Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 128356 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128356 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
“It’s not really that.” I release a long exhale, my chest aching. “It’s that I was the reason he lost both Mario and Preston. What if next time, he’s the one getting killed?”
“Oh, Vi.” Dahlia takes my hand in hers, and I realize a tear has fallen down my cheek.
I wipe it with the back of my arm. “I’m being ridiculous.”
“No, you’re not. Your feelings are valid. But you shouldn’t feel guilty that you survived, Vi. You’ve always been a survivor and the strongest woman I know.”
“Please. That’s you.”
“No. It’s you. I had loving parents, but you didn’t, and you didn’t let that bring you down. You silently picked yourself up and moved forward. Whenever things got too hard, you didn’t just lie down and take it. You always got up and found a solution to move past the hurdle and even tried to find solutions to other people’s problems, too. You inspired me to be better and improve every day, and I’m telling you right now, I wouldn’t have become the person I am today if you weren’t in my life, Vi. The same applies to Laura and everyone in the communities we used to live in. So don’t ever think your life is worth less than anyone else’s, or I’ll be super mad.”
I laugh to hide the tears welling in my eyes. “You made me emotional.”
“Good. You deserve a reality check.” She grins. “Also, I know the whole Armstrong thing is making you uncomfortable, but I heard Jude tell Kane he’ll never allow them to force you into the family.”
“He…did?”
“Yup. I think he even asked his dad for help.”
“Impossible. He hates his dad.”
“Well, he obviously put that hatred aside for you.” She bites her lower lip. “I really don’t want to paint him in a good light, considering the stalking and the coma, but I found out a few things from Kane yesterday. He probably wanted me to influence you to come back. No, he was clearly aiming for that.”
I sit up straighter. “What things?”
She releases a long sigh and takes a sip of her coffee. “Apparently, Jude is the one who bought you the apartment and paid for your college tuition. He asked Kane to take credit because you wouldn’t have taken them if you knew they were from him. But if they were camouflaged as something Kane did for his girlfriend’s sister, then you were more likely to accept them.”
“He did that?”
“Yeah, annoying, I know. He’s also the one who found you the therapist, because she’s a big shot and doesn’t take on just anyone, and he procured the apartment we ‘accidentally’ found in Stantonville for a bargain price. Apparently, he didn’t like us—or, more accurately, you—living in that creepy guy’s attic, so he had to make up the whole business about an old person dying. He actually offered the guy a price that was higher than the market price just so he’d move out immediately. Kane was onboard with the plan, obviously.” She rolls her eyes. “Also, Jude is the biggest buyer from your online shop. The one who tips a lot?”
“UnderTheUmbrella?”
“Yeah, that one. Kane said he did that because you have too much pride and wouldn’t have accepted his money outright.”
“What an idiot,” I whisper through a scoff.
Bastard.
He did all of that while he was ignoring me after the coma—when I thought he was finally done tormenting me.
In reality, Jude saw how I lived, hated it, and decided to give me a new life.
A new start.
A way to accept myself, even if the methods were sketchy as hell.
And now, I don’t know what to do with all of this information.
After Dahlia leaves, I’m still snuggled on the couch, going through all of Jude’s purchases in my online shop, particularly the custom pieces he paid a lot of money for.
A blue umbrella patch, another one embroidered on a shirt, and a third on a pillowcase.
I read through our conversation after he sent me a thank-you tip upon receiving the pillowcase.
Me
Thank you so much for all your generosity. I don’t know if my embroidery deserves this much.
UnderTheUmbrella
It does. Don’t underestimate your work and your passion.
I needed that, truly. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any other custom pieces.
What else can a blue umbrella embroidery be put on?
Tablecloths, napkins, jackets, tote bags, etc. The options are endless.
We’ll do those, then, and anything else you can think of.
Oh, absolutely, and thank you! The umbrella must mean so much to you.
It does.
A knock comes at the door, and I startle, letting my phone fall to the couch. Then I go to open it. “Did you forget something, Dahl—”
My words get stuck in my throat when I lay eyes on a tall man blocking my entrance who’s definitely not Dahlia.
Jude.
I almost don’t recognize him at first.
His broad frame casts a shadow over the dim porch light. He looks different—rougher, more worn down—but the same dangerous gleam lurks in his demeanor.