Chapter 1

Jasmine Nine years ago

We lie in one another's embrace in our secluded little woods by the stream of water. It was a warm summer's day. We missed school so we could spend the whole day together. We are just being kids and having fun without our parents being obtrusive. It's been the best day I can remember having in a long time. I look up at Reese. His boyish face is relaxed, and his eyes are closed, soaking up the sun. He is not only the most handsome boy I know. He is my secret boyfriend.

“One day, we will be free, and I will marry you, Jaz. I promise it will be us together against this shitty world.”

I feel giddy inside at his words as I tighten my arm around his waist.

I can’t wait.

Present Day

“Mum, mum, wake up. I made you breakfast. Look. Look.”

I keep my eyes closed for a moment wanting to remember the good times and not wanting to wake up to today's reality.

“Mummy, wake up.”

I feel a slight poke on my cheek. I smile, picturing Bella.

She squeals.

“You awake, you smiling mummy.”

I open my eyes, and Bella is inches from my face. I look into her bright green eyes and see Reese. My eyes well up with tears. I try to blink them away before any fall down my cheeks rapidly. One more unsuccessful morning as, a tear slides down my cheek. I should pile it up with the rest of the four months' worth.

“My baby girl, you woke up early. Come, jump into bed with me for a cuddle.”

She dives into bed with me. She wraps her chubby little arms around my neck. I hold her tight against my chest. She is the only thing left that makes my wretched heartbeat.

“Did you have a nice sleep, Bella?”

“Yes, mum. I woke up with Sully. He falls down.”

“Oh, dear. Did you pick him up?”

“He is in hopital now.”

“Hospital, darling. What did he hurt?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

“His head...like daddy. I will be a doctor, mummy.”

“Yes. You will. For that, we need to get you to the nursery.” I say, taking a deep breath. Did I expose her to the hospital too much when her father was ill? I had no one to look after her. I had no choice.

I look at the toy plate she brought me full of plastic food.

“Thank you for bringing me breakfast, darling.”

“Welcome, mum.”

I leave her in my bed as I go into the bathroom. I know what I will see, dead eyes, dark circles and messy hair. I haven't looked in the mirror for nearly a month. I no longer like what I see.

Going into autopilot, I quickly brush my teeth go to the toilet and start my morning routine. I go to Bella’s room to get her clothes for today, and I see Sully sitting on her pillow. Reese had brought her the cute blue monster after he got her hooked on watching Monsters Inc.

Today. Today I will do better for Bella. Gathering everything I need, I walk back towards my bedroom when there is a knock on my door. I frown, looking at the clock. It's 7:15 am. There isn't a further knock, so I don't bother going to open the door.

“Come on, darling, and we don't want to be late for Miss O’Brien.”

“Okay.”

I pull the apartment's front door open and see a yellow sticker on the door.

Eviction Notice

The sticker is a yellow plastic pouch. I rip it open with shaking hands.

30 day eviction notice due to non-payment

“Ready, mum. Hand.” Bella says in her chipper voice.

I stuff the paper into my coat pocket. My heart and mind were both racing. Money has been going out for all the bills from Reese’s accounts. The probate was taking so long because his parents were contesting it.

I push everything down and hold onto Bella’s tiny hand.

“Lunch and bag, check?”

“You got them, mummy.”

“Silly mummy,” I say with a fake laugh that sounds hollow to my ears.

Bella snorts a laugh. Almost everything is alright in her little world. That's the way I intend to keep it.

On my way back from the nursery, I immediately call Mr Bowers, my landlord. It must be due to the frozen joint account. I have used a separate one for living expenses.

“Hello?”

“Mr Bowers, so sorry to disturb you. I know it's been a while. It's Jasmine Calder from Apartment 19B. I just got an eviction notice on my door.”

“Oh, Jasmine. I sold the building to Hayes Properties over a year ago. They have an office in City Centre. Hold on, let me get you their number.”

“Thank you.”

He gives me the number. I can feel my heart sink. If they have an office in the city, it means it's a large company that won't give a shit about my circumstances. We never had any problems with Mr Bowers.

I called several times, but each time they kept leaving me on hold and then disconnecting me. I'm sure it's the same fucking bitch with the snooty voice doing it.

I get home, shower, change, and, unfortunately, look at my face that needs a shovel of foundation to cover the black circles under my eyes. My tanned skin doesn't look too bad otherwise. I tie my long black hair up in a professional-looking bun before adding mascara and slipping on my burgundy blouse, black skinny jeans and some black boots. I am armed and ready to go. I snag my short black jacket. I feel better arming myself up rather than wearing my pyjamas day and night.

It doesn't take me long to get into the city using the tube, and I check the time. I have never picked Bella up late, and I don't intend to be today.

I stop at the swanky office doors. Rechecking my phone to ensure I have the correct address. I March up to the main reception area and ask to speak to Mr Hayes. As soon as the bitch speaks, I recognise her nasally voice.

“Do you have an appointment?”

“No. I'm not leaving till I've seen him.”

She smirks at me while looking at her death talon painted red claws before replying. “No appointment, no access.”

“Fine, I will just sit here till I see him.” I plonk myself down in the seating area before pulling up my phone to see what this asshole looks like so he doesn't slip past me.

“You can't do that.” she practically shrieks at me.

I ignore her. Christian Hayes of Hayes Properties. Instead of a picture of a decrepit older man, I see a handsome man, perhaps in his thirties or maybe forties, if he has been photoshopped. I gulp. He has dark hair slicked back, not a hair out of place, a wolfish smile on his face, and his blue eyes look razor sharp. He is handsome, and he knows it.

I sit there for nearly an hour till I spot my chance for a shift swap between the bitches of Eastwick. I see bitch 1 point to me whilst grimacing. A delivery man comes in and goes straight to the elevator. I rush into the elevator with him. Luckily I had sat in reception long enough to know what floor Mr Hayes was on. I quickly hit the button. I need to make this quick.

When I got to the executive level floor, another gatekeeper was in front of his door. This one is a lot older, but she looks like her face would crack if she ever managed to smile. I take in her straight grey hair with a hideous fringe. She looks as if she is going to a funeral with the dark grey suit she is wearing. She is going to be a lot tougher than the downstairs bimbos.

I don't need to wait long before I hear the intercom buzz through to her. She rushes down past me without looking at me. I look around as if someone is going to catch me before I get to my goal. I square up my shoulders and barge through the door without knocking. I'm done taking everyone's shit.