Chapter 2

After I'd recovered enough, my parents left a few weeks later. I went back to the institution the very next day. I worked as a tutor at an educational center. I'd just finished a session with a student when my phone rang. I stepped outside the classroom and picked up.

"Cecilia, where's my car?" Rodney's voice was sharp, demanding.

I frowned. Rodney and I each had our own car. After my accident, mine was in the shop for repairs. Rodney's car, however, had been bought by my parents. There was no reason for him to be acting like the car should belong to him.

"I'm driving it. Mine's getting fixed. Figure something out for the next few days," I replied, ready to hang up.

But Rodney quickly added, "Why don't you drive it to my office at noon? I'll pick you up these next few days."

I was about to refuse when George Collins, the principal of the institution, came over and called my name. I had no choice but to end the call quickly.

"Cecilia, your skills are well known. The institution is expanding and needs you. There's a branch in a nearby city that could really use your help."

I'd thought about it before, but honestly, after marrying Rodney, I expected a bunch of unnecessary drama. I wasn't ready for all the extra responsibilities.

"Mr. Collins, I'm in," I said, cutting him off before he could say more.

I took out the savings I'd been holding onto for years, thinking I'd need it for my wedding. But with how things were going with Rodney, I realized it was more of a lost gamble than anything else. George smiled, satisfied.

"You can start once the branch is set up. I'll keep you updated."

That evening, my colleagues at the institution heard the news about the branch and wanted to celebrate for me. Just then, my phone rang again.

"Cecilia, something's wrong with Macey. She said she's coming to see you. Can you go back and open the door for her?"

Rodney's tone was as demanding as ever, and it made my stomach churn. My colleagues glanced at me, confused.

"We're in the middle of a dinner celebration. Don't you have the keys?" one of them asked.

"You took the car, and it's going to take me two hours to get back," Rodney's voice echoed through the phone.

"Take a cab then," I responded flatly, done with his attitude.

"Fine. But be careful," he said with a feigned concern that made me sick. I ended the call before he could say anything else.

Later, Rodney called twice more, but I ignored it. My colleagues noticed and exchanged awkward glances. I had no intention of dealing with Rodney's nonsense while trying to enjoy a peaceful dinner.

I drove home, but when I got downstairs, I didn't expect to find Rodney there. The apartment was eerily quiet, and I actually felt relief. I washed up, ready to sleep, but then I heard rustling noises from the living room.

I froze. I wasn't a deep sleeper. I switched on the light to find a man standing in my living room.

"Cecilia, you're home," Rodney said, stepping forward to hug me.

I stepped back, slapping his hand away. What was he doing back here in the middle of the night? Where was Macey?

Rodney seemed unfazed. "Cecilia, since you're here, take the money and go to the hospital. Macey's hurt, and I don't have enough cash."

I shot him a cold look. "You don't have enough cash? Don't you have a card?"

I'd trusted him before, but everything felt like a lie now. The money I'd given him had been spent on him and Macey. That's why I thought I could trust him, he was supposed to be loyal, but now...

"Cecilia, Macey is in danger. Please help her," he pleaded.

His words left a bad taste in my mouth. The way he cared for her...it wasn't normal.

"I don't have any money right now," I said flatly.

Most of it had been invested into the institution, and I'd sent the rest to my mom. All I had left was enough for basic expenses.

Rodney didn't let up. "You've got 200 grand on your card. Just think of it as Macey borrowing it. She won't even spend all of it in the hospital."

His eyes were desperate, almost pleading. But instead of feeling sympathy, I felt a chill. Who was this man in front of me? He was acting like I owed him something.

"Cecilia, don't be petty. Macey needs you." His voice dripped with arrogance.

"Why don't you just go take care of her then?" I asked, my patience snapped. "I'm done."

Rodney's face twisted in anger, but I wasn't fazed. I stood my ground, watching him as he began searching through every drawer in the house. He was looking for my card.

It was clear he wasn't leaving without it.