Chapter Eight: Starting From Scratch

Miracle's POV

I admit that I came from money. I grew up not having to worry about it because that is the only thing my father showered me with—money. It wasn't what I wanted, however,and I can live just fine without it. I craved his love and longed for his attention. But just like my mother, he never gave me what I wanted.

When I was released from prison, I did not have somewhere I can turn to or someone I can count on because I was not close with anyone. I isolated myself so much that all I have is myself. I had no car, house, and the savings I had are frozen in my account. The only money I have was a bundle of cash Norman gave me to start with. Roughly a thousand dollars I need to spend wisely or I will find myself living in the street. 

But as I walked down the street wearing the same clothes I was wearing when I signed the divorce paper, I never felt so... free. For the first time in forever, I was able to breathe without something blocking my airways. I am still worried about my mother, but I know they wouldn't do anything to her as long as they can use me.

Using the phone Norman gave me, I searched for the nearest and cheapest apartment, and found it just a few blocks away from the police station. When I got there, I was guided to a hundred-worth apartment that is the size of a capsule. It has a single bed, small table, small kitchen area and a common restroom for the tentlants to use. It was so narrow that you could reach the kitchen when you stood up from the bed. 

"Well? Are you going to take it?" The middle-aged woman chewing a gum, impatiently asked me. 

"Yes." 

I handed her the pay for this month and the deposit. I sat on the hard bed and looked around the empty room, wondering how long I would have to stay in such a depressing state. Not giving it much thought, I started looking for work next, knowing I have to earn to live, and live to save my mother. 

I have the strong desire to go back to the school I used to teach in, but on the other hand, I didn't want them to know what happened to me. I contemplated whether I'll go back to teaching or look for another type of job. The whole five years I was married to Mark, I was a dedicated housewife until he turned me into an escort. I plopped down on the bed and stared at the ceiling that looks like it will collapse anytime soon. 

"I have nothing to go back to, do I? Work, family, love." I muttered out loud and swallowed. "How and where should I start again? God, I'm hopeless."

I covered my face with my arm and soon fell asleep. 

AS IF FATE is giving me a sign, I received an email from Katherine Hayes, the former principal of Summer University I used to work with, inviting me for a charity party. She must have thought that I'm still living the life of an heiress. If she only knew. 

I took it as a chance to find my answer, and because I have missed Kathy. She was the best principal and a good woman. I went to a thrift store to buy myself a cheap yet decent-looking gown and thankfully found a royal blue off-shoulder dress that fell just below my knees. I paired it with a pair of silver stiletto and spent a total of eighty, including all the other clothes I bought.

I took the bus and arrived at the venue in ten minutes. I held my head up and prepared a smile to everyone I know. I walked inside after confirming my invitation and saw the visitors inside. I instantly recognized some faces of my former colleagues, and some other people I have met when I was still the trophy wife of Mark Reeves. 

"Oh, my God, is that you, Miracle?!" 

I whipped my head around and saw Kathy herself standing a few feet away from me with a delighted look on her face. 

"The one and only, Kathy." I opened my arms and we met in a tight hug. Kathy and I were more than just co-workers, she was once my teacher, too, as well as my confidant. "It's nice to see you. You haven't aged since the last time I saw you." I complimented her when we separated. 

"Oh, stop it, you. I might just believe you," she laughed heartily and I smiled. "Look at you, darling, you're still as beautiful as ever. Where's your husband?"

My smile faded a little. "We're divorced. Things just didn't work out." 

Sadness filled her face and she cupped my cheek. "It's his loss, not yours, dear," she opened her mouth to say something more when her name was called. "Let's catch up later, alright, hon? Have fun!"

I nodded with a smile and watched her go with someone. She looked busy and rightfully so because she's the host of this foundation. I looked around the room, and noticed some people looking at me. Thinking that it was nothing, I walked to the food table to eat something, but I could still feel multiple sets of eyes drilling holes on my back. I thought I was just being paranoid, but I was proven right when I looked around.

'What's happening? Why are they looking at me?'

"Is that her?" I heard someone from my left and pretended to be busy with my food. 

"Yes. I can't believe she had the guts to show up here after what she did to her husband. God, she looked innocent. I guess you can't really tell by the looks, huh?"

My blood ran cold and I walked away from them with the plate of fruits in hand. I went to a nearby table and saw a familiar face. 

"Janine!" I called a former colleague of mine with a smile, and she looked at me, but I was hurt when she ignored me like she didn't know me. 

Janine and I weren't close per se, but she was the teacher across my classroom and we often go out to eat. I never treated her wrong, so why?

"Can you believe that she's been cheating on her husband? She apparently left him for someone richer. What a greedy witch."

"Right. I am glad she's no longer working with us. What a disgrace."

I looked back to see Geneva and Lala, my fellow teachers five years ago, and they didn't bother looking away from me, as if they intended to let me hear what they said. 

'I cheated and left Mark for someone richer? Hah! Is this one of your works, Blair? You just won't leave me alone, huh? You just have to wreck me even more.' 

Blair already did something similar when we were in college, so I wouldn't be surprised if she's the one behind this. She spread some nasty rumors about me while playing the role of the good student. She's always been a two-faced bītch who will play the victim when she's caught. She must have figured I would be coming and acted ahead of time.

As if the night couldn't get worse, Blair strutted inside with her arm around Mark, and people's attention was suddenly on us. Only a spotlight is missing for added effect. 

Another drama, here we come.