Never Again in This Life Chapter 04

Never Again in This Life Chapter 04

A week passed.

Maddox, finally unable to restrain himself, called me.

His tone was aggressive.

“Tessa, what the hell are you doing? The project is due in a week, and you haven’t done a thing.”

I turned on the faucet, the sound of the running water muffling my voice.

“I’m sorry. My grandmother hasn’t been well lately. I’ve been at the hospital with her, so I’ve fallen behind.”

“Elara’s graduation is very important to her. Put your family matters aside for now and get her project done.”

He said it so casually.

In his world, my grandmother’s health was less important than a single school assignment.

“But…” I began, letting my voice trail off.

“No buts,” Maddox cut me off. “Tessa, stop making a scene. If Elara can’t graduate, I’ll hold you responsible.”

He hung up.

I turned off the water and looked at my reflection in the mirror.

I couldn’t understand how I had ever let myself suffer over a man like him.

Just then, the real estate agent called.

She’d found a buyer. They’d accepted my terms for a cash sale and could sign the contract today.

“Perfect,” I said.

Since the apartment was about to be turned over, I needed to move some of the old furniture my parents had left behind.

The pieces were heavy. I couldn’t move them myself.

The first person I thought of was Sterling, who had always presented himself as my reliable support.

I called him.

“Sterling, are you free right now? I need to get rid of some old furniture and could use your help.”

The line was quiet for a few seconds.

Then, he spoke.

“Tessa, this is a bad time. I can’t get away.”

In the background, I could clearly hear Elara cough.

“Elara’s running a bit of a fever. I need to stay and take care of her,” Sterling explained. “Can you try to handle it yourself, or maybe call a moving company? I’ll Venmo you the money for it later.”

Elara again.

I smiled faintly.

“No need. You take care of her. I’ll handle it.”

After hanging up, I booked a moving service online.

If money could solve the problem, I had no reason to ask him for anything.