𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐑 |

chapter twenty-eight

Vera

As tired as I was from my work shift, I needed to get this done. I took a morning shift so this godforsaken talk with Katherine can get done early. I made sure to think and marinate on this decision before fully going through with it.

Hell, I couldn't sleep because I was thinking about it all the time. If I get it over with now, I won't have to be plagued with the thought of speaking to her anymore.

"You sure you want to do this now? No more thinking you need to do?" Jesse asked, pulling into the driveway.

"If I think any more, it'll turn to avoiding and procrastination, Jesse," I sighed, unbuckling my seatbelt.

He simply nodded, unlocking the car doors.

"I'll stay out here just in case, alright?"

With a nod, I left his car and spared a glance at my own that was parked in the driveway. Not jinx anything, but I'm surprised she hadn't tried to sell it or at the least give it away to Lucia. Knowing her, she might be in the process of it.

I knocked on the front door then shoved my hands in my back pockets, bouncing on my toes. It took five minutes before I finally heard the door unlock and doorknob twisting to open it up. I was met with a not so happy expression from Katherine and she sighed as if I was taking up much needed time.

"I'm not here to ask about moving back in before you assume that."

I brush past her, stepping over the threshold. Katherine rolled her eyes then shut the door, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I want all of the money that was stolen from me by you and Lucia. Along with the rest of me and Aiden's things. You don't want us here and you've clearly proven that you don't want us here. So, that's it."

She was visibly taken aback and she let out a quiet scoff when I headed towards the stairs. It was what she said next that caught me off guard and made me pause.

"You can't leave," Katherine blurted.

My brows furrowed and I looked at her with the utmost confusion. Nonetheless, I stepped off the last step and stood in front of her.

"If you and Aiden aren't present at the wedding, the deal between me and the Alvarez's will become invalid," she explains slowly. "You two are the primary witnesses for our side of things."

I blinked, staring at the woman before me like she was crazy.

"You do understand how stupid this all is, right?" I mumbled. "Like, completely idiotic."

"Vera, I couldn't care less about your opinions on this wedding. The fact of the matter is, neither you or Aiden can leave."

"And why the hell would I stay here to help you? You need me, remember?"

Katherine's jaw clenched and she took a breath then released an unamused chuckle. She clasped her hands together then brought her eyes back to me.

"What do you want, Vera?" She asked quieter.

Instead of being a smartass, I had to think about me and Aiden. We can't keep latching onto Jesse and his mom. They don't complain but I can't help but feel guilty after staying with them for so long. Katherine needs me for this stupid wedding to go through and I need the money she owes me. So...

"On one condition. Well, two," I finally said. "I'll stay for your stupid business thing if you give me back everything you stole from me and to leave me and Aiden alone when we move back in. No harassing us, no trying to hit him again-"