Chapter 9 How Can I Live Without You
My friend recounted all the juicy details about Wyatt’s new life with Ezra.
Just as I suspected, Ezra was no saint.
She’d gone from the nanny to the lady of the house–keeping Wyatt entertained and spending money like water–but never once mentioning the messy business of actually caring for him.
Naturally, Damian and Laurel clashed with her.
No one wanted to deal with the dirty, smelly chores.
But with everyone living under the same roof, Ezra would vanish the moment she finished a meal–off to dance class, out playing cards, living her best life.
If Wyatt soiled himself at home, the whole place would reek, and she wouldn’t even glance his way.
Damian had no choice but to grit his teeth and clean up the mess.
After a few times, he couldn’t take it anymore.
Laurel wouldn’t lift a finger, just kept saying, “He’s your dad
Tensions simmered as the days dragged on, and before long, they were all fighting to split up the house.
When it came to the property, Ezra and Damian both stopped caring whether Wyatt lived or died, leaving him to soil himself in bed.
If they remembered, he’d get one meal a day.
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Chapter 9 How Can I Live Without You
If not, he just went hungry.
Back when I was there, Wyatt had three square meals–meat and veggies every day—and I kept him spotless, cleaning up after him, bathing him from head to toe. Now, without anyone to care for him, he was nearly starving, his body covered in sores, reeking, and looking more and more disheveled by the day.
Ezra could only tolerate the man I’d kept clean and tidy.
Now, just looking at this decrepit old man made her sick.
She didn’t even bother to pretend anymore–her days were filled with shouting and cursing.
Meanwhile, my business was thriving.
I set up my food cart outside the elementary school. Once, when Cody was getting out of school, Damian, Laurel, and Cody all bumped into me. Laurel covered her face in disgust, “Nicole, aren’t you embarrassed, selling food at your age? Even if you’re not, Cody sure is.”
I ignored her-
And ignored Cody, who was drooling and begging for a bun.
Damian assumed I’d come running, eager to please, handing out food and drinks, maybe even slipping them some cash.
But I didn’t move.
He’d always cared about appearances, so with all the other parents around, he wouldn’t let himself look bad. “Let’s go! She thinks she’s something now. Let her do what she wants. Don’t come to me for anything from now on!”
He dragged the wailing Cody away, face like thunder.
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Chapter 9 How Can I Live Without You
Laurel shot a jealous look at my bustling stand before stalking off herself.
Who would’ve thought that this “shameful” job would, a year later, let me buy a place of my own!
Right in the same new complex I’d rented in.
Elevator building, bright and spacious–and my new apartment even had a balcony.
I ended up as neighbors with my old classmate, Tobias.
My life was finally free from that family’s dead weight. And just as things were looking up, Wyatt started to regret everything.
The day after I bought my new place, I went to the jewelry store to treat myself–a gold bracelet. I was practically glowing with happiness as I headed home when….
“Nicole!” The last voice I ever wanted to hear.
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Wyatt sat in his wheelchair, face twisted, eyes uneven, but the moment he saw me, they lit up.
I glanced down at myself-
Wearing a silk blouse, my hair colored and styled in the latest fashion, gold
blet clearing on my wrist, confidence shining from my
The haggard, sallow woman I used to be was long gone.
Wyatt struggled to turn his wheelchair, rolling toward me as he burst into tears. “Nicole, I remember! I remember everything!
“Let’s get back together!
“How can I live without you?”
