Chapter 77
Josephine stood over the sizzling stovetop in the restaurace Kitchen, the fauillier come of sautéed weedies and spices filling the r
With the old staff retired, she no longer had to shonides every responsibly done
Four dedicated workers bustled around her, two of whots were seasoned cocks from the pontious ownership.
In this small, strugding, marking town, gloymryd was a rare blessing, and the camaradere in the Kitchen warmed her heart.
“Hey, Jo, where did that handsome helper disappear to? I’t seem khu these past few days,” Stidey asked, a playful glint in her eyes as she wiped down the commer
“How should I krw?” she replied with a casual shrug, “His ex–wife showed up, and be left with her
“Did he say if he’s coming back?” Shirley pressed
“Not a word,” Josephine said, a hint of infitation creeping into her voice. “Honestly, I’m considering letting him
“Oly, don’t be hasty!” Shirley protested. “It’s not every day we get someone that easy on the eyes around here. Give him a chance”
Josephine rolled her eyes, trying to mask her own conflicted feelings. “We’ll see. Let’s finish up and get out of here. There are plenty of eligible men out there for you, Shirley”
“None as handsome as him,” Shirley teased, winking,
Forcing a smile, Josephine retreated to the back room to change.
As she opened her locker, she noticed a small box with a handwritten note attached. It had been there for a few days already,
She unfolded the letter:
“You’re right–we poor folks have to stick together. No one messes with one of our own. I heard you’re getting married soon, and I hope to be there. In case I can’t make it here’s a little gift for you.”
She lifted the lid of the box to reveal two neat stacks of bills-$20,000 in total.
“That jerk,” Josephine whispered.
“Jo, your fiancé’s here!” one of the staff called from the front
“Coming!” she responded, quickly tucking the box into her bag
She composed herself and headed outside, where Carlo waited in his pickup truck.
Climbing in, she closed the door gently as he started the engine.
Carlo chatted animatedly during the drive, but Josephine found herself distant, his words fading into the background.
Her mind was elsewhere, tangled in thoughts she couldn’t quite unravel.
As they pulled up in front of her modest home, Carlo noticed her silence. 1
“You okay?” he asked.
Chapter 77
+25 BONUS
She turned to look at him, taking in his familiar features.
He was older, with a tough demeanor.
In hard times, accepting his financial help–and his proposal–had seemed like the only option. But now, everything felt different.
“Carlo, I’ve been thinking,” she began softly. “I still want to be close to my mother. She’s all I have left.”
He sighed, irritation flashing across his face. “We’ve been over this, Jo. I told you, I don’t want your mother interfering in our lives.“.
Her heart tightened.
“She’s my family. And the orphanage we just got word that a donor is planning to rebuild it back in Vancouver. Once it’s ready, well be moving back. It could be six months, maybe a year.”
Carlo’s grip tightened on the steering wheel.
“You should sell that place, Jo. Let the kids be sent somewhere else, and put your mother in a care facility. We need to focus on our future.”
She shook her head, resolve hardening in her chest.
Reaching into her bag, she pulled out the small box.
Carefully, she slipped off the engagement ring and placed it inside before handing it to him.
“I owe you $18,500,” she said, meeting his startled gaze. “I’ve added $1,500 for interest. Thank you for everything you’ve done, but I can’t go through with the engagement.”
He stared at her, disbelief etched across his features. “What are you saying?”
She opened the door and stepped out. “There’s no need for us to see each other anymore.”
“Wait just a minute!” Carlo exclaimed, scrambling out of the truck. “You can’t just walk away like this.”
She turned to face him. “We don’t have anything in common, Carlo.”
“Then you need to change to fit into my life!” he snapped.
“Why should I be the one to change?” she countered calmly
“Because I’m the man! It’s your job to follow my lead.”
A bitter smile touched her lips. “I’m sorry you feel that way but I’m done.”
“Is this because you’ve come into some money? Think you’re too good for me now that you own that restaurant?” His words dripped with resentment.
“Believe what you want,” she replied, turning to walk toward her house.
Before she could take another step, Carlo seized her arm tightly. “You’re not going anywhere. You’re my fiancée— you belong to me.“”
A surge of anger rose within her.
When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty. 1
She yanked her arm free. “I’m not your property, Carlo. Even if we were married, I wouldn’t be.”
2/4
Chapter 77
+25 BONUS
“Don’t you dare walk away from me!” he shouted, his face twisted with rage as he grabbed Josephine’s shoulder. ” No one defies me.”
“Let go, or I’ll scream,” she warned.
He sneered. “Go ahead. Who’s going to come? All you have are a bunch of kids and an old woman who can’t even walk.”
He lunged toward her, trying to pull her into an embrace.
Panic and fury collided within her.
“Get off me!” she cried, struggling against his grasp.
“I should’ve done this a long time ago,” he growled, attempting to force a rape.
With all her strength, Josephine drew back her fist and struck him square in the nose.
He stumbled backward, clutching his face as blood seeped between his fingers.
Breathing hard, she dashed toward the house.
Grabbing a sturdy wooden pole that rested by the porch, she turned to face him. “Leave now, Carlo, before I call the police.”
He straightened, wiping his bloody nose with the back of his hand.
His eyes burned with malice. “You forget–I have the police in my pocket. I run this town. If anyone’s getting arrested, it’s you.”
At that moment, the front door creaked open.
Ruth rolled out in her wheelchair, a shotgun resting confidently across her lap. She aimed it steadily at Carlo.
“Evening, Carlo,” she said coolly. “I think it’s time for you to head on home.”
He hesitated, glancing between the barrel of the gun and Josephine’s determined stance.
“This isn’t over,” he spat, backing away slowly. Climbing into his truck, he sped off into the night.
Ruth lowered the shotgun, her eyes softening as she looked at Josephine. “Are you alright, dear?”
“I’m fine.”
“Come inside,” Ruth urged gently.
They entered the warm glow of the house.
Ruth studied her closely. “Why did you call off the engagement?”
Josephine sank into a chair, exhaustion washing over her. “We were never right for each other. I realized that now more than ever.”
“And the money?”
“It’s all settled. I paid him back, with interest.”
Ruth raised an eyebrow. “Do you have anything left?”
She shook her head. “No. I used the gift Alex left me.”
Chapter 77
Ruth reached across the table, taking her hand. “You did the right thing.”
A heavy knock suddenly echoed through the house.
“Who could that be at this hour?” Ruth wondered aloud.
Josephine’s heart skipped a beat as Ruth wheeled over to the door.”
“Who is it?” she called.
“Police, ma’am. We’re here to arrest Josephine for assaulting Carlo. She needs to come with us.”
©
