Chapter 10: You're A Golddigger!
1084 Words
After dealing with that lunatic, I drive the twins and Harper to school, my hands gripping the steering wheel too tight. My morning has been a complete disaster, and my nerves are still frayed.
By the time I pull into my driveway, all I want is a moment to breathe—to push this awful day behind me.
But then I see him.
Dave.
Leaning casually against his car, looking far too relaxed for someone who has no business being here.
My stomach twists.
What the hell does he want now?
I stay in the car a moment longer, watching him as I unbuckle my seatbelt. Then, without a word, I step out, refusing to acknowledge him. My hands dive into my bag, searching for my keys, my mind screaming for him to disappear.
“Vanessa.” His voice is low, almost hesitant.
I find my keys and move toward the door, pretending he doesn’t exist. But before I can shove one into the lock, a strong hand closes over mine.
I freeze.
"Vanessa," he repeats, softer this time.
I lift my gaze and meet his eyes—eyes that once made my heart race but now only fill me with anger.
“Let go of me,” I warn, my voice sharp as a blade.
“Did you leave me just to run into my cousin’s arms?” he asks, his jaw tight.
I blink at him. Is he serious?
This is the same man who shattered my heart, who stood me up like I was nothing—and now he has the nerve to act like we’re cool.
"Are you out of your damn mind?" I snap. "Did you lose your way or something?"
"Why did you lie about who you are?" he presses.
I narrow my eyes. "That’s none of your business."
Before I can turn away, he grabs me again, yanking me flush against his chest. His breath fans my face, his hands gripping my waist like he has any right to touch me.
“Let. Go. Of. Me.” My words are ice.
“What do you want, Vanessa?” he demands. “Are you using my cousin to upgrade your life?”
I shove against his chest, but the bastard won’t budge.
"Tell me," he continues, his gaze flickering to my lips. "Is this all just to get back at me?"
A bitter laugh escapes me. "You?" I scoff. "You’re not worth my time."
"Vanessa, stop this nonsense," he says. "Drop the act and come back to me."
I throw my head back and laugh—loud, full of disbelief.
"Come back to you?"
"Yes," he exhales. "I know you still miss me. That’s why you’re hanging around Richard."
Oh, so that’s his theory?
I cross my arms, smirking. "Hate to break it to you, but I don’t need you. I don’t want you. You will never have a place in my life." I take a slow step closer, just enough to let my next words sink deep. "Do you think I still love you? Please. Wake up, baby boy. You’re not a man. Richard—he’s a real man."
I summon all my strength and tear myself from his grip.
His jaw tightens. His nostrils flare.
"I’ll tell Richard the truth," he threatens. "I’ll expose you."
I shrug, feigning indifference as I unlock my door. "Go ahead. Knock yourself out."
Then, just as I step inside, I turn back with a smirk.
"Oh, and by the way," I add, tilting my head. "I finally had the s*x you kept from me. And let me tell you—Richard? Absolute perfection." My lips curl into a wicked smile. "Very soon, I’ll be Mrs. McCarthy."
Dave’s face turns red. His fists clench. He kicks his car in a rage.
“You’re a f***ing gold digger!" he yells. "I will expose you, Vanessa!"
I laugh, stepping inside and slamming the door shut behind me.
My chest rises and falls in uneven breaths as I lean against the door. My handbag slips from my fingers, hitting the ground with a thud.
He won’t tell Richard. He’s just mad. Right?
I squeeze my eyes shut, but the thought won’t leave me.
What if he does?
What if he goes to Richard and spills everything? I can already see it—the disappointment in Richard’s eyes, the betrayal tightening his jaw.
No. No way. I can’t let that happen.
I snatch up my handbag and rush to my bedroom. My heart pounds as I pace the floor, my hands tangling in my hair. My teeth graze my fingernail as I chew in nervous habit.
I have to tell Richard myself.
If he’s going to hear the truth, let it be from me—not from Dave twisting it into something worse.
I dig my phone out of my bag, my fingers trembling as I dial Richard’s number.
The first ring goes unanswered.
I try again, whispering a silent prayer.
The second ring.
Come on, pick up.
Finally, on the third ring, his deep, familiar voice fills my ear. "Hello, Jane."
Relief washes over me, but it does nothing to slow my hammering heart.
"G-Good morning, Richard," I stammer, my voice betraying me.
"Everything okay?" His voice tightens with concern. "You sound... off."
I swallow hard. "Yeah, yeah," I lie. "Everything’s fine."
A pause lingers between us, thick and heavy.
"Uhm... I need to see you," I finally say.
"Oh?" He sounds surprised. "I was hoping to see you too." There’s a smile in his voice, warm and easy, and despite my nerves, my heart flutters.
See? He still cares about you.
"Can you come over?" he asks. "I’ll send you my address."
"Yeah, sure," I say, forcing my voice to stay steady.
"Alright, dear. I’ll be waiting."
The line goes dead.
A second later, my phone pings with a message. His address.
I stare at it, my mind racing. Then, without thinking, I move to my closet. My hands skim past my casual jeans and tee, reaching instead for something... more.
A crisp white blouse. A fitted blue pencil skirt. A deep neckline that teases just enough.
I twist my hair into a bun and spritz on my vanilla and cherry blossom perfume.
For heaven’s sake, Jane, you’re going to confess, not seduce him!
Still, I swipe on a touch of lipstick, glance in the mirror, and exhale.
Satisfied, I grab my bag and step out the door.
Time to face the truth.
- Writer
