Tina POV:
I stared at my phone in disbelief, my eyes scanning the screen as if the numbers would magically reappear. "What! How did all my money vanish from my account?" I exclaimed, my voice laced with panic. I saw a message and tapped it, my heart sinking as I read the words: "I have taken what belongs to me."
A chill ran down my spine. "How?" I whispered, my mind racing. "I don't have anyone's money with me... No, it can't be." And then it hit me - Alex. He was the only one who could have done this. But why? I tried to justify it to myself. "At least he took only the money. What is 90 million when I took much more from him?" I thought, trying to downplay the loss.
But then I checked my bag, and my world crumbled. All my jewelry, expensive bags, and clothes were gone. A letter lay in the empty space, its words piercing my heart: "I also took them too. I know you would probably regret the day you stepped foot in my office. Your suffering starts in a few hours. Good luck. Alex."
I felt a scream building inside me. "Alex, you bastard!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the room. "My jewelries are all gone! Ahhhhhh, this isn't good!"
My mom rushed in, concern etched on her face. "Tina, what's wrong?"
I collapsed onto the bed, defeated. "I'm back to being poor, mom."
She sat beside me, her voice gentle. "Dear, forget about all these riches. You don't have to be rich to be comfortable in life. See your dad and me - we aren't rich, but we're still happy."
I shook my head, feeling a lump form in my throat. "You won't understand, mom. So don't say anything."
An hour later, the harsh reality hit us like a ton of bricks. We were standing in the foyer of my parents' house, surrounded by our luggage and bags, as the landlord's voice cut through the air. "I'm afraid I have no choice but to evict you," he said, his tone firm but detached.
My mom's voice trembled as she pleaded, "But sir, our rent isn't expiring until next month. Why do this?"
The landlord's expression remained unyielding. "Ma, here's the money. Please leave and don't question me."
I stepped forward, my heart racing with defiance. "At least give us a reason, or we won't leave."
His eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with malice. "The reason is that you should leave, or I would forcefully kick you out."
My mom's hand on my arm was the only thing that held me back. "Tina, let's leave," she whispered, her voice laced with resignation.
We stepped out into the bright sunlight, our luggage and bags weighing us down like anchors. The streets stretched out before us, a seemingly endless expanse of uncertainty. We walked in silence, the only sound the soft thud of our footsteps on the pavement.
As we stepped through the gates of Pavla Estate, a world of opulence unfolded before us. The driveway, lined with meticulously manicured hedges and towering palm trees, stretched out like a golden carpet, leading us to the grand entrance. The sound of soft chirping and gentle splashing from the fountain created a soothing melody, setting the tone for the luxury that lay within.
The estate's facade, a masterful blend of modern and classical architecture, rose majestically, its walls adorned with intricate stone carvings and expansive windows that sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight. The entrance, a grandiose affair with sweeping arches and ornate details, beckoned us to enter.
As we stepped inside, the cool, marble-floored foyer enveloped us, its high ceilings and crystal chandeliers casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the walls. The air was alive with the sweet scent of fresh flowers and the soft hum of elegance.
As we wandered the desolate streets, the weight of our situation settled in like a shroud. "Where could we possibly stay?" I wondered aloud, my voice laced with desperation. The harsh reality hit me like a slap in the face - I had no friends to turn to, no one to call in this time of need. They had all vanished like smoke when my wealth disappeared.
But then, a glimmer of hope flickered to life. Lydian. My dear, loyal Lydian. She had always been there for me, a constant in the chaos. Maybe, just maybe, she would take me in.
"Mom, I know where we could stay," I said, a spark of determination igniting within me.
We hailed a taxi, the scent of worn leather and exhaust fumes enveloping us as we settled into the backseat. The ride was a blur, my mind racing with thoughts of Lydian and the possibility of salvation.
As we entered through the gates of Pavla Estate, a world of opulence unfolded before us. The driveway, lined with meticulously manicured hedges and towering palm trees, stretched out like a golden carpet, leading us to the grand entrance. The sound of soft chirping and gentle splashing from the fountain created a soothing melody, setting the tone for the luxury that lay within.
The estate's facade, a masterful blend of modern and classical architecture, rose majestically, its walls adorned with intricate stone carvings and expansive windows that sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight. The entrance, a grandiose affair with sweeping arches and ornate details, beckoned us to enter.
As we stepped inside, the cool, marble-floored foyer enveloped us, its high ceilings and crystal chandeliers casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the walls. The air was alive with the sweet scent of fresh flowers and the soft hum of elegance.
As we arrived at her villa, the grandeur of the gates loomed before us, a testament to Lydian's wealth and status. I steeled myself and stepped out of the car, my heart pounding in my chest, memories of my previous visit came flooding back. I had been here for work, and that's when I first saw Lydian's house - a stunning villa that seemed to radiate warmth and elegance. I remembered the sound of gravel crunching beneath my feet as I approached the entrance.
This time, as I stood before the villa, the door swung open, and a courteous voice greeted me. "How may I help you?" the man asked, his tone neutral.
"I'm looking for Lydian," I replied, my voice laced with a hint of desperation.
"Okay, give me a minute," he said, disappearing into the villa.
Lydian emerged, her eyes narrowing as she took in my disheveled appearance. "Long time no see," I said, attempting a weak smile.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice dripping with skepticism. "Oh, you're here to cause some trouble, right? You're lucky Alex isn't here with me."
I felt a pang of anxiety at the mention of Alex's name. "Please, not him again," I pleaded. "I just want to stay in your house for a little while."
Lydian's expression turned icy. "Well, sorry, you can't. I can't let a betrayer stay in my house. Never. Good-for-nothing fool," she spat, her words venomous.
I felt a surge of anger, but bit back my retort. "Guess what, dummy? I'm leaving now. I've had enough of your stupid insults," I said, turning to leave.
Lydian's parting shot followed me out the gate: "You shouldn't leave, because you deserve more, manipulator."
As we stood before Lydian's gate, I heard her voice, cold and detached, instructing the guard, "Don't let this woman enter my premises. She's not a friend to me. Do you understand?"
My mom's eyes locked onto mine, a mix of disappointment and shame reflected in them. "Are we leaving or what?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Tina, I can't believe you've tarnished your reputation like this," my mom said, her words dripping with despair. "What man would want to marry someone like you?"
I felt a surge of defiance. "Did I tell you I need a man?" I retorted, my voice firm. "For your information, I changed when we couldn't afford anything. We were poor, and I had to do something."
My mom's expression turned incredulous. "Do something? By using someone who considered you a friend?"
I stood tall, my eyes flashing with determination. "I had to, and I'd do it again. I enjoyed the benefits, and please, I don't want to hear another word from your mouth about this."
With that, we left Lydian's estate, the sound of the gate closing behind us like a door slamming shut on our past. We made our way to my mom's friend's house, where warm smiles and open arms welcomed us. My mom informed my dad about our new temporary home, and he promised to join us soon.