The Blackened Odds by Mark Twain 2
Chapter 2
I didn’t sleep. By morning, I’d sold the last thing I had left of Dad, his old watch. The money barely covered a shabby viewing room out by the edge of town.
A black-and-white photo in a simple frame, a few candles, and a bouquet of white lilies. It was the last dignity I could give her.
I sat on the floor, legs pulled to my chest, refusing to move. Hours passed, until my legs went numb.
The door burst inward with a crash. Julian stood in the doorway, Vivian at his side. His face was tight with fury. He pointed at me, his voice cold and sharp.
“Lily, you did this on purpose, didn’t you? You set up this pathetic memorial on the day of my company’s anniversary just to spite me?”
I stared at him, rage flooding through me so fast I thought it would choke me. That “spite” was the only family I had left.
“Clear this garbage out.”
Vivian wore a shocking crimson dress, a hard streak of color against the white flowers and pale walls.
She pressed herself against Julian’s chest, trembling like Mom’s photo had scared her.
“Poor Lily. Her mother just died. We shouldn’t make this harder on her.”
Her words were slick with fake concern, but her eyes locked onto mine, bright with victory.
Then she walked toward me and twisted her ankle, on purpose. She screamed and went down hard,
slamming into the memorial table.
Candles and white lilies flew, scattered across the floor. Vivian collapsed, and the tears came right on cue,
perfect, practiced sobs. She held up her hand, showing off a tiny scratch that barely drew blood.
“Lily, I know you’re grieving, but… why would you push me?”
Julian was at her side in seconds, pulling her up gently, his hands steadying her like she might shatter. He
didn’t even look at me.
“Lily, you’ve lost your fucking mind! Get on your knees. Apologize to her. Now.”
I stared at him, barely able to believe what I was hearing. When I spoke, my voice came out hoarse.
“What right do you have?”
He sneered and took a step closer. “What, acting all righteous now? Where was all that pride when you
walked away from me for cash? You were cheap then, and you’re cheap now.”
The bodyguards started toward Mom’s memorial.
Chapter 2
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“No!” I screamed. I couldn’t let them touch it. It was all she had left.
Tears blurred my vision. I sank to my knees, my whole body shaking.
Julian looked down at me, his mouth curled in disgust. Taking my silence for submission, he put his arm
around Vivian and walked out. The door slammed behind them.
The room was silent. Just me, and the wreckage they left behind.
Chapter 2
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ME
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.
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