Simon always arrogantly thought he was a desirable man, that marrying him was an honor, which was why he said he’d marry me when I got out. He was so confident, probably knowing how much this whole ordeal affected me. His arrogance was his weakness, one I planned to exploit.
After sorting through my chaotic thoughts, I started thinking about how to send Scarlett to jail. If Scarlett went to jail, Simon would have to follow. But I still couldn’t understand why Scarlett did it. Her actions didn’t make sense and in three years, all evidence must have been destroyed, but the dead couldn’t be resurrected.
Simon called me repeatedly, asking for a meeting, but I ignored him. Then, he called again, his voice loud and insistent, “Zara, let’s meet.”
I refused. “Open the window,” he demanded, “I’m downstairs.”
I didn’t expect him to actually be outside, but there he was, standing under the dim streetlight with an impatient look on his face. Reluctantly, I went downstairs, wearing only a thin sweater in my haste.
Simon smiled when he saw me as he said, “Zara, happy release from prison.” The sight of him made me feel sick. Keeping my distance, I said, “You know I didn’t have to go to prison. Cut the bullshit.”
His smile faltered, cracking like a mask. “You’ve lost a lot of weight. Why are you wearing so little? Aren’t you cold?” I stared at him, expressionless. “Without money transactions between us, I don’t see the point in talking to you.”
Simon dropped the act. “I promised I’d marry you after you got out… I’ll give you what you deserve.”
“Is it really always about money?” I asked.
Simon’s smile was genuine this time when he said, “Zara, you saw what money could do three years ago.” I was silent for a long time, amazed at his shamelessness, his tone full of self-satisfaction.
“Simon, do you think you’ll have the last laugh?” I asked.
He shook his head. “Not necessarily, but the person who will compete with me won’t be you.” Then he added, “Zara, you’ve been in jail for three years and somehow you’re even more attractive. Are you sure you don’t want to renew our arrangement?”
I smiled. “You’ll soon find yourself in my shoes.”
Simon was stunned, then recovered and smiled. “If I got you in once, I can do it again.”
I replied, “Simon, why do you think Scarlett doesn’t want to be with you? Isn’t it obvious? Don’t you know why she even talked to you last time?”