Chapter 003

CHAPTER 3

IVY

“And how is that your business?” I shot him a glare. “We just ended our relationship, so we’re now strangers. What I do shouldn’t bother you, Mr. Leon.”

His face paled in shock at my audacity. He moved closer, ready to hit me, his usual form of abuse.

But this time, I stood my ground. “One more hit from you, and I’ll sue you for assault! We are no longer a thing,” I declared boldly before walking out of the room. As I stepped outside, I realized I had nowhere else to go, but I didn’t care—I was finally free from the abuse.

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Three Hours Later

Lewis Hotel, Seattle

I stood on the open-roof balcony of the Lewis Hotel, the cool breeze brushing against my skin. I repeated those words to myself as I stood there, a wine glass in hand, trying to sip away my sorrows.

After leaving Leon's house, I felt lost, with nowhere to turn. I had been trying to reach Jenny, my best friend from the South Side, but my calls went unanswered. I guessed she was at work.

With no other option, I checked into this hotel. My savings were dwindling, especially since I had just quit my job, but I hoped it would last me a few weeks.

As I leaned against the railing, the words echoing in my mind—“not good enough”—made my heart ache even more. The wine I was savoring suddenly turned sour.

I knew I needed to move on. I slipped into a hoodie and jeans, determined to face the day after crying for hours.

Thirty minutes later, I hopped into a cab, my destination being a nearby coffee shop. Once inside, I found a secluded table at the back and quickly took a seat, seeking refuge from the world.

“Good morning, ma’am. What would you like to have?” The waiter’s soft smile felt warm.

Without glancing at the menu, I replied, “I’d like some green tea.”

I’d heard green tea was good for uplifting one’s spirits and setting the day right. Of course, I needed it. I shouldn’t be in a hotel crying my eyes out; I should be looking for a new job.

As I waited, my gaze drifted out the window, and memories flooded my mind. I remembered how passionately Leon had loved me when we first met, always looking out for me. But that love had twisted into something dark—verbal and physical abuse that left me shattered.

I slowly pulled up my hoodie to glance at the blisters and scars he had given me. Who knows, leaving him might be the best thing for me!

When my tea arrived, I savored each sip, trying to find solace in the warmth. I wanted nothing more than to retreat to my hotel room, exhausted by life’s relentless challenges—no man, no job, no money, and no family to lean on.

After finishing my tea, I reached into my jeans pocket. “How much is the bill?” I asked, trying to shake off the heaviness.

“$75, ma’am!” the woman replied politely. I sighed, handing over my debit card, a twinge of anxiety creeping in. “Just take it from there; I’m low on cash.” I wasn’t supposed to use that card for anything other than fashion school.

The waiter swiped my card and handed it back to me to enter my PIN.

My heart raced as the lights beeped red—an unmistakable sign of an unsuccessful transaction.

“Ma’am, it says insufficient funds!” she said slowly, her eyes wide with concern.

Confusion clouded my mind. That couldn’t be right. I had over $6,500 in that account, set aside for fashion school.

This was the only card Leon didn’t know about; I had kept it hidden for a reason since he often used my other card for his small indulgences.

“Please, try again,” I urged her, desperation creeping into my voice. I knew I had enough money in that account to last at least a month.

She obliged and tried it again, but the result was the same.

I blinked rapidly, trying to comprehend the situation. What had happened to my money?

Sliding out my phone, I hoped for a glitch in the system. But as I opened my email, the first message sent chills down my spine:

“Miss Ivy Hall, you have exhausted your days to repay the loan of $1 million from Sky Investments. You have less than 48 hours to pay back.”

I read it again, my heart pounding against my rib cage, threatening to shatter.

My hands shook as I quickly scrolled through the email, checking the dates when the loans were made. I was sure I hadn’t taken any money from Sky Investments!

I almost collapsed in front of the young lady, who looked at me with pity, when I realized it was Leon who had taken out a loan in my name. The loans were all dated from when we were still together.

Had he done this behind my back? Had he hidden these loans from me for months, maybe even years?

Panic surged through me. I wanted to call him to confront him, but I knew he would deny everything.

I had only one option left: I needed to visit Sky Investments and plead for more time. A million dollars was an insurmountable sum, especially with Casper, the ruthless owner, known for his unforgiving nature.

But maybe, just maybe, a miracle could happen.