I turn back to Grant, who is watching me curiously. I force a smile, though my thoughts are churning with questions.

"Sorry about that," I say, pushing down my concerns for now. "Where were we?"

Grant eyes me curiously, “You were about to ask me a favor.” His grin is creepier than ever. “You know I’d do just about anything for you, Molly.”

Suddenly, I don’t care what my dad promised our benefactor, it has to be better than owing Grant any favors.

“Yeah, about that. It turns out I won’t need the favor after all.” I plaster on a smile. “But it’s nice to know you’re here for me.” I glance back at the courtroom and point in its direction. “We’d better get back inside.” I turn on my heel not bothering to wait to see if he follows.

I sink into the chair across from my parents, my stomach in knots. I'm eager to learn who our mysterious benefactor is but I’m also filled with trepidation about what is being asked of me in return.

"So, tell me about this 'condition'," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

Mom reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. "It's nothing bad, sweetie. The man just wants to have dinner with you, that's all."

I stare at her in disbelief. "Are you serious? You agreed to pimp me out to some stranger for money?"

Dad holds up a hand placatingly. "Now Molly, it's not like that. He was very clear - just dinner and conversation for one evening. And in return, he paid off all our debts!"

I jump to my feet, outraged. "I don't care if he paid a million dollars! What kind of woman do you think you've raised? I'm not for sale."

Mom's eyes fill with tears. "Please, Molly. We were so desperate. Just consider it."

I cross my arms, fuming. I can't believe they would agree to this without even consulting me.

Dad stands and puts his hands on my shoulders. "Angel, I know you're upset. And you have every right to be. But please, hear us out. This man is offering us a real miracle here."

I stare at the floor, conflicting emotions churning within me. I want to refuse outright, but we need this money so badly. And it's only one dinner ...

Finally, I sigh, my shoulders slumping in defeat. "Fine. I'll do it." My parents' faces light up, but I hold up a hand. "But this is the one and only time, you hear me? No more auctioning off your daughter."

They both nod vigorously. "Of course, of course!" Dad says. "And who knows, maybe you'll enjoy yourself," he adds with a wink.

I roll my eyes. "So, who is this guy anyway?"

Mom smiles gently. "His name is Declan Shaughnessy."

My eyes go wide and I grab my mom's phone from the table, quickly typing the name into G****e. When his photo pops up, I nearly drop the phone in shock.

"No way," I whisper. “It's him, the guy from the courtroom.”