Page 4 of Sweetest Revenge

There was a chorus of Yes, doctor, but nothing else.

“Sorry about that,” he whispered.

“I’m used to it,” I said with a grimace. It had been years, but some things didn’t change.

He cleared his throat, getting back to business.

“Ms. Mercer, last time we talked about the insurance costs?—”

“I have a plan,” I said quickly, cutting him off. “I’ll make sure it gets paid. I promise.”

He kept his gaze on me before sighing and looking back at my mother’s door.

“Look, payments and stuff aren’t usually something I handle, but I feel bad for you. I know you’re struggling, so I wanted to warn you before?—”

“And I’m grateful,” I said, laying my hand on his arm. His eyes fell to it, and I jerked it away. “Sorry.”

“You’re not…” He looked like he was struggling for words. “Going to do anything illegal, are you?” His voice had dropped to a whisper.

I swallowed thickly, feeling my face heat.

No, but I am going to sell the last valuable thing I have.

“Thank you for caring about us,” I said, a genuine smile spreading across my face. “It’s been a while since anyone has done that.”

He looked taken aback by my words.

“Just be careful, okay?” he urged.

I nodded and took a step back.

“I’ll fix this,” I vowed. “Please take care of my mom in the meantime.”

He opened his mouth to say something, but I was already turning on my heels and racing down the hallway.

I can’t be late for my welcome party.

My stomach twisted in knots, aching as I looked myself over in the mirror.

Music from the party filtered through the room, only making my nerves worse. I feel like I’m going to throw up.

They had provided an outfit for the welcoming party as a way of hiding who the girls truly were. Apparently, even the smallest detail could give away our identity, and they wanted to make sure it was a surprise until the very end.

My fingers rose to run along the edge of the shiny masquerade mask they’d given me.

It was made of a silver material and covered more than half my face. Each girl was assigned an animal, and mine was a cat. The ears were sharp, but not as sharp as the teeth displayed in the bottom half. It was lined with crystals and gems that shone in the dim light of the dressing room and matched the deep blue of my dress.

It was tight and shorter than I'd ever been allowed to wear, ending a bit higher than mid-thigh. The body was made of blue velvet, strapless, and the collar and hem were lined with more shine.

My hand trailed to the Swarovski collar on my neck. Chains with dangling crystals came out from it and circled my shoulders.

I was dressed up to look like a real woman. Beautiful. Desired. Elegant.

The type of woman the men out at the party would desire.

Even my hair was set in an elaborate updo.

“It’s time to go, A,” a warm voice said from the other side of the door.

---