Chapter 31
“Yeah, the visa p>
Elissa made something up on the spot. “Tanya Foster invited me to take a trip to Europe. I thought it sounded like a hassle, so I wasn’t interested, but Mom heard about it and said she’d make arrangements for someone to take care of the visa for me p>
No sooner had she finished speaking than her phone chimed.
-A bank notification: five hundred thousand dollars had just been deposited.
Frank didn’t press her any further. He shifted the conversation back to last night. “Weren’t you looking for me about something? What was it again p>
Elissa hesitated for a moment, pressing her lips together. “It was just the visa thing. I figured if you helped, it’d save me some trouble p>
“So, I got back a little too late p>
Frank gave a small, amused laugh, glancing over at the empty gift box on the coffee table. “Was that for me p>
“Mom saw it and liked it, so she took it p>
Elissa shrugged. “If you really want one, I’ll ask Mom to get you another next time p>
Frank nodded, not pushing for details. “If Mom likes it, then let her have it p>
He seemed entirely unbothered.
Just as he’d always been over the past three years of their marriage.
Elissa used to think it was because he was gentle, easygoing–someone who didn’t get upset easily. Only now did she realize it was because he just didn’t care.
It didn’t matter to him whether he got the gift or not, whether she was there or not. From the start, he’d always kept his distance.
But now, Elissa found she didn’t mind anymore. She just smiled. “Alright. As long as I don’t have to spend money to buy another one myself, I’m fine p>
“Such a penny–pincher p>
Frank shot her a sidelong look. “I’m not stingier with you than Rowan is, am I p>
Elissa’s fingers absentmindedly traced her palm as she smiled faintly. “You’ve always been generous p>
Growing up, there were plenty of birthdays she’d celebrated with Rowan’s friends.
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Chapter 31
When it came time for gifts, Frank always managed to pick just what she wanted.
He was never stingy.
He was a gentleman, always willing to make his friend’s little sister happy.
But that’s all she ever was to him–his friend’s little sister.
Her answer seemed to satisfy Frank. He grinned. “Still got such a temper? Are you still fighting with your brother p>
“I’m not fighting with him p>
Elissa’s voice was calm and cool.
She never had been.
Carmela had left the front door open, letting a cold draft snake through the house. Elissa sniffed, not wanting to continue the conversation. She looked at Frank. “Frank, I’m heading out p>
“Back to the health clinic again p>
Frank didn’t pick up on her tone.
Elissa didn’t bother to explain, just nodded. “Yeah, Cliff said he’s busy today and asked me to help out p>
“Go ahead. Want me to have the driver take you p>
“No, thanks p>
Elissa shook her head. “I can manage on my own p>
She’d gotten used to being on her own a long time ago.
Pulling on her long winter coat, she stepped out onto the icy, slippery ground, sunlight glinting off the frozen surface.
Once she reached her car, Elissa pulled out her phone and transferred the entire five hundred thousand dollars to a charity that supported girls from underprivileged backgrounds, helping them go to school and build a future.
She thought, every girl deserves to have a real life, to stand in the sunlight and live freely.
Not like her.
Never like her.
Frank watched her walk away, a touch of nostalgia in his eyes.
The little girl he once knew was all grown up.
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Chapter 31
Edna’s anxious voice sounded from behind. “Hey! Careful with that–don’t drop it p>
Frank turned to see Edna directing some people as they moved boxes into the backyard.
He walked over, frowning slightly. “What are you moving p>
Edna answered honestly. “No idea. Mrs. Elissa had them packed up and asked me to ship them out for her p>
Frank felt something was off. He lifted his chin. “Open one up and take a look p>
“Isn’t that a bit much? Mrs. Elissa might get upset if she finds out p>
“Are you listening to me, or to her p>
“Yes, sir. ”
Edna knew perfectly well who signed her paychecks. She fetched a pair of scissors and carefully opened a box.
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