Chapter 3The Future Bride’s Warning

I stared at Craig for a long moment, then nodded.

"Fine. I won't make this hard for you. I'll stay with Gwen for another year. But if you want me to be her maid, you'll have to pay me. Ten grand."

Mom exchanged a look with Craig. She slowly lowered her hand instead of slapping me again and let out a relieved breath.

"Alright. I'll transfer it in a minute. Just take good care of Gwen."

Craig hurried over, staring at my swollen cheek. "Does it hurt? Let me get you some ice."

I walked past them and went to my room, still holding a hand to my face.

Another text from Peyton appeared on my phone.

[Don't worry. Your visa should be ready tomorrow. Your scholarship covers full tuition, and I can help with living expenses.]

Before I could reply, a bank notification popped up.

[You received a transfer of 10,000 dollars. Memo: Take good care of Gwen.]

Mom sent it. My lips twisted into a bitter smile as I read the message.

Growing up, I couldn't even ask for money for school without a lecture about how much I cost her. For Gwen, she handed over ten grand without an argument.

I wrote back to Peyton, [Thanks, but I can cover my living expenses. My mom just paid me to be Gwen's maid.]

Almost as soon as I put my phone down, Craig knocked.

"Diane, are you asleep? I brought you an ice pack for your cheek."

I got up and locked the door without answering, making sure he heard the click.

After a few seconds, he spoke again.

"I'll leave it out here. Come get it when you're ready. I love you, Diane. I'm just trying to help Gwen out. There's nothing going on between us. Get some rest."

I didn't believe a word of it. Once he left, I dumped the ice in the sink.

The next morning, my bedroom door wouldn't open. Someone locked me in.

I pounded on the door. "Who locked this? Let me out!"

Gwen laughed from the hallway.

"Save your breath. It's just me.

"Craig and your mom locked you in so you wouldn't run off. They're out picking up breakfast for me. You're staying in there until tomorrow, when your job as my maid starts."

I forced myself to speak calmly. "Let me out. I need the bathroom. I'll come right back."

"Check under the door."

Two plastic bags slid through the gap.

"Use those. You're used to taking whatever people throw at you, right? You didn't even say anything when your mom slapped you yesterday. You deserved it."

I picked up my phone. "Fine. I'll call 911 and tell them you've locked me in."

Gwen stopped laughing. "Are you serious? You'd call the cops on your own family? Fine. You win. I'm getting the key!"

She unlocked the door just as Craig and Mom walked in.

Before either of them could ask what was going on, Gwen rushed into Craig's arms and burst into tears.

"Craig, she threatened me! She said she'd have me arrested if I didn't open the door!"