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'S

ing your world crumble before your eyes. As I stared at the eviction notice taped to o

o?" my little brother, Noah,

st ached. "Don't worry, buddy.

lie. I had

cozy apartment. But those dreams died the day Dad walked out, leaving Mom, Noah, and me with

e has its br

. They were expensive, and with the rent

d. "Are you

air. "I'm fine. Just go fi

k onto the couch, gripping the eviction notice tight

t of my thoughts. It was from

n you cover th

ady worked a double,

-

ed of stale coffee and burnt bacon. I tied on my apron

eir check!" Carla sh

led back, weaving

e me,

one of the corner booths. He wasn't like our usual customers-his tailored sui

ed, clutchin

waiting for

y that sent a shiver down my spine. His piercing blue eyes

I stammered, rush

la asked, nudging

a," I m

And rich. You should t

eyes. "Not

fee, I returned to his table.

he cup down without drink

ed. "Mi

aint smile. "Mia, I have

aced. "A p

sturing to the sea

ed. "I'm

sate you for

umbs-up, mouthing, Go! Against my be

Hayes," he began. "I o

ayes was-he was on the cover of every business maga

iously. "Why are yo

d a fi

d. "Exc

tive firm. They value family, stability, and commitment- qualiti

he'd grown two head

're... di

fere

rom my world.

out bitter. "And you

is eyes serious. "I'

ar all our debts, pay for Mom's treatments,

ch. "Why me? You could hi

omplicate things. This is strictly

what happens a

'll keep the money

d to be true. "Wha

your life," h

hat's all he

table. She wore a designer dress and heels that clicked l

she said, h

eplied, his to

curving into a polite but

ander said smoothly

ped. "I-I d

. "Interesting. You did

aid, his gaze ne

ng. With a curt nod, she turned and walked

hat about?"

said, his tone dismissi

head. "This

he countered. "One that

sn't

eplayed in my mind. $200,000. Six months

eam and a nightmare

tiny apartment, I found Mom sitt

id softly. "They won't fill my pre

ut I forced a smile. "Don't w

ment, I knew w