Page 5 of Cold as (N)ice

Send overly sweet text messages dripping with false promises—check.

Declare undying love and beg for a second chance—check.

And for a fleeting moment, she’d fallen for it - believed him. Well, almost… but no amount of staged sweetness could erase the years of bitterness or undo the scars left by his anger.

Irene had made her decision, and no matter how hard the road ahead seemed, she wouldn’t go back especially not after this last chance. If her ex was a cat, he’d just used his ninth life.

She was done.

“I’m so stupid,” she whispered, her voice breaking as hot tears slipped down her cheeks. She clutched the phone to her chest as though the weight of the messages it carried might somehow anchor her spiraling thoughts.

“I’ve made so many mistakes…” Her gaze lifted toward the ceiling, her words little more than a prayer. “I just need a break… please.”

Her eyes drifted back to the text, her vision clearing enough to reread it:

Hey Irene! Great news! Remember that guy I work with?

He needs a maid, and I recommended you. It’s full-time, not part-time, and you can bring Stephen with you. He won’t be home most of the time, and he knows ASL, so if Stephen’s there, he can communicate.

I’m guessing you’re busy, but he wants to meet you, give you a key, have you sign a contract, and start ASAP.

I’ll send you his info.

Her stomach twisted with nerves and uncertainty. The address was in one of those older neighborhoods downtown—big, stately homes with manicured lawns and wrought-iron fences. She’d driven past those streets before, marveling at how far removed they felt from her tiny one-bedroom studio. Even when she was married, she and her ex had barely managed to rent a modest three-bedroom.

Now, it was just her and Stephen in their cramped little space.

Everything okay, Mommy?

Irene was startled at the gentle pat on her arm - a soft, curious touch beside her as Stephen quickly maneuvered his hands, asking her a question. She saw him watching her intently, his wide eyes full of concern. She managed a tender smile, smoothing a hand over his unruly brown hair.

Yes, she signed, her movements deliberate, careful to keep her emotions from spilling over.Mommy is happy.

His face lit up with relief.

I like it when you’re happy. You have a pretty smile, Mommy.

The lump in her throat grew, but she forced herself to nod.

I love you, pumpkin.

I love you, too.

For Stephen, she would do anything—anything. He deserved stability, security, and every opportunity she could provide. If that meant working harder than she ever had before, juggling impossible schedules, and stretching every dollar, she’d do it all without hesitation.

She hesitated, taking his little hands in hers so he would pay attention as she spoke. This was important and she needed him to understand what was going on.

I have a meeting tomorrow night with my new boss. If you come with me, you have to be very good. Okay?

His head bobbed in an eager nod.

I’ll be good. Can I take my Gameboy?

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