Something Like Gold

Chapter 13

Their first few dates were wonderful. Tony took her to quiet, simple places where they could talk, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. He listened to her stories about working at the diner, shared his experiences as a builder, and made her feel special. Ria felt herself opening up to him, thinking that maybe she had finally found the love she was looking for here in this small town, with a man who didn’t know she was an heiress. It seemed possible.

But as the weeks went by, Ria began to notice small, troubling signs in her relationship with Tony.

It started with him borrowing small amounts of money.

“Hey Ria, could you lend me a little cash? I’ve got an urgent bill to pay and my paycheck got delayed,” he said casually one evening.

At first, Ria didn’t think much of it. She had saved some money from her work at the diner, and it wasn’t a big deal to help him out. But then it happened again. And again. Each time, Tony had a reason—a broken tool, an unexpected expense, or a favor he needed to return.

The amounts were small at first, but they quickly added up. Ria found herself dipping into her savings more and more. But she didn’t want to think the worst. After all, Tony didn’t know she was wealthy—he couldn’t possibly be using her for money.

However, as time passed, Ria started noticing other things.

Tony often spoke about how she could aim higher in life, hinting that she should be doing more than just working at the diner.

“You’re smart, Ria,” he said one afternoon as they sat by the river. “Why settle for waiting? You could be doing bigger things.”

The way he said it made her feel uneasy, as though he knew something about her that he wasn’t saying. He seemed to push her towards something greater, as if he expected more from her than she was willing to reveal.

Ria brushed it off at first, thinking he just wanted to motivate her. But the nagging feeling in her chest grew stronger with each passing day.

Then came the afternoon that shattered her world.

It was a quiet day at the diner, and Ria had just finished her shift. She was walking out the back when she saw Tony leaning against the wall, talking on his phone. He didn’t notice her approach, so she stopped—curious to hear what he was saying.

“Yeah man, it’s going well,” Tony said, his voice low but confident. “I’m close to getting more out of her. I’m telling you, guy, calm down. You know these rich kids can be spoiled. I followed her here to Makalani. Imagine—the access to the Anderson empire. Pretending to be poor, all this about self…”

He added with a loud laugh.

Ria froze in place.

She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Tony knew who she was all along. He had followed her to Makalani.

“Yeah, her dad’s the billionaire. I found out where she went after she left the city. She’s trying to live a quiet life or something, but I’m working on it. She’s already giving me money. It won’t be long before I get more out of her.”

Tears filled Ria’s eyes.

Every moment they had shared—every conversation, every smile—it was all a lie. Tony hadn’t cared about her as Ria the waitress. He had only seen her as Ria Anderson —the rich heiress. He had known all along and had used her, just like the others.

With her heart shattered, Ria stepped forward, her voice trembling with anger.

“So this was your plan all along?”

Tony turned sharply, his eyes wide with shock.

“Ria, don’t—”

She held up a hand to stop him.

“I heard everything. You knew who I was, and you followed me here just to use me.”

Tony opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. The guilt on his face was enough for Ria to know the truth.

Without waiting for an explanation, she turned and walked away, her tears flowing freely.

She had trusted him and believed that she had found something real—but it had all been a façade. Tony had been playing her from the very beginning.

That night, Ria made a decision.

She couldn’t stay in Makalani any longer. The town had become tainted by the betrayal she had suffered. She needed to go somewhere even more remote—somewhere where no one would find her, and where she could truly start over.

She packed her things, her heart heavy with disappointment, and called her parents.

Her mother answered first, her voice filled with concern.

“Ria, darling, are you all right? You haven’t called in a while.”

“I’m fine, Mom,” Ria said, trying to keep her voice steady. “But I need more time. I’m leaving Makalani. I just… I need space.”

Her mother, sensing something was wrong, began to protest.

“Ria, you’re a young woman—we can send someone to—”

“I’ll be fine,” Ria interrupted. “I’ll keep in touch, but not as often. Please don’t… don’t worry about me. I just need to figure things out on my own.”

Her father, who had been listening quietly in the background, spoke up.

“We trust you, Ria. But remember, you can always come home. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Ria sighed, her heart aching with both sadness and gratitude.

“I know, Dad. I’ll be okay.”

And with that, Ria ended the call.

She was determined to move forward—to find herself once again in a place where no one knew her past. She didn’t know where her journey would take her, but one thing was certain:

She would never let anyone take advantage of her again.