Tricked for Eight Years, I Ended It

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Claire Steele's homeroom teacher calls to say he forgot his craft supplies, so I hop on my little scooter and head over to school.

At the school gate, I spot Andrew Steele with a woman I've never seen before. She's smiling, patting Claire's head, telling him to study hard. Andrew just stands there, watching them like it's a perfect little moment.

What a sweet, happy little family of three.

Once they leave, I head inside, find Claire, and hand over his stuff like nothing ever happened.

He looks at me with disgust and smacks the supplies out of my hands. Along with them goes the smartwatch I gave him.

"This cheap crap doesn't suit me. And you, an unemployed woman, don't deserve my dad either!"

What?

That confidence? Yeah, those two must've fed him plenty.

I quietly pick up everything and take the smashed watch to a repair shop.

Andrew Steele suddenly texts, saying he's got a surprise for me at home to make up for missing Valentine's Day.

I stare at the message, sarcasm dripping from my face. A surprise?

Let me guess...

Cheap perfume? Some knock-off auction trinkets? Or maybe leftovers from Vivian Harper's stash?

Scratch that, even her rejects don't make it to me.

Guess a delivery girl like me just isn't worth it.

After I saw those messages, I had someone look into Andrew's background. Turns out he's the only heir to the Steele Group. Rich boy. Silver spoon. Never knew hardship.

But the stuff he gave me over the years? Not a single thing worth showing off.

Makes sense. Poor little trust-fund baby, slumming it with me in a moldy basement. Must've been so hard on him.

Lost in thought, the pain in my chest so heavy I don't even react to the car swerving my way. It slams into me, throwing me several feet.

People just stare at my blood-soaked body. No one helps. They just stand there... filming.

I shakily pull out my phone, stained with my own blood, and dial Andrew Steele.

"Andrew Steele... I was hit by a car. I'm at the intersection near Claire's school..."

"Grace Lynn! Are you seriously pulling this right now? I already apologized for leaving on Valentine's, I got you a gift. What more do you want? I'm busy."

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Right before the line goes dead, I swear I hear... things. But I'm too weak to call him out.

My eyes close against my will. The next time I wake up, I'm in a hospital bed.