Chapter 4 - The Eviction Notice
|
Panic flared hot and sharp in my chest. I turned to look at James, my hands gripping my purse so tightly my knuckles ached.
“Sir, please unlock the door,” I pleaded, my voice trembling. “We are home. This is where we live.”
James finally turned to look at me. The shadows in the SUV made his eyes look completely black.
“That building has no power,” he stated, his voice a lethal, quiet whisper. “There are no lights on in any of the windows, Grace. And the temperature outside is fourteen degrees. If you take this child inside that concrete box tonight, she will freeze.”
I dropped my gaze, the shame absolutely suffocating me. The power had been shut off two days ago. I had brought Chloe to the restaurant not just because I didn't have a sitter, but because the restaurant had industrial heating.
“I have extra blankets,” I choked out, a single, humiliating tear escaping my eye. “We will be fine. I get paid on Friday.”
James didn't argue with me. He reached across the seat and unlocked the door himself.
“Show me,” he challenged softly.
I grabbed Chloe’s hand and practically ran out of the SUV, pulling her up the icy concrete steps of the apartment building. I just wanted to get inside, lock the deadbolt, and hide from the pity I knew was radiating from the billionaire behind me.
I reached my apartment door on the second floor.
My heart stopped.
Taped directly over the peephole was a bright yellow piece of paper.
NOTICE OF EVICTION. IMMEDIATE VACATE REQUIRED.
The locks had been changed. A heavy silver padlock hung from the handle. We were locked out. We had absolutely nothing.
I stood in the dark, freezing hallway, staring at the yellow paper as my entire world finally, completely collapsed. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think. I just dropped to my knees on the dirty carpet, pulling Chloe against my chest, and began to sob uncontrollably.
Heavy, deliberate footsteps echoed on the stairs behind me.
James walked down the hallway. He didn't look at the eviction notice. He didn't look at the padlock.
May you like
He knelt down on the filthy carpet right beside me, wrapping his large, warm arms around both me and my daughter, pulling us flush against his expensive wool coat.
“It’s over, Grace,” he murmured into my hair, his voice fierce and unyielding. “The struggle is over. You are coming with me.”
