All Kinds of Wrong

Chapter 3

Tyrrell's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he nodded in approval.

"I'm glad you've come to your senses, Stacey. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement, after all."

"But when we divorce after a year, what would be the reason for the divorce? We can't just wake up and announce a divorce without a plausible explanation. My family and the public would be curious, to say the least." Stacey said

He shrugged, a sly smile spreading across his face.

"That's simple. We'll just say you cheated on me. It's a classic reason for divorce, and it would definitely gain some sympathy for me which could help to boost my company.”

"What! No way! I'm not going to be known as a cheater. I can't sacrifice my reputation like that. There should be a better reason that would be beneficial to both of us.”,

Tyrrell rolled his eyes. "Fine, we'll just say we fell out of love, then. It's a good enough reason, and it won't tarnish your precious reputation."

"I suppose that could work. Yes, let's go with that. That way, we can part amicably, and no one will be termed as the bad guy. What's your name, anyway?"

Tyrrell's chuckle was low and husky like he had just heard something utterly bizarre.

"Were you serious when you said you had no idea who I was? You don't know my name?" He asked

"I don't. Am I supposed to?" She asked innocently

Tyrrell scoffed. "Are you supposed to?" He repeated, his eyes wide with disbelief. "I'm Tyrrell Henderson, a freaking billionaire and CEO of Henderson Industries. Everyone knows me."

Stacey shrugged. "Well, I don't."

Tyrrell rolled his eyes, exasperatedly. "I know you’re a die hard fan, you don’t have to be such a liar, “ he said nodding curtly. "But anyway I’ll get the contract for the marriage, you'll sign it, and move in with me."

Stacey's eyes narrowed. "Why do we need a contract? And why do I need to move in with you?" She asked

"The contract is to secure the deal, and moving in with me is only to make things believable. We need to look like a happy couple, at least in public."

Stacey groaned, rolling her eyes. "Fine." Her voice was resigned, but it only made Tyrrell's smile grow wider.

"I have to leave now, it's getting pretty late," She said

Tyrrell nodded, his hand dipping into his pocket to retrieve a sleek black card.

"Here's my card," he said, handing it to her. "Send your address to me, and I'll send someone to pick you up tomorrow."

Stacey's eyebrows shot up. "Tomorrow, isn't that too early?" She asked

"The earlier, the better" He replied.

Stacey groaned in exasperation. "Gosh, you're such a headache" she muttered, turning to walk away.

She returned Gina's car and dress before heading home, her mind reeling with the events of the evening. When she arrived, her mother was in the living room, her eyes glued to the TV screen.

Stacey mumbled a greeting, her eyes scanning the room as she made to walk away. But Mandy's voice halted her in her tracks.

"How much did you bring back, you slut?" She asked

Stacey sighed, she wasn’t ready for this commotion, but it was inevitable anyways. "Something happened to my boss at work, so I had to help her at the hospital and take care of her." she explained

Mandy's expression turned sour. "And when did you become a nanny, taking care of your boss when she's not even handicapped?" she asked, her tone filled with disdain.

Stacey's eyes flashed with defiance. "She was unable to move, I had to help" she replied firmly.

Mandy's face twisted in anger. "You worthless thing! You're talking back at me. You're the reason I don't have a husband or even a son to provide for me anymore, so that's your main responsibility now. I don't care about any other thing, your job is to provide money for me anytime I need it. Do you understand?"

Stacey felt a sting from her mother's words, but she refused to back down. "Fine! I know that already, you don't see me as your daughter. To you, I'm just a money-making machine. Besides, I've gotten a job elsewhere as a caretaker in a huge mansion. The pay is really good. I'll be moving there tomorrow, it's part of the job requirements."

Mandy's expression turned cold. "I don't care, as long as you keep sending enough money. Your presence is starting to irritate me, so it's better that you're finally leaving." She said, rolling her eyes

Stacey bit her lips, hearing such words from her own mother struck something deep within her. It felt like a dagger was being pierced into her heart multiple times. But she couldn't cry, it wouldn't change anything. She ignored her mother and headed to her sister's room, but she was already fast asleep. Stacey sat beside her bed, starting to stroke her hair.

"I really wish I could give you the best treatment so I could see you up and joyful once again. I miss seeing you happy. I miss when we were a happy family. It's all my fault, I'm such a useless sister. I can't even get enough for your treatment, I'm sorry." She muttered, trying to fight back her tears.

She remained there for a while, stroking her hair. With a sigh, she finally stood up and left for her room, the sound of her mother's words still echoing in her head.

The next day, Stacey went about her regular morning routine. She got dressed, had a quick breakfast, and packed a small bag.

She glanced out the window and saw a car waiting outside. She took a deep breath, remembering Tyrrell's words. This was it. She was really doing this.

She went to Rose's room to bid her goodbye, but her sister was still fast asleep. Stacey gently shook her awake.

"Rose, I have to go now. But I'll be back soon, okay?" she whispered.

Rose rubbed her eyes, confused. "Where are you going, Stacey?"

"You don't have to worry about that, sweetie. I just want you to know that I'll be okay."

“How long will you be gone?” Rose asked

“I can't say yet. But I'll try to come to see you every chance I get, okay?”

Rose nodded, still looking sleepy. "Okay, Stacey. Be careful.”

Stacey smiled and hugged her sister tight. "I will, Rose. I promise. I love you."

“I love you too.” Rose muttered

As she left Rose's room, she saw Mandy sitting in the living room, her eyes fixed on her phone. Stacey didn't bother saying goodbye, knowing her mother wouldn't care anyway. She simply walked out the door and got into the waiting car.

The driver greeted her with a nod and asked if she was ready to go. Stacey took a deep breath and nodded.

"Yes, let's go.”