It's not worth it

Ciara stood frozen, feeling a surge of anger at Linda’s insult. She wanted to lash out, but the thought of harming her unborn child made her hesitate. Instead, she forced a smile and said, “Are you interested in discussing such matters?”

Linda scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain. “I’m just worried about you catching diseases. You might ruin the atmosphere in my home.”

“Then why invite me here and insist I stay for dinner? Seems like you’re quite interested in this kind of conversation,” Ciara replied coolly, her words stirring irritation among the Luscious family.

Samuel’s gaze, sharp and cold, was fixed on Ciara. After a tense moment, he grabbed his keys, stood up, and walked out.

“Darling Samuel, are you upset?” Linda called after him.

“If you continue associating with people like this, I’ll reconsider our engagement and compensate you,” Samuel said coldly, not bothering to look back.

“I understand, Darling Samuel. But it’s not worth it to be angry at this woman. Let me see you out,” Linda said, stumbling as she hurried after him.

Ruby’s fury erupted. “You’re nothing but trouble! You’ve deliberately driven Linda’s fiancé away. Get out! Just leave!”

Ciara turned to leave, but Ruby’s voice stopped her. “Stop!”

Ciara turned and looked at Ruby, silently awaiting her next move.

“Send me $100,000 tomorrow,” Ruby demanded.

“On what grounds?” Ciara asked, her voice rising in anger.

“On the grounds that we supported you for eight years. $100,000 for that period is fair,” Ruby said, knowing Ciara likely couldn’t come up with the amount. She aimed to corner Ciara financially.

Colt was taken aback by Ruby’s harshness.

Ciara laughed bitterly. “Two years ago, I took your daughter’s place in prison. Wasn’t that my repayment? And a month and a half ago, you made me stay with a dying man. Haven’t I paid enough?”

Ruby’s sneer grew colder. “If you don’t want your mother’s grave disturbed or her body exposed, you’ll pay.”

“You…” Ciara’s fists clenched, her eyes blazing with anger.

After a tense pause, Ciara forced herself to calm down. “Fine, I’ll send the $100,000 tomorrow.”

Without another word, she turned and left. As she walked away from the Luscious family’s house, tears welled up in her eyes, but she held her head high. Crying wouldn’t help her now; she needed to find the money.

Outside, Linda clung to Samuel’s arm, playing the part of the distressed fiancée. Ciara walked past them, hoping Samuel would offer her a ride, but he didn’t.

Linda, oblivious to Ciara, continued her performance. “Darling Samuel, I know I’ve let you down. I didn’t want to marry you just to save my own reputation. I only wanted you to be happy. If you can’t accept me, I’ll find someone else.”

Samuel knew Linda’s words were a tactic, but her display of vulnerability softened him. “Don’t worry. Our wedding will go ahead as planned in two months.”

Linda’s tears stopped, replaced by a smile. “Thank you, Darling Samuel.”

Samuel added, “I prefer to keep a low profile. You must get used to this if you’re with me.”

“I understand, Darling Samuel. I’ll remember to stay low-key,” Linda said, nodding eagerly.

Samuel drove away, leaving Linda behind. Once his car was out of sight, Linda’s smile turned into a sneer. “Ciara, you think you can ruin my happiness? Not a chance. I’ll make sure you know that your sacrifice bought me the life I have.”

Meanwhile, Ciara reached Samuel’s old residence around ten o’clock. She expected Samuel to be asleep but found him in the living room, smoking and surrounded by a tense silence.

“How long have you been involved with the Luscious family?”

Ciara was puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“I came to the Luscious house to discuss my marriage with Linda, and you were there. Do you expect me to believe that’s a coincidence?” Samuel’s eyes were sharp, revealing his displeasure.

Ciara met his gaze steadily. “What are you warning me about?”

“Linda is different from you. She’s genuine and kind, unlike you. If you have any intentions, let me know. Don’t harass her or her family, or you’ll face severe consequences.”

“So, you’re offering me $100,000 to avoid bothering Linda and her family?” Ciara asked, her tone sharp.

Samuel blinked, thinking he’d misunderstood. 

Samuel’s anger turned to amusement. “Is this some kind of joke? You were the one who assured me just yesterday that you wouldn’t ask for money again.”

“Do you really think a woman like me, who’s already so compromised, has any integrity left to maintain?” Ciara’s response was laced with bitterness.

Samuel was momentarily at a loss for words. He had underestimated her ability to be shameless.

“If I could get you out of jail, don’t you think I could put you back in?” Samuel sneered.

Ciara had no answer. Competing in ruthlessness with Samuel was a losing battle. She needed a plan to come up with the $100,000 to prevent her mother’s grave from being desecrated.

“That’s right,” she said, lowering her gaze and speaking with a resigned smile. “You could end my life as easily as crushing an ant.”

She yanked the door open to leave, but Samuel stopped her. “Where are you going?”

“That’s none of your concern,” Ciara retorted.

Samuel approached her, remembering something. “Linda mentioned you work in the night business. During our contract, you better not engage in any unsavory activities, or else…”

Ciara snapped. “Or else what? Do I owe you, Samuel Fury? You accuse me of trying to scam you, but did I ever come after you?”

“I agreed to work with you because I owed a debt to your mother from prison. That’s all,” she said, her voice rising. “I struggled to find a job after prison, and you destroyed it just before I got my paycheck. I couldn’t even afford bus fare. What do you expect me to live on?”

“And you heard what happened at the Luscious’s. They insisted I stay. I never intended to harass them. They’ve helped me before, and now they want $100,000 back in one day. If I don’t pay, they’ll desecrate my mother’s grave. What am I supposed to use to pay them?”

Samuel was taken aback by her outburst. He had always seen her as calm and collected, never imagining she could explode like this.

After her rant, Ciara laughed at herself. “Why am I shouting at you? Seeking sympathy from someone who sees me as nothing more than a plaything? What a woman I am.” she thought to herself sarcastically.

She stormed back to her room, packed a duffel bag with her belongings, and emerged with a determined expression. “Mr. Fury, I want to terminate our agreement.”

“Unilateral termination?” Samuel asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes. I’m aware I owe termination fees. I don’t have the money now, so give me a week. I’ll return to face whatever you decide,” Ciara said, trying to keep her composure.

Samuel seemed intrigued. “And what will you do for a week?”

“I am going  to visit my mother’s grave and offer my prayer.After that, you can do whatever you want with me. If you’re worried, feel free to send someone to follow me.”

He handed her a thick envelope. “Here’s $100,000. But remember, this is a one-time offer. Take care of my mother tomorrow as usual.”

Ciara stared at him, stunned, before taking the money and retreating to her room. Once the door was closed, she broke down in tears.

Samuel looked at her meager belongings—a few cheap clothes, some toiletries, and a small amount of change. He shook his head, reflecting on the stark contrast between her struggles and his own situation.

Ciara cried through the night, her eyes swollen when she woke up. Samuel had already left for work, so he missed seeing her distress. Ciara gathered herself, tidied up, and went to visit Mary at the hospital.

“Why are your eyes so red?” Mary asked, noticing her daughter’s distress.

“It’s nothing, Mum,” Ciara said, her voice trembling.

Trying to hide her tears, she left quickly. Mary called Samuel, “You’re always busy, but Sabbie has been such a good daughter-in-law, spending her mornings with me. I don’t have much time left, and I hope to see your wedding soon…”

Mary, who had never worn a wedding dress herself, wanted to make up for it by seeing Ciara have that experience.

“Mom, there’s no need for anything elaborate,” Samuel said. “A simple ceremony will be fine.”

Mary was reassured. “No need for grandeur. Just a small ceremony will be perfect. Let the wedding planners handle the details.”

Samuel agreed, knowing that even an immediate wedding would be feasible with their resources. 

“Alright, Mom,” he said.

Mary hung up, and Ciara, having composed herself, returned to the room with a smile. “Mum, I’ve been unwell, so that’s why my eyes were red. I’m sorry.”

Mary seemed satisfied. “I want to give you a surprise,” she said, taking Ciara’s hand.

“What surprise?” Ciara asked eagerly.

“It’s a surprise. I can’t tell you now,” Mary teased. “Go get a facial and buy some new clothes. You deserve it.”

Ciara knew she had no money for such luxuries, but it was a good chance to search for a job. She needed to become self-sufficient.

In the afternoon, Ciara went to the Luscious family house to return the money. While waiting for the bus, she overheard a conversation about the Fury family’s wedding plans.

“It’s amazing how the rich can organize a wedding in a day,” someone said.

“It must be an engagement party,” another added. “A real wedding would be much grander.”

The mention of the Fury family piqued Ciara’s interest. Despite her earlier thoughts, she saw a different side of Samuel.

At the Luscious residence, Ciara placed the $100,000 on the coffee table. Ruby, enraged, nearly exploded. “Did you rob someone?”

“This isn’t your concern. Please write me a receipt so we’re square,” Ciara said, handing Ruby a piece of paper and a pen.

Ruby knocked them away. “If you had this money so easily, it’s clear you didn’t just owe us $100,000. Eight years of support warrants a lot more.”

Ciara gritted her teeth, and Just as she was about to give Ruby a piece of her mind, Colt burst in, excited. “Ruby, Linda! Great news! Samuel and Linda are having their engagement party the day after tomorrow!”