Page 98 of The Secret Heir Next Door

25

SERENA

Istand in the middle of my shop, surrounded by half-empty shelves and the faint smell of caramel lingering in the air. This place is my heart, my dream, and I’m packing it all away into cardboard boxes like it’s nothing. The pastel colors that once made this place feel magical now taunt me with thoughts of everything I’m losing.

I grab a stack of boxes, struggling to fold one open, and my fingers are trembling so much that the tape won’t even stick. The eviction notice looms over me like a dark cloud, and the words “Final Warning” burn into my mind. I’m trying to hold it together, but every time I look around, I think, “I’m running out of time.”

The inventory list in my hand is a blur of numbers and items: chocolates, gummy bears, truffles, lollipops. My eyes sting as I count, trying to keep track of everything while feeling like I’m unraveling inside.

I shove another handful of sweets into a box, the reality of losing this shop hitting me harder. I’ve poured everything I have into this place—money, time, love—and now, it’s being ripped away, all because of some greedy deal I never saw coming.

I pause to take a deep breath, my hands gripping the counter to steady myself. If only there was something I could do. Anything. I’ve already called the landlord, begged for more time, and even offered to pay extra rent, but Donald Levy doesn’t care.

He sent another letter yesterday, threatening to change the locks if I’m not out by the end of the week. The tightness in my chest grows, and I swallow hard, feeling the burn of frustration and helplessness.

The bell above the door chimes, pulling me out of my thoughts. I turn to see a customer, a middle-aged woman with a small child tugging at her sleeve. I force a smile, shoving all my worries down as I greet them. I go through the motions, helping them pick out a few candies and ringing them up at the register.

The little girl’s eyes light up as she takes her small bag of gummy bears, and for a moment, I remember why I started this shop in the first place. Moments like this. Moments that are slipping through my fingers.

As the door swings shut behind them, I glimpse someone else coming in, and my heart sinks. It’s Chaz. Logan’s brother. His smug face, slicked-back hair, and perpetual sneer that always seems plastered across his features look nothing like Logan.

He saunters in, his eyes scanning the shop with disinterest before landing on me. I brace myself, knowing that nothing good can come from this visit.

“Nice place you got here,” he says, wandering over to the candy display. He picks up a jar of truffles, inspecting them like he’s appraising something worthless. “Shame, it’s all going to waste.”

I try to keep my tone neutral. “Can I help you with something, Chaz? A lollipop, perhaps?”

He chuckles, setting the jar down with a clink. “Actually, I’m here to help you.” His gaze settles on the packed boxes. “But it seems like you’re not taking this whole eviction thing seriously.You’re still boxing things up when you should be selling them off. Planning on opening a store somewhere else?”

I grit my teeth. He’s fishing. “I’m doing the best I can.”

He shrugs, leaning against the counter. “Doesn’t look like it. You’re running out of time, Serena. Keep this up, and you’ll lose everything. I’d hate to see that happen.”

“How do you know about the eviction?” I ask tightly. I’d received the notice in the mail. It wasn’t on the front door yet, thankfully.

Chaz grins, that slimy, knowing smile that makes my skin crawl. “Logan told me.”

I know that’s a lie. They aren’t even speaking.

“He’s worried about you,” Chaz continues. “Thought you’d have a little more fight in you, but I guess he overestimated.”

I stare at him, biting back the urge to call him out. Logan hasn’t mentioned a word to his family since the last blowout. Chaz is showing his hand, and he’s enjoying every second of this. “I’m doing everything I can,” I repeat, forcing my voice to stay remain steady. “I don’t need your help.”

“Oh, that’s right. You ran to my brother to get him to buy you a new place, isn’t that right? Little gold digger.”

“Your brother hasn’t bought me a new place. I’m not a gold digger. And I don’t need anyone’s help.”

His expression darkens, and he closes the distance between us. “Actually, you do. You see, I’m the one in charge of your final date. I can make things a lot easier for you if you play nice.”

I back away, but he follows, his presence suffocating in the small shop. “What do you want, Chaz?”

His eyes gleam as they trail up and down my body. “I can extend your deadline. Give you more time to get things in order. All you have to do is one little favor for me.”

“I’m not doing any favors for you.”

“Such a shame. I hear you’re really good on your knees.”

I feel my stomach churn. I shouldn’t be surprised, but hearing it out loud makes my skin crawl. “Get out,” I hiss.

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