Page 34 of My Ruthless Neighbor

“Why don’t you move into my apartment in downtown L.A.?”

“What?” I choke out.

“My husband wanted me to sell the apartment I was living in before marriage. I always followed his commands without questioning him but for some reason, I couldn’t do it. And I am glad I didn’t. He wanted me to be dependent on him completely. He manages my cards, my money, practically my life.” She says with a hard expression. “Anyway, I kept delaying contacting the property agent for my apartment, and as the months went by, he forgot about it too. Maybe because he believed I would never go against him.”

She looks at me. “You could stay there. For however long you wish to. This way, if he investigates, he’d think you bought my apartment.”

“River, this is a big deal. Do you know what you’re offering me? You don’t even know me. You shouldn’t lay your trust so easily in people. I could be a con artist.”

She lifts a shoulder. “Or I could be one. You spent the day with me knowing nothing about me or my background. I have bodyguards following me. Why didyoutrust me so easily?”

She has a point. She could be anyone. A mafia princess. Truth is, we don’t know each other at all and yet the fact we are here proves that we already trust each other deeply. I am in need. And she is willing to help. She wants to keep her apartment and I need a roof over my head. It sounds like a win-win.

“If I agreed to do this, I am paying rent.”

She begins to object but I hold my hand. “No. If I am staying at your place, I am paying for it.”

River smiles. “All right. But you will pay the same amount you were paying for thewitchand not a cent more.”

My brows furrow. She can’t rent her luxurious apartment for pennies' worth. “But—”

“No buts. The only reason I am even allowing you to pay rent is that I am aware you wouldn’t accept this otherwise. I don’t need the money, Summer. I am filthy rich. And besides, you are kind of doing me a favor by agreeing to do this.”

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

I smile at her, the damn tears welling in my eyes again. “Yes. Thank you so much.” I whisper.

She smiles and wipes my tears. “We are friends, remember?”

I nod.

“So no need to thank me.”

I swallow thickly and nod again. “You’re an angel.”

She chuckles. “No, Summer. I am just a normal human, helping another in need.”

She starts the engine again. “Let’s do this, shall we?”

My lips lift. “Let’s do this.”

???

Within a matter of couple hours, my boxes were moved from the dingy hallway of my apartment building and placed in storage space. All thanks to River and her bodyguards.

Life is unpredictable. Who’d have thought I would go from being homeless to meet a kind woman who would offer me her home? Everything happens for a reason. In the end, it’s all for the best. I lost my place but I gained a friend.

My heart was breaking this morning but now it's filled with hope again. Not all are bad in this world. People like River are a prime example of that.

I crane my neck to look at my apartment’s window one last time. As I watch, a lump grows in my throat. The lights are on. The couple has moved in already.

Time to say goodbye. I close my eyes.

Thank you. You’ve shielded me from rains, harsh summers, and cold winter nights. Thank you for witnessing some of my great memories and bad days. Above all, thank you for being something constant for the past years.Our time together has come to an end. But you are the closest thing to home for me. I’ll think of you often. Goodbye.

“Ready to go?” River asks as she stands beside me.

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