His Secondhand Wife and the Final Debt

I hadn't paid my half of the household expenses to Pierce Ellington in two weeks, and for the first time, he was the one who called me.

What, no rush to settle up this time? his voice was sharp with a familiar edge of contempt. I covered your brother Logans medication for the month, so dont play the martyr. Don't go crying later that I didn't help.

The line went dead just as I finished booking a one-way train ticket.

Glancing around the house wed shared for five years, I knew what I could take. It was only the battered, old suitcase my brother Logan Shore had bought me when he sent me off to college.

No oneleast of all Pierceknew the true cost of my life here. Every coat, every piece of jewelry, every nice thing I'd worn for five years? They were the leftover branded gifts hed accumulated while shopping for Blair Kinsley, the great love of his life.

Even now, he was meticulously logging every dollar he believed I owed him, while simultaneously buying Blair a new apartment without a second thought. He didn't know that my brother, unable to secure the final, crucial payment for his medicine, had been forced to take on an exhausting, long-haul trucking run.

Two months ago, his truck and his life tumbled into a ravine on a treacherous winter road.

I was pushing the suitcase toward the front door when Pierce opened it.

Nothing to say on the phone, and now this sudden drama? He looked me up and down, a sneer already forming on his face. Amelia. Are you being overdramatic? The medication was just delayed a few days. Is this really necessary?

I didn't turn around, focusing instead on checking the contents of my worn wallet for the hundredth time. He strode over, stepping across the threshold, and slammed his hand down on the pull handle of the suitcase.

Youre going to give me endless hell because of that brother of yoursthe one you share no blood with? The venom started to drip from his voice. Hes an outsider, Amy. And frankly, for some poor kid from the rural mountains to 'sponsor' your education... I bet his 'help' wasn't exactly pure."

The crack of my palm against his cheek stole the air.

Keep your voice clean, Pierce! My whole arm was shaking with rage. What Logan and I shared was absolutely clean.

He touched his cheek, his eyes instantly darkening, the corner of his mouth twisting into a cynical smirk. Oh, did I hit a nerve? he mocked. I suppose the two of you were peas in a pod naturally a bond that runs deep. He leaned in, his voice dropping to a vicious whisper. But dont forget, I gave you this life. Every luxury, every comfort you have, was mygenerous offering.

A sharp, needle-like pain pierced my chest. Five years ago, Logan had urged me to pursue my own career, telling me a girl could only build a good life if she stood on her own two feet. But I had thrown myself into Pierce's shallow affections, desperate to exchange my future for what I thought was stability. Id looked into Logans disappointed eyes and sworn we had love.

Now, this lifeone where every penny was dissected and accounted forwas, in his mind, a donation. I couldnt help but laugh, a short, bitter sound.

Youre right. Thank you, Pierce. Thank you for this calculated, utterly barren existence.

His brow furrowed, ready to argue, but I was suddenly tired of listening to him. The whole situation felt pointless.

I know youve always wanted Blair. You bought her an apartment, you stocked her closets, and even the freebies you passed on to me, you felt I should be grateful for. His eyes narrowed slightly, surprised by my directness. Id ripped off the last shred of our cover.

Since you dont think Im good enough for you, and you cant let her go I pulled the suitcase away, my fingers tracing the worn texture of the handle. Ill get out of your way. We are done, Pierce. We are even.

I turned, opening the door without hesitation. His furious roar erupted behind me.

Amelia! Try to walk out that door!

I ignored him, walking toward the station, then peeling off into a cheap, mold-scented roadside motel instead. In the dark, a miserable sliver of streetlight leaked through the thin curtain. Logan was right. A life built on your own work is the only one you can truly feel safe in.

But this peace came too late, and the cost was too high.

The moment my consciousness started to drift, a violent banging jolted me awake.

Open the door! Amelia! I know youre in there! Get back here!

It was Pierce, his impatience and aggression radiating through the flimsy wood.

Amelia! Come out yourself, or Ill call someone to kick in this door!

Through the peephole, his face was grim and frightening. Pierce, were done. Please leave.

My words only seemed to fuel his rage. I decide when were done! You think hiding in a dump like this settles anything? Get back home!

Suddenly, Blairs distinctive ringtone cut through the noise, and the pounding stopped. When he hung up, I heard his receding footsteps, still thick with frustration.

You two stay here and watch her! Dont let her run off!

I slid down the wall, wrapping my arms around myself. It was absurd. One call, and he would drop everything to rush to another woman. Yet, his wife of five years couldn't beg him to cover a single wire transfer for life-saving medicine.

Sometime later, the footsteps returned. My motel door was kicked inward with a crash. Blair Kinsley, dripping expensive perfume that instantly overpowered the rooms musty scent, stood in the doorway.

Well, well. Look who it is. The little mountain bride he picked up. She paused, dragging out the words with a condescending giggle. I heard Pierce only married her to spite his parents. Didnt expect her to be so... utterly forgettable.

Blairs words were like tiny pins, pricking a heart already numb from pain. But strangely, I didn't feel the sting.

Blair, Im not fighting you. I gestured to the suitcase. Just get him to let me leave. From this moment on, you can have whatever you want.

Blair arched an eyebrow but shook her head. You got the deal of a lifetime marrying him. You took advantage of it for five years. And now youre playing the high-and-mighty victim? Is this your idea of a power play? Trying to make him chase you?

Her certainty was stunning. I looked down at my faded jeans, a dizzying sense of absurdity rising in my throat. For five years, I had lived off her leftovers and scraps. And she still believed I was a schemer who'd gotten a 'deal.'

I patted the old suitcase next to me, a painful, self-mocking gesture.

Blair, this battered suitcase contains the sum total of my five years as your mans wife. What use do I have for a bargain like that?

She barely glanced at the luggage, walking toward me. I dont care how you spent the last five years, but Pierces heart is mine. It was then, it is now, and it will be forever.

After Blair finally disappeared, I grabbed the suitcase and quickly slipped out. But I was immediately caught by Pierce the moment I stepped outside.

What did you say to Blair? he demanded, his voice thick with accusation.

Nothing.

He snorted, clearly unconvinced. Amelia, Im warning you to stay away from her! You two are not in the same league! Stop with your little mind games around her!

In his eyes, my very silence and departure were calculated acts of deception. I felt a familiar stab of pain and countered with a dry sarcasm.

Since you trust Blair so much, why are you asking me?

He choked on the retort, his face twisting in frustration. But he quickly controlled his anger, softening his voice just slightly. Just go apologize to Blair. If you do that, I'll forget about tonight. And I'll cover the rest of your brother's meds. He even ground his teeth and reluctantly added, Those things I said about you and Logan... I know youre not that person. Youve been with me for five years. But you were so disrespectful tonight, talking back like that...

Listening to him dismiss his monstrous slanders as mere "words spoken in anger," a chilling despair washed over me. I looked at the lonely shadow pooling at my feet and pulled the suitcase around him.

My rejection shattered his pretense.

Amelia, I gave you an out! Don't be foolish! he yelled. Fine. Whenever you come to your senses, thats when Logans medical care gets covered!

He thought dangling the money would bring me crawling back to the gilded cage. But the memory of Logans last laughing phone callabout a good haul hed securedmade my chest seize up. I couldn't breathe.

Once his car screeched away in an angry rush, I sank onto the sidewalk, gasping for air. The tears and hyperventilation left me dizzy, bordering on unconsciousness.

I finally calmed down, only to feel a violent, dull impact on the back of my neck. Then, blackness.

When I regained consciousness, my hands and feet were tightly bound with rope. Blair, equally bound, saw I was awake and immediately unleashed her fury.

This is your fault, Amelia! You curse! You walking disaster! If I hadn't come to find you, I wouldn't be in this mess! Why don't you just die!

The ringleader, a rough-looking man, kicked her to silence her. Shut up! One more word and I throw you in the harbor!

She gasped, swallowing her tears and insults, but her eyes, like knives, continued to bore into me.

The leader took my phone and found Pierces number, handing it to me. Listen up. Call your man. Tell him to get the money ready. No police. Or else... He let his cold gaze drift toward the dark water, the threat unspoken.

Blair instantly shrieked. Ill call him! Let me call him!

The leader scoffed, dialed her number, and put the call on speaker.

Pierce answered instantly, his voice frantic. Blair? Where are you? Why werent you answering?

Blair wailed loudly into the phone. Ive been kidnapped! Pierce, please! You have to come save me!

Pierces breath hitched. Blair, dont panic! Tell me exactly where you are! Did they hurt you?

The leader took the phone. Ellington. You have three hours. Call the cops, and youll be collecting whats left of this woman.

He then took my phone, trying the same tactic. Once. Twice. Unanswered.

Blair actually let out a small, spiteful chuckle. Dont bother. Pierce wont answer yours. He never cared about her.

The leader, annoyed, shoved the phone in my face. Whats the deal, huh? Your man not paying up?

He looked murderous, but I was strangely calm. Were separated. He wont pay a dime for me.

He kept trying, unconvinced, but Pierce still wouldnt answer. Losing patience, the leader brutally kicked me in the ribs. Useless! Thought we could score a little extra! What a waste of time!

I muffled a cry, collapsing onto my side. Blair didnt look scared; instead, a flash of vindictive relief crossed her face.

The sea air grew colder; the sky darkened further. During the agonizing wait, Blairs haughty curses devolved into pitiful weeping. I ignored my fear, scanning the surroundings desperately.

My suitcase. Did you see my suitcase? It was the last thing Logan had given me. I couldn't lose it.

Blair lashed out. Amelia, are you crazy or just stupid? Were about to die, and youre worried about that piece of junk?

I paid her no mind, forcing my eyes to search every inch of the abandoned dock.

Just as despair began to set in, the roar of powerful engines cut through the silence.

Blairs ashen face erupted with hysterical joy. Its Pierce! Hes here! He came for me!

Two SUVs screeched to a halt, and Pierce jumped out, running toward us. The leader raised his gun, pointing it squarely at Blair.

Stop right there!

Pierce immediately froze, hands raised. The money is here! Thirty million, every penny! Let them go!

The leader motioned for a subordinate to check the bags, keeping his gun raised. We have the cash, Mr. Ellington. But there are two people here. He shifted his aim between Blair and me. Thirty million only buys one. Choose.

Pierce finally saw me, his eyes widening in shock and anger. This is blackmail! I only agreed to pay for one hostage! I had no idea there was a second!

The leader, displeased with his tone, chambered a round. The click echoed on the dock. Mr. Ellington, dont blame us. We called you dozens of times, and you never picked up. He nudged the gun toward the ocean.

Blair, terrified, screamed at Pierce to make a decision. But Pierce couldn't speak, the hesitation stretching out for a lifetime.

That brief pause infuriated Blair. Pierce! What are you waiting for? Were you lying to me? Do you actually love her?

Flustered, Pierce's face went white. He looked at me, urging me with his eyes. Amelia, you He stammered, searching for the right words. You let me get Blair out safely, and I swear Ill come back for you!

A gunshot from the leader, aimed harmlessly at the floorboards, cut him off. Mr. Ellington, one choice. You take one, and I deal with the other. Immediately.

The color drained from Pierces face completely. Blair took advantage of his shock, seizing his sleeve and sobbing hysterically.

Watching his tortured, agonizing struggle, I spoke.

Take her, Pierce.

He froze, then his face crumpled in relief and a surge of false gratitude. Amelia, Ive failed you. I swear Ill get the best doctors, the best medicine for your brother! I promise!

Those wordsthe same ones that had been the economic leash and emotional chokehold of my twisted five-year marriagenow sounded like the most profound, sickening irony. I looked at his anxious, deceitful face and suddenly felt a profound sense of release.

No need, I said, looking him directly in the eye. Two months ago, when you bought Blair her apartment and forgot to send the wire, my brother died.

Pierces face registered total, absolute incomprehension. What are you saying?