Page 178 of Tarek

Veronica’s fingers drifts to her delicate gold necklace, the small emerald catching the light as it shimmers. “Because we all get one at the end.”

My gaze shifts to Melody’s neck, it’s bare. “I chose not to take one,” she says. “He has a collection.”

A cold pit forms in my stomach. I shake my head trying to clear it. “So, he gives necklaces at the end of the relationship?”

The walls feel like they are pressing in.Don’t panic Penny, stay calm.

“Yes,” Veronica says, her voice is unnervingly calm. “I’m not the only one. Look around the room, you will see many women are wearing the necklace.”

I don’t want to, but I can’t stop myself. My eyes scan the room, tiny emeralds glitter under the light, hugging the necks of at least fourteen women.

My heart is pounding in my chest. “Why keep it?”

“It’s worth a lot of money,” Veronica states.

“It’s like an FDA stamp,” Melody replies, her tone is bitter. “Tarek tested; Tarek approved.”

I look at them in disbelief “You are being treated like lab tested meat, and you are okay with that?”

Melody face flushes red and Veronica jumps in smoothly.

“There is a rumor. Once you get a necklace, the next year you will marry or get engaged.” She holds up her hand, flashing a huge rock.

My temper is simmering. But I keep it together. I have to.

Melody smirks. “Still think you are special?”

“In a different year, under a different light, I would have slapped the shit out of you,” I reply, pushing my chair back.

Melody gasps. “I would like you to try it.”

“I won’t because I don’t fight with hoes, because that’s what you are.” I stand placing a protective hand over my belly. “A dirty used up dried cervix. That’s what you will ever be.”

“You are just like us,” Melody seethes.

“I understand.” I reply “If I were you, I’d want that to be true. But we’re not the same.”

I move to leave but Melody calls out “If you don’t believe us, check the mid-century Chinese console cabinet. You’ll see. He keeps the necklaces in there packed for his next victim.”

I let out a small laugh, tilting my head. “Aww you want me to dig in his cabinet for a little necklace that you guys get, to further prove that you are nothing to Tarek?”

Melody chortles dryly. “Did he get rid of the cabinet?”

I force a sigh, trying my best to remain calm. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

Melody’s smile is cruel and wide. “So, that’s a no.” She stands and adjusts her dress “You are just like the rest of us.”

I raise my chin and throw my shoulders back.

Melody jaw ticks. “You may be carrying his child, but he’ll still leave. You won’t be enough.”

Veronica sighs, “Sorry to tell you now.”

“No, I am happy to see the girls that were here before me.” I pick up my clutch. “It solidifies that no one can replace me in the present or future.”

I place fifty cents on the table pushing it in front of Melody. “I can tell that Veronica gives good head because she got the necklace.”

“Excuse me?” Veronica looks around to see if anyone heard what I said.

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