VANESSA
A few days later
The toaster dings, and I take out the toast and pour coffee into the mug, then bring it to Arthur on a tray. “Here you go, honey.”
“Thank you,” he says, smiling broadly like the lucky fucker he is. Finally, someone who’s grateful for everything I do. Arthur is just the man I need in my life. Trustworthy, reliable, and humble. Not the type of man I usually go for, but it’s certainly a breath of fresh air.
I go outside and get the mail from the mailbox. Inside, while drinking a cup of tea, I open the letters.
“Oh, look!” I say, holding up the one I’m reading. “It’s from my lawyer.”
“What’s it about?” he asks.
“They’re finally allowing me access to Phillip’s funds.”
His jaw drops. “Does that mean …”
“Everything is mine!” I say, smiling. I’m so happy; I could burst into tears.
“Now you can invest it in your study. Your business. Maybe even your acting career,” he says.
“I know, right? Finally … it’s time for me,” I say, wiping away a tear while Arthur gets up from his seat.
“I’m so happy for you,” he says, as he hugs me tight.
I’m still smiling like crazy as I open the next letter, but this one instantly wipes the smile off my face and punches me in the stomach as well. My hands shake as I read the words out loud.
I’ll come for you, Princess. One way or another, I’m going to get you … and when I do, be ready to run hard and fast.
Because I know what you’ve done.
Love I hate you to death,
Phoenix
