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Chapter_42
Sadie lay there for a few moments, still shaken from the vivid dream. The sharp contrast between the fantasy of being courted by the “devil” with roses and the nightmare of the “debt-collecting bodyguard” overwhelmed her. What is going on with me? she thought, rubbing her temples in an attempt to shake off the remnants of her unsettling dreams.
Her phone buzzed again. It was the debt-collecting bodyguard—Micah. His $5,000 transfer had come through. Sadie stared at the message for a long while, unsure of what to feel. The money was a lifeline, no question, but at what cost? The guilt gnawed at her.
Micah’s role in her life had never been simple. He was the man who had been providing her with money for months—money she had, admittedly, come to rely on. But his presence, his attention, was starting to feel… complicated. She wasn’t sure where the line between business and personal feelings was anymore.
Sadie picked up her phone and quickly typed out a message, trying to maintain a sense of professionalism despite the turmoil in her mind.
Sadie: [Thank you for the transfer. I know you’ve been working hard. I appreciate it.]
Micah: [You’re welcome. You know I’ve got your back.]
Sadie hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip. What exactly does he mean by that? She thought, not sure if she wanted to know the answer. But one thing was clear—this dynamic could no longer stay as it was. She had to find a way to break free from this financial and emotional tether.
The VIC Group job was a step in the right direction. It may not be her dream position, but it was her chance to regain some independence. She couldn’t let herself get too comfortable with Micah’s money. She needed to prove she could stand on her own feet.
Her thoughts were interrupted by another text from Micah.
Micah: [Be careful out there. And if you need anything, just let me know.]
Sadie stared at the words, the sincerity in his tone unmistakable. She didn’t want to need him this much, but she also didn’t want to hurt him—he had been a lifeline in her darkest moments.
Sadie: [I will. Thank you, really. Let’s focus on business, okay?]
She hit send before she could second-guess herself. The line between business and personal had blurred, but she wasn’t ready to explore it further. Not now.
After a moment, she set her phone down and took a deep breath. Today was a new day. She had to focus on her job at VIC Group and prove herself worthy of the opportunity she’d been given. She couldn’t afford to get sidetracked by distractions—whether it was Micah’s persistence or the confusing feelings she was starting to harbor.
As she stood up to get ready for work, her resolve strengthened. She had a plan now. She had a goal. And for the sake of her children and herself, she would not let anything—anyone—stand in her way.
Today was the beginning of the next chapter. She was going to take charge, make the best of her situation, and keep her family afloat. That was her focus.
No more distractions. No more doubts. She would endure.
