Chapter 31

“Still no call from Izzy?” Amalia asked as she walked into Monica’s room, only to freeze mid–step. Her eyes widened at her daughter was dancing in front of her phone, wearing nothing but her underwear.

“What the hell-”

“Mom! Will you fucking knock!!” Monica snapped, grabbing her phone.

“Will you lock your damn door?” Amalia hissed, horrified. She yanked a blanket off the bed and shoved it at Monica. “What the hell are you doing? Are you recording yourself for Calen?”

“Mom!” Monica’s face twisted in irritation as she snatched a robe and threw it over herself. “What are you even doing here?”

“I knocked! You were too busy shaking your hips to notice.” Amalia gestured wildly. “You–I don’t even know what to do with you anymore! Didn’t I tell you to try staying away from that man? What if Izzy discovers this affair?”

“It’s none of your business,” Monica muttered, pouting. “What do you want?”

“The cards are still declined,” Amalia said, folding her arms. “And that damn lawyer hasn’t sent this month’s allowance. I thought it would be deposited directly into my account.” She didn’t wait for Monica to respond, launching into her next complaint. “I had to call the bank to check, and of course, there was no new transaction. Can you believe that? What are we supposed to do now?” She slumped onto the bed dramatically. “Do you think Izzy had something to do with this? I mean… you could be right, but she seemed really angry this time. Why don’t you just call her and apologize?”

“did, alright?” Monica poured herself a glass of wine and took a sip. “I’ve tried calling her a hundred times. It all goes straight to voicemail. She doesn’t reply to my texts either.”

“Then try again. Maybe she’ll answer this time.”

“Mom, it’s only been a few days since she left. What’s the big deal?” Monica waved a hand dismissively. “It’s not like her grandfather is still alive or something.”

In the past, Izzy would run straight to her grandfather’s mansion whenever she and Monica fought. He was always there to help her. But now? Her grandfather was gone. Izzy didn’t have anyone else–no friends, no other relatives. Just Monica and Calen. She’d come crawling back soon enough. Monica gave it three days, tops before Izzy would show up, apologizing for this whole “misunderstanding.”

Amalia sighed.

asked, narrowing her eyes at her

about?” “What?” Amalia stiffened, her face darkening. “What are

exactly what I’m talking about.” Monica glared at her Mom, I told you to stop gambling. Why would

Amalia snapped. “I–You

interrupted coldly. “Didn’t I tell you to stop paying his debts? It’s not our responsibility. He gambled away his money, and now

shot up from the bed. “You don’t know what you’re talking about! He’s still your father, Monica. You

deliberate force, her eyes boring into her mother. “I can,

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Fri Jan 3

Chapter 31

nervously. “He’s struggling, Monica. He’s had a hard times

hard time? He abandoned you He abandoned me. He made his choice when he walked out that door and found a new family. Why

wringing her hands. “He’s just… borrowing. He promised he’d pay

Has he ever paid back a single

She took a step closer, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. “If that man sets foot in this house just like

toward her daughter, her

said flatly. “This isn’t his home. He has no right

father, Monica,” Amalia pleaded. “I know he’s made mistakes,

use us as his personal ATM while he plays house with his new family?” Monica’s voice rose, her

understand.” Amalia clutched the blanket she’d thrown over Monica earlier, her grip tightening. “You didn’t see him when

not now. The person you’re clinging to is a leech, and you’re letting him drag us down with him.”

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