Chapter 2

The second Nadia showed up, Olenna dropped cash on a gold ring for her—no hesitation.

Word was, Nadia's family still lived in the city. Good background, decent status.

"I feel super close to you too," Nadia said, all smiles. "Like we're already family."

Olenna lit up even more.

Yeah, Nadia was a widow, but she looked like someone you'd brag about.

So when Nadia wrinkled her nose at the food I made, Olenna didn't miss a beat.

"Barley bread? Really? We've got a guest. You should know better. Make something else."

Her tone was sharp, like she was barking orders at the help.

I looked down, hiding the sting in my eyes.

"There's no money left. And no other food."

Ivan jumped in, "Then go buy sausages. Stop acting like we're broke. I've been sending money—unless you've been skimming?"

Olenna's face twitched. She glanced at me, eyes darting.

Truth? His money barely covered her meds. The rest? Came from me hustling two jobs—my day gig and anything else I could scrape together.

That meat spread he was enjoying? I earned it pulling back-to-back night shifts. Just to welcome him home.

Ivan dropped his spoon and shot me a glare.

"Are you messing with us? Go find someone to trade some. Nadia can't eat this trash."

***

I took a deep breath, grabbed a chunk of barley bread, and shoved it in my mouth.

"Then trade that yourself. I don't like it either. But I've choked down this 'garbage' for ten years."

I spat out that last word like it burned. Ten years of holding back just exploded.

My eyes stung, but I wasn't about to cry in front of them.

Back when Dad was alive, I ate real meals. I used to have a good life.

Guilt flickered across Ivan's face. His mouth opened like he wanted to speak.

But Nadia swooped in with her soft, sweet voice.

"Oh Ivan, I didn't mean anything. Don't blame Elya."

She tugged on his sleeve like she was all gentle and caring, then gave me this fake little sorry smile.

"Elya, don't take it personally. Ivan just gets upset when I'm upset."

I let out a cold laugh and ignored Nadia's fake sweetness.

The barley bread was dry as sawdust, but I kept eating, like every bite proved a point.

Ivan, I'm done. I'm not marrying you.

If Dad could see me now, he'd lose it.

I swallowed the last bite and stood.

Olenna blinked, confused.

"Elya, where are you going? No one's done eating. The dishes aren't cleaned."

"I'm full. Going to rest."

"Rest? From what?"

She kept going, like always.

"After the dishes, heat water and help me wash up. I'm not feeling well. And tonight, sleep on the floor. Let Nadia have your bed."

I stared at her, like I didn't even know her anymore.

I'd treated her like my own mom. But to her? I was just the help.

"Why should I?"

Olenna froze, totally thrown off.

She scowled. "What kind of tone is that? I'm your mother-in-law!"

I kept my face blank.

"I'm not married to Ivan. You're nothing to me. And even if I were, I'd be your daughter-in-law—not your maid."

Ivan finally snapped.

"Elya Lovren! Have you lost it? If my mom tells you to do something, you do it! You eat our food, live in our house—who do you think you are, talking to us like that?"