Chapter 6
“Don’t trouble yourself.”
Daniel actually chimed in to defend her.
“Jessica just got back from overseas.”
“She’s not really thinking about work right now.”
“Oh, I’m sure she’s doing just fine financially,” I said with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes.
“My fiancé’s tours start at five figures a pop.”
“Most folks can’t afford the full seven–day package unless they’ve got some serious money.”
Jessica’s face darkened instantly.
But I already knew the truth.
Kevin told me everything–Jessica hadn’t paid a dime for this trip.
She used a bundle of promo codes her friends collected just to tag along.
And she’s no trust–fund princess either.
Her dad’s back home stirring up trouble at a factory, trying to squeeze out a bit of workers‘ comp.
The money she used to study abroad?
Came from the settlement he got when a machine crushed his leg.
Watching her freeze up, I suddenly felt… bored.
This woman wasn’t even worth the gas money I burned to show up.
I turned to leave, but of course, Daniel chased after me.
“Lauren, please don’t be mad. Let’s talk at home.”
He shoved a pint of overpriced ice cream into my hands like it was some kind of peace offering.
“Jessica’s just an old friend. She’s going through a rough patch. I was just being nice.”
I couldn’t tell if he was actually that naïve, or just playing dumb.
Jessica wasn’t helpless.
She had friends. Family. Options.
But somehow, she ended up on his luxury tour?
She knew exactly what she was doing.
21:53
Two Chances, One Bullet: How His “Next Life” Promise Failed
46.39%
Chapter 6
Just as we pulled up to our apartment complex, a wave of nausea hit me like a truck.
My stomach cramped. My head spun.
I collapsed on the sidewalk, drenched in sweat.
A guy on a motorcycle skidded to a stop and ran over to help me sit on the grass.
“This your place? Got anyone inside?”
“Can you call my husband?” I gasped.
“First number in my contacts.”
I glanced at him–bright red hair, full sleeve tattoos, cocky as hell.
I wasn’t sure if I should feel saved or worried.
Just to be safe, I didn’t call Daniel my fiancé.
The guy raised an eyebrow but dialed anyway.
“Hey, Lauren? What’s going on?”
Daniel’s voice finally came through.
But before I could answer, I heard women’s voices in the background.
Laughter. Splashing.
Seriously?
The redhead snorted.
“That your husband?”
The judgment in his tone wasn’t subtle.
“Daniel, are you even listening to me?!”
He finally answered, rushed and panicked.
“Jessica fell in the water. Swallowed a bunch.”
“I have to take her to the hospital right now.”
My stomach twisted even harder.
“And what about me?” I asked coldly.
“You’ve had this happen before, right? Go to the same hospital.”
“The doctors know you–you’ll be fine on your own.”
“What if I’m not fine?”
21:53
Two Chances, One Bullet: How His “Next Life” Promise Failed
46.6%,
Chapter 6
Then I heard it.
“Daniel. I’m scared…” Jessica sobbed in the background.
Daniel didn’t hesitate.
“Stop being so dramatic, Lauren. She’s my client.”
21:53
