Chapter 2

Emilia Jones

(HOME)

The second I arrived home with Mandy, I was hit in the face with a cold reality. As if forcing me to take Mandy along was hard enough.

I stood there frozen, feeling the fresh wounds from Mike's betrayal. We dated since highschool, lived in the same neighborhood. It wasn't luxurious but it was peaceful, being in his arms.

My reality was clear, all the times Mike acted like he hated Mandy, was nothing but a lie.

And now, right in front of me. My own mother and father are slapping the hell out of my chest.

“What do you mean I have to drop out?” The words tore out of me.

My bag hit the floor. Mom wouldn’t look at me. Dad sat in his usual chair with his head in his hands. The air felt heavy, like the walls already knew this was coming. I always had feeling, but I never gave them a reason to think I can't handle college and a job at a coffee shop.

Mom’s voice shook. “The debts are too high, Emilia. We can’t keep paying for school. We barely keep the lights on. You’re going to have to come home for good.”

I stared at them. My chest still burned from what I had walked in on less than two hours ago. Mike cheating on me with Mandy. And now this.

“I have it under control,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I got a temporary fix today. Just give me time. I’m not dropping out. Fashion and design is the only thing I’ve got left that makes sense.”

Mandy stepped forward from the kitchen like she had been waiting for her cue. Funny how she still had appetite after slamming my heart on the wall.

She had the nerve to look calm. with fresh clothes, blonde hair brushed. Like she hadn’t just been under my boyfriend.

“I understand this hard Emy, but don't look at me like that..i can’t drop out,” she said sweetly. “I have a scholarship. It covers everything. It would be stupid to waste it.”

Something inside me snapped. "Everything? Who hustles day and night just so we get to eat? or are you forgetting am the one who covers all your personal expenses?" My nose flared.

"Emy, don't bully your sister.“ Mom defended Mandy, pulling her into her arms with the softest touch.

I was the daughter, but my own cousin received more love than I.

I turned on Mandy so fast the room went quiet. “That scholarship was mine. You know it. Everyone in this house knows it. you all begged me to let you take it just because I was down with a fever. Said you needed the chance more than I did. Said family helps family. I gave it up even though I scored higher, even though the teachers wanted me. And now you stand there talking about not wasting it?”

Dad finally lifted his head. “Enough, Emilia. What’s done is done. Go back to your Dom tomorrow and pack your things. You’re coming home completely, You can help with the chores at home while I find a rich gentleman to marry you.”

Mom wiped her eyes. “Please don’t make this harder. We have no choice, my friend-Martha has a rich friend..I am working on fixing him with you.”

My knees felt weak. Tears spilled before I could stop them. Marriage with who knows what? Never.

“I just caught my boyfriend cheating,” I choked out. “With her. And now you’re telling me to drop out and marry some dude I don't even know?. Like I’m the one who has to keep sacrificing.”

I sank onto the edge of the couch, hands covering my face. The sobs came hard...... I hated how weak they made me sound, but the pain sat too deep to swallow.

“Baby you know Mike has a soft spot for Mandy, don't be selfish." Dad began to speak.

But before I could open my mouth to speak.

The front door slammed open before anyone could answer.

Three men walked in like they owned the place in muddy heavy boots and cold eyes. In the middle stood Augusta.

“Time’s up,” he said. “You pay today or we take payment another way.” His gaze landed on Mom. “Starting with her.”

“Augusta, how did you know where we live?". stammered.

"I know everything sweety, now pay up.!" He snapped. "I don't care if you were from begging me earlier, I make the rules."

Mom’s face went white. Dad stood too fast and almost fell. Mandy stepped back like she wanted to disappear into the wall.

I clenched my jaw tight, like it would change a thing. Augusta was greedy and dangerous, and how I found myself in his trap? Thank my family.

“Please,” I said, voice cracking. “Just a few days. That’s all I need. I’ll get the money. I swear.”

The man stared at me for a long second. “You got nothing but words last time.”

I grabbed a scrap of paper from the table and a pen with shaking hands. I wrote an IOU fast, with the amount and My full name then i held it out.

“Take this. I’ll make good on it. Just don’t hurt her.”

“I want my Five million...not a piece of paper!" He fumed.

"Please, just one last time." I pleaded, all alone. My own parents were frozen and Mandy somehow hid herself.

He snatched the paper, read it, then shoved it in his pocket. “Three days. Not a minute more. If the money isn’t there, we come back. And next time we don’t talk.”

They left as fast as they came. The door banged shut. Silence dropped over the room like a weight.

Mandy came out from her hiding spot . She casually pulled a business card from her pocket and held it out like she was doing me a favor.

“Take the job,” she said. “The one I’ve been telling you about for weeks. You will learn on the job...It pays more than enough. You can clear the debt for us, And be sure to sign that contract .”

I stared at the card like it might burn me. “No. I’m not doing that. Find another way.”

She didn’t lower her hand. “Look at them, Emilia. Look at Mom and Dad. You really going to let pride get them killed?”

I looked. Mom’s hands trembled. Dad’s shoulders were slumped like the fight had left him years ago. They had always favored Mandy. Always. But they didn’t deserve to die for money none of us could magically produce.

My pride tasted bitter on the way down. I took the card.

Mandy smiled sweetly. “Please, just accept it. It's not like men will be exchanging you, it's just one man to exclusively please whenever he needs you."

I stepped close enough “Are you kidding me?“