Love’s Execution Chapter 2

I fought to keep my hands from shaking and plastered on another perfect smile. “A debt is a debt. It’s only right that I paid it.”

Felicity’s smile widened. “I hope you always feel that way.” Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “My husband is a simple man. He was deceived by someone vain and materialistic. I just wanted to help him get his own back. I hope you don't mind.”

Suddenly, her grip on my hand tightened, her nails digging viciously into my wrist.

I cried out in shock and pain, stumbling backward. My feet tangled, and I tumbled down the marble steps. My knee cracked against a sharp edge, and a hot, searing pain was followed by the sight of blood blooming through my pants.

I gritted my teeth against the wave of agony, my body trembling as I looked up at the two figures looming over me.

Felicity covered her mouth with a perfectly manicured hand, her eyes wide with fake surprise. “Eve, what happened? It was only ten thousand dollars. Surely that’s not enough to make you lose your balance? You look badly hurt. Should we give you a ride home?”

Her triumphant smile returned. “Roger just bought me a new sports car. I’m sure ten thousand dollars would cover the gas to get you home.”

Her car was an anniversary gift from Roger, its body encrusted with shimmering pink diamonds—a perfect reflection of her ostentatious taste. She loved parading it around the city, causing a stir with the press and drawing envious stares from everyone who saw it.

My gaze shifted to Roger. His eyes were cold and deep, unreadable pools of shadow. He looked down at me from the top of the stairs, a silent, icy judgment in his stare.

I felt like a stray dog, beaten and discarded. I pushed myself up from the cold floor, the pain in my knee a dull, throbbing echo. I managed another smile. “No, thank you. I’ll get home on my own.”

Felicity burst into a tinkling laugh. “Well, we’ll be on our way then!”

She turned to Roger. “Honey, I know what we can buy with the money.” Her voice was bright and cheerful. “Our little Louis’s dog bowl is broken. I want to get him one of those new smart feeders.”

Roger’s eyes remained fixed on me, a storm of unreadable emotions swirling within them.

After a long moment, he finally spoke, his voice a low murmur. “Whatever.”

Felicity looped her arm through his, and they walked away, giddy with their victory.

I watched as their dazzling sports car sped away, a blur of pink and chrome. It wasn't until the car disappeared and a taxi pulled up to the curb that I remembered.

I didn’t even have the money for cab fare anymore.

Roger would never know.

The money he was now using for a dog bowl was the money I needed to stay alive.