Chapter 2

Every time I knelt, my legs felt as though they were sinking into cotton. I kept losing my balance and banging my knees against the sharp edges of the steps.

Only three steps remained.

Like a walking corpse, I dragged myself forward, one step at a time. A trail of bloody marks followed me up the staircase.

At last, I reached the summit.

Trembling, I lifted my arms and croaked, "The rosary…"

The priests in the chapel stared at me as though I were some kind of monster.

"Oh, my God, she actually made it to the top!"

"Quick! Ms. Lachey said she has to light a candle and pray before we can give it to her. Get the candle!"

"Good grief, she really is stubborn. We told her to climb all the way up, and she actually did it…"

They hurried to light a candle for me, then nervously explained, "M-Ms. Sabella, y-you need to make a wish and say a prayer before you can take the rosary."

I gritted my teeth and struggled to light the candle.

"Make a wish, huh?" I thought.

I hoped I'd find someone who would love me wholeheartedly. After living two lives, I still hadn't experienced what it was like to be in love.

I knelt on the kneeler, its softness bringing me a little relief.

They guided me onto the cable car for the ride down, afraid I might hurt myself trying to descend the stairs.

When I got off, I steadied myself on my trembling legs and handed the rosary to Tyler. I was already imagining the 200 dollars and the lemonade I'd finally get to drink.

It had all been worth it!

Tyler looked at the rosary in my hands, then at my bright, eager eyes. His heart gave an unexpected jolt.

None of his previous lovers had ever actually made it to the summit on their knees. Most gave up after just a few steps. He hadn't expected me to be so devoted to him.

I had no idea what he was thinking. My whole body ached, and I was silently wondering why Tyler still hadn't taken the rosary.

My arms were getting tired from holding it up.

Noticing the change in Tyler's expression, Nadia gritted her teeth, snatched the rosary from my hands, and tossed it into the trash.

"Disgusting."

Then, she began to order me around.

"Fine. I'll be generous and forgive you this time," she announced. "Clean everything up, and when we get back, Tyler will buy your lemonade."

I looked at the rosary in the trash.

"Then… What about the 200 dollars?"

"You'll get it once everything's cleaned up and we're back!" Nadia snapped.

So was this their idea of delayed gratification? I got it now.

Jacob used to make the same kind of empty promises whenever he was managing a project. But Tyler was Brexton's most eligible heir, with a fortune that put any CEO to shame. Surely… he wouldn't make promises he had no intention of keeping.

I forced myself to ignore the pain and started cleaning up.

My legs hurt so much that I fell twice.

Henry was the one who helped me back to my feet.

"Look at that," Nadia drawled, letting out a mocking laugh. "The scheming woman is making her move."

"No wonder Nadia's so sharp. She saw right through that gold digger from the start."

"Exactly. Good thing Tyler has Nadia looking out for him, or those gold diggers would've drained him dry by now."

Nadia gave a satisfied snort. "Alright, let's head back. Layla, you're too filthy to come with us. You can walk back on your own."

I instinctively looked at Tyler.

I was his lover, after all. Was he really going to let them treat me like this?

"This is a test," he replied coolly. "You have to pass before you can officially become my lover."

"What did you expect?" Nadia laughed. "Being the Farrell heir's lover isn't that easy."

Henry pressed his lips together. "I'll stay here and keep an eye on her."

"Fine." Nadia gave him a long look. "That way, we can make sure she doesn't cheat."

They left without another word.

I was so exhausted that I had to sit and rest for a long time, while Henry bought antiseptic and gauze to bandage my wounds.

"Why are you so obedient? We told you to climb the mountain on your knees, and you actually did it," he said, incredulous. "Couldn't you have asked for a little mercy?"

I smiled sheepishly. "Honestly, putting up with a little pain to get 200 dollars and a cup of lemonade is a pretty good deal."

It would've taken a CEO two whole years to earn that much.

Henry looked at me with sympathy.

"200 dollars isn't worth putting yourself through all that," he said. "Do you really love lemonade that much?"