Chapter 420
They say money changes people, and I guess that where the whole narrative of changing your whole personality after becoming wealthy comes from, but honestly, I don’t believe in that bullshit. Money doesn’t change people; it only reveals who they really are.
I smile, nudging her shoulder a little. “Come on, let’s make breakfast p>
Lilly stays quiet for another second before finally sighing in defeat. “Fine, but when you finally find this magical simple house you’re dreaming about, you’re running it by me first p>
I grin. “Deal p>
Breakfast ends up being surprisingly peaceful. Afterward, Lilly leans against the counter while sipping her coffee.
“So what are your plans today p>
“I’m going to see Mom first; I need to pick up some clothes, then I’m going grocery shopping,” I reply.
Lilly blinks. “For what p>
I stare at her flatly. “Because your fridge contains sparkling water, expired yogurt, and emotional damage p>
She gasps dramatically. “That is so rude p>
“It’s also true… how do you even survive p>
She narrows her eyes before asking, “Takeout and eating out p>
“That’s unhealthy.” I grin before adding, “I can already see the effects in those love handles you’re trying to hide p>
She gasps, looking at me in horror. “How dare you? I work six times a week; I have no fucking love handles p>
“I’m just telling you how I see it, Babes.” I smirk. “I can see them through your pajamas p>
She twists this way and that, trying to find the non-existent love handles. I can’t help it; I burst out laughing.
“I was just joking p>
“Oh you,” she glares at me. “You’re pure evil p>
“Never said I was an angel, darling.” I wink at her. “I should get going; I want to finish with the grocery store as fast as possible p>
“Do you need a ride p>
“Naah, I’ll be okay p>
Not long later, I head to Mom’s house. The moment I walk inside, she looks up from where she’s seated and immediately frowns at me.
“Did you transfer money into my account p>
I blink. “Uh… yes p>
“Sierra!” I wince slightly as she stands.
“I got money from Aunt Harper and I thought I’d send you some,” I explain quickly. “I’m sorry it wasn’t more. I want to use the rest to buy a house and start my company p>
Mom stares at me like I’ve completely lost my mind.
“Sierra,” she says slowly, “how is five million dollars not a lot of money? that’s more money than I even know what to do with p>
I laugh softly despite myself. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out eventually p>
“What am I even supposed to spend that on p>
“I don’t know,” I reply with a grin. “Start a business. Go on vacation. Buy a new car, or buy yourself something nice p>
Mom shakes her head immediately. “I’m letting it sit in the bank until I figure things out. That’s a lot and it still feels like a dream p>
I smile before my gaze drifts around the familiar house.
“You know,” I say after a moment, “I was actually thinking about buying you a new house once things settle down p>
Mom sighs instantly. “Sierra p>
I ask. “You deserve one, Mom p>
“I don’t need one p>
“Yes, you do p>
“No, I don’t p>
I narrow my eyes at her. “You’re being stubborn, just like most of the times… why can’t you accept that you need a new house? You’ve been here since before I was born p>
“I love this house,” she says quietly as her gaze moves around the room. “There are too many memories here for me to leave it behind… This is where I brought you home after you were born and this is where I watched you grow up. Every part of this house holds something important to me p>
I glance around slowly, seeing it differently for a moment. The hallway where she used to chase me around as a child. The kitchen where we baked together. The couch where we watched movies and fell asleep.
I understand. A new house sounds nice, but this place… this place is home, and some things can’t be replaced no matter how much money you have. And to be honest, if it weren’t for my desire to start anew, I wouldn’t have bothered buying a new house.
After that, we spend a while talking afterward, mostly about lighter things, and by the time I leave, some of the heaviness I’ve been carrying feels smaller somehow.
I get to the grocery store, take a cart and start shopping. I move slowly through the aisles, tossing things into the cart while mentally trying to remember everything Lilly doesn’t have in her kitchen… Which is apparently everything.
I’m standing in front of the mayonnaise section trying to decide between two brands when a voice suddenly calls my name from behind me.
“Sierra p>