The Work of a Legacy

Chapter Seven

From: GreenJason@hotmail.com

To: HankRyanChanced@gmail.com

Dear Mr. Ryan,

Since the night on which I discovered the deal that you have partaken in with one of the contestants, Stelara, we have yet to talk it over, despite your reassurances. I have a few questions. One, what happens after the show? Does the 'happy' couple go on and date, or will you allow them to break it off? Will you force them into marriage? Did Stelara sign papers? Why is she doing this?

Sincerely,

Jason Green, Chanced bachelor.

"Yes?" I ask meekly.

He holds out my computer. "Everyone signed the papers. No devices. What is this?"

"It's my computer," I state bluntly.

"Why is it here?"

"So that I can work while doing the show."

His face turns the color of tomatoes. "That was not a part of the deal. Pack your bags, now."

The blood drains from my face. "Wait, what?"

"You heard me. Now, Ms. Ford."

I bow my head in shame and walk to my room.

"Stelara, I am so sorry, I didn't know that he would take you off the show-"

"Save it!" I hiss. "You knew what you were doing. You want me off the show so there's more room for you."

"That is not what that was!"

"I think that's exactly what that was," I shout. "You're scared because none of the women here like you because you're too pretty. Boo-hoo! Guess what? More publicity for you. It's all a big publicity stunt, isn't it?"

Her eyes widen in shock. "I would never-"

"Of course you wouldn't. Little miss perfect."

"You barely know me!" She shouts, shaking with emotion.

"I know enough!" I retort. "I know that you hug your pillow in your sleep because you're so lonely. I know that you're too scared to go out on the balcony with Jason because you're afraid of heights. I know enough, Anna Rosalyn Ansley."

"How do you know my full name?"

Because all of our names are written down in confessional in case Addie forgets.

"It doesn't matter anymore. I'm leaving now, so you got what you wanted." I pull my suitcases behind me in and begin the humiliating trek to the limo.

"Oof!" I run straight in to Jason. "Oh. Um. I'm so sorry." I look down.

Yet another person who hates me.

"Why do you have your suitcases? Are you quitting? Typical."

I look at him in disgust. "Like I would do that. You know I wouldn't do that. Hank made me leave."

He looks taken aback, but quickly turns his crappy attitude back on. "Let me guess, he finally realized what a bad person you are."

"I'm leaving because I brought a computer here."

"...What?!" He exclaims in disbelief. "That's all?"

I nod.

"That's ridiculous." He scoffs.

"Why do you care? You hate me."

"True..." he trails off thoughtfully. "Okay, look, I'll make you a deal."

"Please, no more deals," I beg tiredly.