She froze
Patrick Star always stays with SpongeBob
That was our code from college
We were inseparable back then Running around, causing trouble, not a care in the wond
She always said I laughed like SpongeBob. I told her she was my pink Patrick Sear
Lauren’s eyes went red instantly,
“You…”
“You’re…”
I smiled.
“What, you don’t recognize your best friend?”
Lauren lunged at me. Wrapped her arms around me. Buried her face in my shoulder.
“Why did you wait so long to come?!”
“You have no idea how close I was to breaking.”
“I thought I was going to have to do it all alone.”
I patted her back.
“Stupid. I’ve been here.”
The day you were in the rain. At the construction site. That was me holding you
She cried harder. Her voice broke.
“You showed up as an old lady to save me What is wrong with you?
“It was the highest level identity card First love of (107 Come on to andma is way more powerful
She laughed through her tears
“What about Jullan? You made me marry him Does he know what’s g
“He knows the basics But he doesn’t care The kid’s obsessed with art Flex thrilled suncons whengdu
Chapter 18
Litrad
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A, 1
“I picked him because he stays out of the way. He’s your accessory. You’re the one running things.”
Lauren wiped her eyes and laughed for real.
“You’re literally using him as a prop.”
“He’s fine with it. He told me as long as he doesn’t have to attend meetings, anything goes.”
Lauren squeezed me.
“Megan. Thank you.”
Tessa’s trial moved fast.
Corporate espionage. Reckless endangerment.
Three years, six months.
The day of sentencing. I didn’t go.
Mrs. Shaw told me Tessa cried in the courtroom until her makeup ran. Kept screaming Spencer’s name.
Spencer sat in the back row. Didn’t say a word.
After the court, reporters corner him outside.
One of them asked, “Mr. Holt. Was it worth it?”
He didn’t answer. Got into a taxi.
Yeah. A taxi.
The Maybach was gone.
I left him the condo at Emerald Cove. But utilities? Maintenance? That was on him now
The five thousand a month showed up like clockwork.
That was the last bit of dignity I had left as his mother
Spencer didn’t see it that way
He started visiting Tessa in prison
Twice a week Rain or shine
More reliable than he’d ever been with Lauren
Chapter 10
Litrad
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
