“Save it,” she snapped, her patience wearing thin. “I don’t care what your intentions were before, but here’s the reality: Rico is my boyfriend now. Do yourself a favor—pack your things and leave. Otherwise…” She paused, her eyes narrowing. “Don’t blame me for being unpleasant.”
Without waiting for a response, Jane turned on her heel and strode into Maddie’s bathroom, leaving her standing there in stunned silence.
Maddie sighed deeply, fighting back tears. She told herself it didn’t matter. She was leaving anyway. Soon, Jane’s harsh words and accusations wouldn’t matter anymore.
***
As Maddie sat on the edge of her bed that night, her thoughts drifted back to the past.
During high school, she had leaned heavily on Rico’s support. At the time, Rico was just starting his acting career, taking small roles that barely paid the bills. Money was tight, but Rico had never hesitated to make sure Maddie had everything she needed.
When Maddie entered college, she wanted to ease his burden. She started writing novels, earning a modest income that gradually grew. From $200 a month to $2,000 and eventually tens of thousands, Maddie became fully self-sufficient. But even then, Rico insisted on sending her money every month. She had tried to refuse, but he always found a way to ensure she accepted it.
Quietly, Maddie saved every penny Rico gave her, including what he spent on her during high school. The money sat untouched in a separate account, ready to be returned to him if he ever needed it.
After graduating college, Maddie planned to pursue a job as an editor. But Rico asked her to stay.
“I’ve never had a real family before,” he’d said, his voice soft and vulnerable. “Now that I finally have one, I don’t want to lose it.”
Moved by his words, Maddie stayed. She took care of him, managed the house and wrote her novels. For a time, she thought she had built something unshakable with Rico—a warm, unbreakable bond.
But now, as Jane’s voice echoed in her mind, Maddie realized how naive she had been.
***
The next morning, Maddie woke late. She glanced at the clock—it was already ten. Panicking, she rushed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for Rico.
She cooked millet yam and red date porridge, made fluffy egg cakes and fried two simple vegetarian dishes. Rico had a sensitive stomach and Maddie always took care to prepare meals that wouldn’t upset him.