Being a real estate agent for a project as grand as the New Century Project required qualities like eloquence, distinction, elegance, and sharpness. The truth was that I, Marianne Fairmount, only pretended that these traits were part of my identity while selling properties to make ends meet. Otherwi
"It's true that you can work under pressure. You don't disappoint, Marianne.""In the long run, you get used to meeting irrational expectations. It's the primary requirement for our client profile," I explained as we both got into the elevator. I pressed the button to go up."Irrational… I like that
I gathered my strength to hold back, but things weren't working out the way I wanted. There was no way Lucius could accompany me to see that apartment. No way at all."You can't come with me to see that apartment!" My voice came out louder and shriller than I wanted."Why not? I showed you mine. Or
This city had a gentrification problem, which had skyrocketed just in the past year. In the year when I was oblivious to mortal issues because of my rich ex-fiance. I should never have gotten used to that comfort. Or dreamed of more than I could earn with my own hands. My mother was right: depend on
Never underestimate how fast a woman without a home could move. Within hours, she had filled out all the forms and gathered most of the documents she needed to apply for the mortgage. It would be enough for an average-priced, cozy, two-bedroom apartment near the city center. Nothing luxurious, but a
“We can’t have more surprises with my marriage and your nephew being so close,” Amanda said, emphasizing the juiciest words so others would overhear. “On Saturday night, Andrew and I are hosting a welcome dinner at our apartment for your new partner. Mom and Dad will be there. Trust me, we’re all ex
Friday arrived, and with it, the night I had dreaded finally came. My panicked face was probably worth a portrait as I announced myself at the entrance of Lucius’s new building. They let me in quickly, and the elevator moved faster than I would have liked. In a few seconds, I was knocking on his doo
“I don’t have a mother, Marianne. Any other questions I might actually answer?” he offered.I got the message instantly. The mother was worse than the father, and he didn’t even want to joke about her. Noted and filed away as a forbidden topic. I reorganized my thoughts. I had a purpose for tonight.