The Island Of Us

Chapter 2 .Not Giving Up

It’s too hot in the house. The warm orphanage that used to comfort Marissa now hangs over her like a warning of how bad she is. She sits on the edge of her bed, looking at her shaking hands. The heavy quiet around her makes her chest tighten. Stephen’s cold, rude voice says to her in her head, “This is business, not charity.”

A knock wakes her up. Clara walks in slowly and quietly, holding a tray of tea. Clara puts the tray on the bed and says softly, “You haven’t eaten.” Marissa doesn’t do anything. She says in a low voice, “I’m not hungry.”

Clara sits on the edge of the bed, worried. “You should not put yourself through this.” Marissa starts to cry. “Clara, he just gave me money like this place doesn’t mean anything.” That makes it sound like my life’s work and my mother’s memory is things that can be bought off. She gives her a light squeeze on the shoulder. “Don’t let him bother you.” Like always, we’ll figure this out.

Marissa laughs in a mean way. “There’s nothing else to figure out.” This place is only important to me. Later, Marissa walks back and forth in the living room’s dim light as her thoughts race. Clara sits on the couch and watches her like someone in the middle of a storm.

Clara gently tells her, “You’ve tried everything.” “Mrs. Hydes won’t even see you, and Stephen doesn’t care.” “What’s left?” She stops in the middle of a step and clenches her teeth. “I’m going to see her myself.”

Clara blinks, her face showing disbelief. “You’ve already done that more than once.” You can’t even call her. Marissa squares her shoulders. “I’m not going to leave until she listens to me this time.”

“Are you sure?” Clara says in a wary voice. “She’s known for being private.” “You’ll end up back at her lawyer’s office, being turned away like before.” Marissa says angrily, “I don’t care.” “I’m not going to give up.” I need her to listen to me.

Crossing her arms, Clara sighs. “You know there’s no stopping you, right?” Marissa’s lips curl into a weak, unfunny smile. That’s the only way I know how to be.

The next morning, Marissa walks into the home for the elderly, full of determination. The air smells faintly of bleach and lavender. She meets the young woman at the front desk in a polite but firm way. “This is where I am to see Mrs. Hydes.” The receptionist smiles and says, “I’m sorry, but she’s not free today.”

Marissa’s heart starts to sink, but she pulls herself together. “Just let her know I’m here,” she asks. “I’ll wait as long as it takes.” The receptionist thinks for a moment and then nods. “Mr. Griffin, I’ll let her lawyer know, but I can’t promise anything.”

Marissa sits down in the waiting area, her leg moving up and down nervously. Every minute feels like an hour. People come and go, but she stays seated, and with each passing minute, her determination grows stronger. When she hears the sound of shoes clicking on the tile floor, she looks up. Stepping into the room with Stephen is a younger man with sharp features and a perfectly cut suit.

This makes her heart sink. Stephen’s broad shoulders make him stand out, and the way his dark hair is a little messy gives him an air of easy charm. When he gets to the front desk, his assistant leans in to say something. It makes Marissa’s stomach hurt. Why does he have to be here?

Stephen turns around and looks at her. His face lights up with surprise, and then he smirks. He says, “You again, Miss Money can’t fix problems” and then puts his hands in his pockets. She glares and clenches her hands together. “Very funny. I can say the same for you, Mr I can fix everything with money.”

Victor moves forward, and his voice is polite but strong. “Mr. Ash, we need to get this done quickly.” Maybe we should—” Stephen tells him to go away while keeping his eyes on Marissa. “Calm down, Victor. I have time.”He walks towards Marissa . “Apparently it is the same money which you lack hence why you are sitting in hopes of a sudden miracle is it not?” “He lets out a low, detached chuckle, effortlessly laced with charm but void of any real warmth.”

Marissa rolls her eyes and stands up. “Just what are you doing here? Do you not have a business deal that you can use to ruin someone else’s life?” Stephen laughs dryly. “I would have the same question for you.” “but I guess you’re on a hunt for miracles, though.”

Her hazel eyes stare very fierce at him . “Well, at least I’m not here to destroy something important to people.” Stephen’s smirk fades, and his jaw gets tight. “You don’t understand what’s important to me.”

Marissa replies, “Oh, I know enough.” “You are just another selfish businessman who only cares about himself and his money.” Victor clears his throat and looks nervously back and forth between them. “Mr. Ash—” Stephen doesn’t pay attention to him and moves toward Marissa.

“Miss Jordan, you should be careful.” “I detest rude people” She snaps, “And I don’t care.” The only thing I know for sure is that you want to destroy the place that means the most to me.

There is a sound of footsteps that cuts them off from their angry conversation. A tall man in a clean gray suit comes up behind them. His face is neutral, but it gives off an air of power. He speaks quickly, “Ms. Jordan, Mr. Ash.” “My name is Griffin Yost, and I’m Mrs. Hydes’ lawyer.”

“unforunately No one will be able to see Mrs Hyde’s today.” It breaks Marissa’s heart, but she doesn’t have time to say anything because Mr. Griffin talks on, looking at both of them. “However, I’m allowed to tell you about the terms of the sale.”

Stephen irritates himself by crossing his arms. “Is there a problem?.” Mr. Griffin blows his nose. “Mrs. Hydes has decided that only married people will be able to buy the island.” He makes Marissa stare at him in shock. “What?”

Victor raises an eyebrow, showing confusion. The lawyer gives a nod. “The island stands for the love her late husband gave her.” She wants it to be owned by a couple who will appreciate that.

Stephen mutters something and runs his hand through his hair. Then, he smiles meanly at Stephen and says, “I am guessing this rules you out.” “Are you not married?”

Stephen’s eyes darken. “Well neither is she.” Marissa shrugs to hide how scared she is getting. “Right. But maybe this might be better. Someone else might have a heart, though.”

Stephen gives her a mean look and speaks in a low, sharp voice. “Marissa, be careful what you wish for.” “You might feel bad about it in the end.” She snaps back, “Right.” “Because I already feel bad about losing everything.”

Wrapping his hands Mr. Griffin, sighs and shakes his head as if talking to kids. He says in a dry tone, “You two are certainly spirited.” “I would tell you to stop fighting and work together if I didn’t know any better.”

“It looks like you both need each other to get what you want from where I’m standing .” The thought is silly to both Marissa and Stephen, whose eyes get bigger. “Can we work together?” Marissa says it again while crossing her arms. “I’d rather not.”

Stephen responds with a snide tone, “And I’d rather deal with anyone but her.” Victor looks at Stephen with a cautious look on his face. “Maybe, Sir—” Stephen stops him and says, “No.” “Not a chance.”

The lawyer grimaces, showing displeasure. “Get dressed. But don’t forget that the auction is in 30 minutes, and the rules can’t be changed.”

Marissa feels the weight of what Mr. Griffin said settle over her as he walks away. To save her home, she has to meet an impossible condition, but she doesn’t have the money to bid. Stephen’s voice cuts through her thoughts.

He says in a cool voice, “It looks like we’re both out of choices.” Marissa gives him a mean look because she is so angry. “At least I know I’m not the worst choice.” “It would be terrible if someone like you owned that land.”

Stephen smirks as he walks away, but his eyes don’t show any smile.