08 Resolves

~Winter~

I did not give two fucks about Lesley's weak attempt at public display of affection.

I knew Brandon didn't love her because even though she interlaced her hand with his, his eyes were fixed on me.

I could see regret and pain evident in Brandon's eyes. He was in pain, and he wasn't hiding it.

I wondered how bad the threat to Hayland was that he opted to ruin himself like this. I could see he wasn't a happy man, but there was nothing that could be done about it.

Lesley smiled at me, and I fought the urge to laugh at her. Knowing she was just a money bag to Brandon made me want to laugh.

"Well, this place is an eyesore. We must tear it down and build something better to rent out at a better price to outsiders when they come. If you can afford the rent, you can move back in, but I want you out in six weeks," She said and stood up.

"What!" I exclaimed and looked at Brandon. By then, Lesley was leaving. I could see clearly that she was the Alpha, not Brandon.

"Six weeks. How the fuck do you want us to leave by then? We have twelve children here. We will need time and money to move them. Brandon!" I said, and he looked at me with sad, helpless eyes.

"I had to sell her most of the lands in this area for money. I thought the perimeter was two miles away, but I was tricked. She owns the place now. I will stall the construction and see what I can do for you and the children," he said, pleading with me. Lesley returned, sounding annoyed. I didn't know what she was mad about.

"Honestly, you two, just find a shack or a tent somewhere. You are used to that life. Do not try to climb up the social ladder. The top isn't meant for everyone. You had no business running an orphanage. Your bakery business would have supported the two of you fine, but you had to aim high. You came here with four children and added eight more from Hayland. Why would you do that? Because you thought you would be the Luna?" she said, looking at me.

"Like I said, rich people don't marry paupers, so they don't reduce their wealth. They get with people who will help them maintain or improve their social relevance and financial status. I want you out in six weeks and the children, too. Feel free to send out the children you picked from the streets of Hayland. But you are solely responsible for the four you brought from Brighton. I knew blonds were stupid; I just didn't know how much," she said, and I laughed.

"We will survive this, Lesley. You can't break me. The fact still remains that you are nothing but a money bag to Brandon. Without your money, he would be with me; how does it feel that you aren't good enough that you had to buy your way to his bed, or maybe not since I see no mark on your neck?" I said, and Summer chuckled.

"You better watch your mouth, bitch, or six weeks can turn into six days. You came to my home and disrespected me on the morning after my wedding night. There is no way you would get away with it. No man in his right mind would get with someone like you. Prostitution will suit you. You have the looks but stop aiming higher than your status. It will do you good if you accept your reality and just live within your means. I want you out of here," she said, leaving the house and pulling Brandon with her.

I stood looking at the door, my hands shaking.

I was feeling a wave of emotions: anger, shame, anxiety, and uncertainty. They engulfed me. I could not laugh, nor could I cry. I just stood there almost as if I was in a trance, trapped in my emotions.

Summer hugged me while she wept.

"What do we do, Winter? Six weeks isn't much. We have to act fast," she said, holding onto me. I rested my head on her shoulder, trying to comfort her.

“We would do what we should have done two months ago. Rob a jewellery store, sell the loot and relocate. It is the only way out," I said, and she broke the hug.

"What if we get caught?" She asked.

"It is a risk we will have to take; we can't hang around without trying," I said, and she sniffled.

"Taking care of the less privileged is that bitche's work. Eight of the children here are from Hayland. They are even supposed to pay us for caring for their homeless children. I guess they have their roles twisted," Summer said, sounding very angry.

"That is how rich people are. They do not care about people like us," I said, and we broke the hug and looked in the direction of the door.

I knew it would come to this. From the moment Brandon rejected me at the altar, I knew it would come to this. I was just surprised that they had to wait four months.

I looked around the place, at the squeaky wooden floors and old wooden walls, and wondered what to do. We couldn't return to Brighton; it was our secret that Brighton was a no-go area.

I sat on the chair and blew the strand of hair obstructing my vision.

I felt weak. Summer joined me and held my hand on the table. She squeezed tight for comfort, and I smiled.

"Do not let her words get to us. We wouldn't have to do this if the rich people did their job. What we are doing for these children is a great kindness. They wouldn't have to endure the harsh life we endured, and they will have a future. They get to have an education and dare to dream. We can't let what that bitch says get to us." She said, and I chuckled.

"Just a few months ago, Lesley had nothing, too. I wonder if this is how money changes people." I said, and Summer sighed.

“Not money, Sparkle, jealousy and envy. Brandon will never love her, and she knows it. This is her way of lashing out," she said, and I couldn't even laugh at her words. There were no winners in this. Just misery, regrets and a need to escape.

"I hate to bring this up now, but I think it is time we carry out my original plan," I said to her, and the grim look on her face indicated she was aware we had no other choice.

"If we have to do this, we have to hope the moon favours us," She finally said, and I nodded.