Phone

Chapter 18

“Sarah, I’m sorry. I didn’t really want to leave you. I must have been out of mind yesterday,” Derrick started sweet-talking.

“You think I’m like the cheap woman you date, Derrick? That it’s so easy to fall for your lies?‘

“I want us to get back together,” he continued, looking at me intently.

I stayed silent, pretending to think it over. There was no way I would ever get back with this cheating scum. After years of his betrayal, never again.

“I’ll think about it, Derrick,” I answered nonchalantly, glancing at Kendall.

Kendall kept glaring at us, her face clearly annoyed. ‘Serves you right, you homewrecker.”

Lorraine came over with drinks, still scowling. She brought two glasses of lemonade.

*Lorraine! You know I don’t like lemonade. Get me some tea. Make sure it’s hot, “I demanded, raising my voice.

Lorraine glared but quickly looked down when I gave her a sharp look.

“Fine, fine!” she replied angrily.

I chuckled inwardly. Lorraine who absolutely hated cooking and house chores, had to serve me tea.

*Remember, it has to be hot!” I reminded her as she headed back to the kitchen.

Gillian was still happily chatting with Grandma. She must be lonely in the apartment. Here, she had friends to play with.

I hoped Carrie was executing my plan well. I discreetly sent her a message.

“Sarah, do you think I can get a promotion? You know, since we’re going to be together again?” Derrick asked out of nowhere.

What?! I was stunned speechless by his question.

“Uh, I’ll think about it later, Derrick,” I replied dismissively.

Derrick smiled to himself, probably imaging his promotion. ‘Dream on, Dentok!

I checked Carrie’s message. It turned out that the money from the house had been atolen by Lorraine’s husband and his mistress. No wonder she had been seowling

‘Maybe karma does exist. They’re finally feeling the pain of betrayal themselves.”

“Here’s your tea,” Lorraine suddenly appeared with a cup of hot tea

“Just leave it there. I’ll drink it later since it’s still hot,” I said ourtly.

Lorraine looked irritated by my tone but surprisingly didn’t argue as usual. Maybe she was afraid I would fire her from the office.

“Where’s Jack, Lorraine? He’s usually here with the kids too,” I tried to provoke her.

“Jack is… at work,” she stammered.

“Aren’t you guys running a business? How’s it going? Is it successful, or has it gone bust? People who don’t know business shouldn’t pretend they do,” I laughed.

Lorraine seemed offended by my comment.

“Enough! Just because you’re rich and a boss now, you think you can mock and order us around?” Lorraine started getting emotional.

“Well, Lorraine, even before I married Derrick, I was already rich. But you all always looked down on me because of my appearance,” I retorted.

“That’s your fault for looking poor and shabby!” she shot back.

“I did that on purpose. And it shows that this family only respects people based on their appearance and wealth,” I said firmly.

“Watch your tonguel” Ruth snapped.

“Come on, Mom. You’re still defending Lorraine? She mortgaged your house and can’t even pay it back. What if the thugs take this house?” I revealed.

I

They were all shocked, unable to believe knew every

“How did you know, Sarah?” Derrick asked.

“Did you forget? I’m rich. I can pay people to do anything I want,” I replied arrogantly.

‘Sarah, please don’t fire Lorraine because of what she said.” Derrick pleaded.

“Relax, Derrick. I’m professional. Though I can fire my employees anytime, including you and your mistress,‘ I said loudly.

Kendall had retreated to her room. Maybe she was jealous and angry at me.

Derrick’s face turned red. He glared at me, his fists clenched. He was

obviously angry at my words.

‘Derrick!” Suddenly, Kendall appeared at the side unit’s door.

*Sofia, take Gillian to play next door. Let her play with her friends,‘ I instructed, sensing trouble.

Sofia nodded and took Gillian out.

“Derrick, I’m pregnant!‘ Kendall’s announcement shocked everyone.

“Oh my God, Kendall! What will I tell your mother? Oh, God!” Ruth exclaimed, holding her head.

Kendall seemed oddly calm.

Derrick looked panicked and conflicted, while Lorraine appeared indifferent.

Derrick roughly pulled Kendall into the side unit. They seemed to be arguing. their voices occasionally raised.

Ruth sat down, crying. I felt pity for her, burdened by her children’s problems.

But she always defended her children, even when they were wrong. Now, they had made such fatal mistakes.

Lorraine, make something for me. I need to eat and take my medicine,” Ruth asked.

“That’s too much work! Let’s just buy something ready–made,” Lorraine replied.

Poor Ruth. She probably hadn’t been cared for ever since I left. She looked thinner and unwell.

“Fine, go buy something. I’m hungry,” Ruth said weakly.

“I’ll do it. Mom, what do you want to eat? I’ll order it online,” I intervened, pulling out my phone.

“I’ll have beef stew, Sarah,” Lorraine interjected confidently.

“I wasn’t asking you, Lorraine. Take care of yourself. You can’t even cook for your own mother,” I snapped.

“Whatever you want, Sarah,” Ruth said as tears welled up in her eyes. She might be touched that I was still kind to her.

I started ordering food for myself, Ruth, Gillian, and Sofia. I deliberately ordered something delicious and expensive.