The Contract With Her Father's Billionaire Rival-Chapter 23. Catching A Break.

Nicolette trudged down the road, her body weak and frail. She was broke, tired, ashamed and literally had nowhere else to go.

After so much contemplation, she decided to return to her apartment.

When she arrived, her heart shattered at the sight of the empty room. The fatigue, the numbness, the pain—all added her heartbreak.

She dragged herself to the bathroom. Thankfully, the water was still running. She took off her sweat and blood-stained clothes, then soaked herself into the tub, the warm water embracing her aching body.

She lay still, staring at her ceiling, Robert’s betrayal hitting harder than before. She couldn’t believe after everything she had done for him, he still had the audacity to take her father’s money and ditch her.

She clenched her fist, anger surging through her veins as she remembered everything she had been through.

They will all pay.

One way or another, they would regret hurting her.

After some minutes in the bath, she got out, her legs heavy, but she felt a little better. Fortunately, Suzie had left one of her gowns behind, and she changed into that.

As she shook out her hair to dry it off since she had no towel, a knock sounded at the door

"Lettie?" She heard Mrs Higgins’ voice.

Nicolette straightened up, her body sore from the sudden movement. She winced as she made her way to the door. "Hello, ma’am."

"Hi, Lettie," Mrs Higgins smiled. It was one of the rarest times she ever does. "I got your payment. Thank you."

"Oh," Nicolette murmured, her thoughts drifting to Alaric and how he had covered her debt. Then to Clara and Violet, and her stomach churn with shame.

She swallowed hard, her cheeks flushing as she steadied her voice. "You’re welcome, Mrs. Higgins."

Mrs Higgins’s smile faded as she glanced past Nicolette into the empty apartment. "What happened?"

"Nothing, nothing. I’m moving out," she lied.

Well, technically, it wasn’t a lie.

She was going to Alaric’s regardless.

"Moving out?" Mrs. Higgins’s eyes widened. "Why? Have I been too harsh? Is it because of—"

"No, no." Nicolette raised a hand to stop the older woman from spiraling. "It has nothing to do with you. I’m getting married," she said, the words tasting bitter.

Mrs Higgins’s face twisted with disgust and judgment. "You’re getting married to Robert? I thought you had better sense than to settle for that man. He’s nothing but trouble, Lettie."

She winced.

Apparently, everyone could tell Robert was a piece of shit. It had just taken her longer.

"No," Nicolette said, stepping outside and locking the door behind her. "Not him... someone else."

Mrs Higgins’s brow lifted. "So... you were seeing someone else while you were with Robert?"

Nicolette sighed.

Nothing ever satisfied this woman.

"No, it’s a long story," she replied. She knew Mrs Higgins would pester her for more information, and right now it was the last thing she needed. "I will tell you another time."

Mrs Higgins didn’t look convinced by her reply, but her eyes softened with concern. "Are you sure you’re okay? You seem to be bottling something up."

She sighed again.

Where would she even start?

From the meeting with her father and Lucian?

Or the chase?

Or the humiliation that followed?

Mrs Higgins wouldn’t even understand.

So, she forced a smile instead. "I’m good. Thank you ma’am."

"Okay..."

Nicolette turned to the door, eager to end the conversation. "See you around?"

Mrs Higgins narrowed her eyes. "See you around then," she said flatly before leaving.

Just as Nicolette was about to enter her apartment, she saw Sam.

"Hey!" she called, waving at him.

"Hey Lettie, you’re back," Sam said, waving back

"Not really, but yeah," she said bitterly as she walked towards him. Her body ached with each step and she wondered why she didn’t just stay back in her apartment.

If she can’t find a way to get to Alaric, she might be staying here longer than expected.

"How are you?" Sam asked, concern filling his tone as he opened his door.

She tucked a strand of wet hair behind her ear. "Good. Kicking."

Sam studied her face, then nodded. "Want to come in? You know, grab a drink or something?"

"I would love that, but I’m not in the mood," she said with a smile, grateful for the offer. "Let me let you be."

As she was about to turn away, Sam said. "Your car has a new owner now."

She stiffened, her heart pounding. She turned slowly, her cheeks froze in a smile. "Really?"

Sam saw her face and his eyes widened. "I’m... sorry... I shouldn’t have said that."

"It’s fine," she said.

But it really wasn’t.

Sam leaned forward and touched her arms. "That was dumb of me."

"No, really. It’s fine," she insisted, trying to hide the feeling, but the wave of pain crashed into her chest.

Still, she braced herself refusing to show any vulnerability.

The tears were coming.

She could feel it.

"I would just..." she trailed off, gesturing towards her apartment.

Sam’s eyes gleamed with sadness and guilt. He parted his lips like he wanted to speak, but nothing came out.

She shook her head, trying to send away the headache that was forming. "I’m glad... someone else gets to enjoy the car like I did. Thanks Sam."

Before he could speak, before the tears could betray her, Nicolette turned sharply away.

Her chest tightened with pain as she remembered everything she had lost.

This wasn’t even fair.

She deserved a fucking break.

Tears blinded her for a moment and she bit her lip, trying to control them. She exhaled slowly, wiping her eyes as she walked back to her apartment.

But when she got there, she was shocked to see three hefty men.

She froze.

These weren’t the men who chased after her all day.

They looked different—polished, like they were used to the good life.

Were they Lucian’s men?

She knew she couldn’t trust them. Nothing good ever came with dealing with men in black suits.

She turned, ready to run despite her aching legs, but one of the men spotted her.

"Miss Voss?" His voice was deep with confusion.

Her chest tightened as she turned towards them. "Hey there."

One of them stepped forward. He seems to be the leader and the tallest. He cocked his head, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Were you just about to run?"

His voice wasn’t cold, yet her body trembled with fear.

"No." Her response was small and unconvincing.

He moved closer. "We’ve been coming here for two days. Where’s Robert?"

Her breath hitched. "Robert?"

Why would Lucian’s men be looking for Robert?

Unless... they weren’t Lucian’s men.

Who were they?

"Yes, your boyfriend," the man said, his brow furrowing with confusion.

"I... don’t know. He went to...Vegas," she said painfully, her heart aching with fresh betrayal.

"How do we reach him? He has debts to pay."

Relief washed over her. They were not after her.

"I don’t know," she said, her voice steadier now. "I have no idea."

"Well, in that case," the man said, straightening as the other two behind him stepped forward. "you will have to come with us."

Panic surged through her, tightening her throat. "Why... why?"

"Because you’re his guarantor. And since he hasn’t paid in months, we have every right to take you along with us."

Nicolette gasped.

She couldn’t catch a fucking break.