I Thought Love Had to Be Earned Through Chores, They Hugged Me Chapter 10

I Thought Love Had to Be Earned Through Chores, They Hugged Me Chapter 10

Six months later, the verdicts came down. Annabel was sentenced for the intentional release of

hazardous substances and criminal property damage. Frances, who’d locked the basement door with intent to kill, got an even heavier sentence. The people who’d trafficked and abused me

were prosecuted one by one.

After the final hearing, a reporter caught me on the steps. “Miss Grant, do you hate Annabel?”

I gave it real thought. “I used to.”

“And now?”

“Now I’m busy.”

“Busy with what?”

“School.” I’d enrolled in a safety engineering program. I also used the dividends from the shares Edward had given me to start a home-services company. Rule one: no child labor. Rule two: mandatory off-hours. Rule three: the boss is strictly prohibited from unclogging drains herself. Rule three was Cole’s personal amendment. I’d protested. He’d overruled me.

On opening day, the entire Grant family showed up. Catherine handed out bonuses to the staff. Edward cut the ribbon. Cole stood at the entrance, eyeing me. “What’s that in your hand?”

I hid the wrench behind my back. “Art.”

“Show me.”

“Cole, the toilet’s clogged.”

“Let the staff handle it.”

“They’re on break.”

“Then wait.”

“But the client’s been waiting-

He pulled out his phone, expressionless. “New amendment. Unauthorized overtime by the boss results in docked pay.” I stared at him, genuinely horrified. “Is there no justice left in this world?” “I’m a shareholder.” “You’re abusing your power.” “Correct.”

At lunch, the whole family ate together in the company cafeteria. I got up on instinct to ladle soup. Catherine pushed me back into my chair. Edward fetched the bowls. Cole carried the dishes. Butler Henderson sat down with us like it was the most natural thing in the world.

I looked around the table and felt suddenly, sharply disoriented. In every new home I’d ever had, the first things I’d looked for were the kitchen and the storage room-because those were the only places I was allowed to be. Now I was sitting in the middle. Bowl in front. Chair behind. People on every side.

I finished my food and set the empty bowl down. I didn’t wash it. Three minutes passed. Nothing happened. Nobody called me lazy. Nobody told me to leave. Emboldened, I leaned back in my chair.

Cole glanced over. “What?”

“Testing what it’s like to freeload.”

“How’s it feel?”

I touched my stomach. “Honestly? Kind of addictive.”

Catherine smiled and put a spare rib on my plate. I picked it up and took a bite. Then my phone alarm went off. The memo on the screen was still the same one from all those years ago: [Wake up. Scrub exterior walls. Pass probation as soon as possible.] I stared at it for a long moment. Then I deleted it and set a new one-8 a.m., every day. Only four words. [Wake up. properly.]

Cole leaned over. “That’s it?”

I nodded. “Hardest job there is. Takes a whole lifetime.”

Live

He reached over and messed up my hair. “Alright, then. The Grant family’s giving you a lifetime contract. Room and board included.”

“What about salary?”

“None.”

I sat bolt upright. “Then I’m filing for labor arbitration.”

The whole family cracked up. And I laughed too. So that was the secret. You didn’t have to

prove your worth for someone to want you around. Living without working wasn’t some moral

It was the most basic, ordinary right you got when someone truly loved you.