Chapter 14
Zoe realized Alice was still unaware of the disaster that had befallen their family. She turned to the driver, Luke. “Take pick Alice up from school this afternoon and take her straight to the hotel
Meanwhile, Alice had no idea that her world was about to crumble. Before Luke could mention the hotel, jack unexpectedly stopped the car.
Jack, the heartthrob of the school. Rich, handsome, and effortlessly cool. Every girl in school. Alice included, adored him.
Brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. Jack leaned against the car and spoke in a low, magnetic voice. “Alice, mind giving me a ride home?”
Alice’s heart nearly burst out of her chest.
Jack just asked me for a ride!‘ she thought.
The last time he’d asked her out, tuition issues had delayed her, and he’d already left with someone else. She had regretted it for weeks.
Now that Jack was asking her again, there was no way she would turn him down.
She nodded so faut she nearly gave herself whiplash. “Of course! No problem at all!*
Luke, sitting behind the wheel, winced. “Miss.” He wanted to remind her that the hotel and Jack’s house were opposite directions, making this anything but convenient.
Alice ignored Luke Jack climbed into the backseat, settling beside her, their shoulders nearly touching. Her face turned bright red.
Without hesitation, she gave Luke Jack’s home address. Luke had no choice but to drive, though he couldn’t bring himself to tell her the truth about their family s situation.
On the way to Jack’s house, they passed the Anderson residence. Jack glanced out the window and asked, “Alice, isn’t this your house?
Alice flashed a proud smile. “Yep! That’s my home
The prestigious neighborhood was home to the city’s elite–being able to live there was a status symbol in itself
Jack leaned back, intrigued. “Why don’t we stop by! Give me a little cour?”
Alice’s eyes went wide with excitement. “More alone time with Jack!‘ she thought..
She nodded quickly. “Sure I’d love that!”
Just as she was basking in happiness, Luke hesitated before speaking “Miss, I don’t think today is a good time”
Alice frowned, worried Jack might take offense. “What are you talking about!” Alice snapped. “Jack is always welcome at my house!”
Jack, who had looked slightly annoyed, suddenly softened. A teasing smile played on his lips as he reached out and ruffled Alice’s hair.
The affectionate gesture almost made Alice faint from happiness.
Luke sighed in resignation. “Miss, it’s just that…”
“‘”Enough, Lube!” Alice snapped. “Just take us home already!”
Luke acted so out of line today. He is trying to embarrass me in front of Jack! she thought
Luke sighed in resignation. There was no stopping this
When they arrived, Alice eagerly pulled Jack toward the door. “Come on! I have a surprise for you in my room.”
She had been secretly in love with Jack for a long time, taking countless photos of him and writing letters she never sent. They were all hidden in
This was finally her chance to confell
Gathering her courage. Alice pushed open the door. But her entire world shattered. The house was empty. Furniture gone. The once grand interior WINDOW A (TICss of abandoned debris
“My house she thought.
19
Chapter 14
Jack stood in the doorway, stunned. A trace of amusement mixed with disdain flickered in his eyes. “This is your house! Your interior design style
Alur mind went blank
whirled around, eyes blazing. “Luke What the hell happened!!”
Luke let out a heavy sigh. “Miss, I did try to warn you…
Jack, watching their exchange, lost all interest in the little game.
He raised a hand dismissively. “Forget it. Alice, I think I’ll pass on the tour, he scoffed, turning on his heel and walking toward the exit.
Alice turned to him, panicked. “Jack! 1-1 don’t understand! It wasn’t like this before!”
But Jack didn’t even turn around. He didn’t need a ride anymore–he’d rather leave on his own than stay another second.
Alice stood frozen in the doorway, mortified beyond words. The dream–like moment had turned into her worst nightmare.
Whipping around, she glared at Luke, “What the hell happened!!
On the way to the hotel, Luke finally told her everything. That was when Alice learned the truth–lus had divorced Adrian
She couldn’t believe it. But Isis is obsessed with Adrian all the time, she thought
To Alice, has had only one defining trait–she was easy to manipulate, especially when it came to money.
At the hotel, the Andersons had booked a presidential suite with two bedrooms. Adrian and Layla, on the other hand, had their private suite.
Adrian had left his new wife behind to discuss the crisis with their parents. That was when Alice stormed in
Alice shouted. “Adrian! Why did Isis divorce you? Does this mean my tuition is at rise? And what about the designer bag she promised me!”
Adrian was already at his limit. He slammed a hand on the table. “We lost our damn house, and you’re worried about a bag?”
Zoe cut in with a sharp glare. “Enough, both of you! Adrian, don’t take your frustration out on your sister,”
She sighed, rubbing her temples. “This was beartless–she took everything and even left your grandmother’s medical bills unpaid.”
Adrian clenched his jaw but said nothing. He knew Zoe was hurting.
Finally, he let out a long breath. “Fine. Don’t worry. Tomorrow, I’ll hire someone to clean up the house. Now that we’re married, Layla and I will shopping for new furniture”
Alser’s ears perked up “Wait. you and Layla! Marned!”
She hadn’t even noticed. She thought they were just colleagues
Adrian’s expression darkened. “What do you mean? Layla and I are legally married.”
Alice’s jaw dropped. “What? You just got divorced! You’re already remarried? That’s. that’s insane
“Alice” Adrian roared in frustration.
Alice rolled her eyes before grinning mischievously. “Well, if she’s my new sister–in–law, then she owes me a gift.
“Tus gave me 15 thousand dollars when she married into the family. Layla better not be stingy!”
With
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