3
611words
It hadn't been seized during the Collins bankruptcy, which make it my only refuge.
As I pushed the creaky door open, dust hit me.
I coughed, set the urn down, and quietly began cleaning.
I pulled clean bedding from a cupboard and wiped down the furniture countless times.
The small house wasn't difficult to tidy.
With no electricity or water—with bills long overdue—only faint moonlight lit the room.
I sighed, knowing I needed a job by the morning.
Anything would do, as long as it paid something.
With money, I could purchase a burial plot for my grandmother on the west side.
The scenery there was beautiful, with lush greenery—she had always loved it.
Exhausted, I drifted into a hazy sleep.
The next morning, I scoured the city for work but faced rejections everywhere, mostly because I couldn't speak.
While crouching by the roadside, I spotted a bakery hiring.
I stared at the ad for ages before gathering the courage to enter.
My ragged appearance drew strange glances.
A clerk approached with hesitation. "Can I help you?"
I pointed to the hiring sign. She nodded. "Are you applying?"
I nodded back. Though unsure, she went upstairs to fetch the manager.
The doorbell chimed. I heard the clerk say, "Mr. Brooks, here to pick up Ms. Dawson's cake again?"
My body stiffened. I lowered my head, praying Nathan silently.
He grunted, pulled out a chair and sat down.
I turned to leave, but the clerk stopped me.
"Ma'am, the manager wants to meet you."
Nathan's incredulous voice called out. "Sarah Collins?"
I shook off the clerk's grip, trying to escape, but Nathan grabbed me.
"Already regretting yesterday already?"
"Admit it, Sarah. You're accustomed to luxury. You can't survive without me."
"I'll let the past go. I'll take care of you—just behave. Isn't that for the best?"
For seven years, I had pursued Nathan, but he never understood.
I never wanted to crawl at his side.
I wanted equality, respect, and understanding.
Once, I had held hope for him. Not anymore.
The bakery door opened again. Claire gaped at Nathan as he held me.
"Sarah?What are you doing here?"
I frowned, cursing my luck.
Nathan released me, scoffing. "What else?She regrets it, can't cope with the hardship, wants to beg me but won't lower her pride."
It was the most absurd thing I had ever heard.
Three months of being away didn't break my spirit—it taught me to endure.
Hardship was the last thing I feared.
Claire paused. "It's okay, Sarah. Feel free to come back if you want."
"I don't hold the incident from the gala against you…"
"Nathan and I are just close like siblings. You joining us makes us family."
Her forced smile reeked of hypocrisy.
How disgusting.
Nathan sneered. "You see her as family, but she doesn't consider you as anything."
"In her eyes as a lofty heiress, no one's good enough."
I met his gaze and nodded.
Yes, I don't think you're good enough.
His face turned black with anger. He gritted his teeth. "Sarah Collins!Don't push it!"
A timid voice interjected. "Mr. Brooks, your cake…"
Nathan glanced at it and then at me, sneering.
"You no longer want to be with me?"
He pointed to the cake. "Eat it, and I'll let you go. I'll never bother you again."
"As for your grandma, figure it out yourself."
His threat was evident.
But my grandmother was gone—his leverage was gone.
Under his shocked gaze, I grabbed the cake and ate it.
No fork, just my hands. I wanted to finish quickly.
To escape him, to be free.
