Chapter 3

3.

I was a daughter sold by her own parents.

Three million dollars. For the Sterlings, it was pocket change.

But it bought my virtue and my last shred of pride.

From that day on, I became the Sterling family's favorite punching bag.

Everyone said I was like a piece of gum stuck to Pierce's shoe. I was the only stain on his perfect reputation.

I walked out of the hotel like a robot. Passersby stared at me with pure disgust.

I saw my reflection in a window. I was covered in dirt and looked like a beggar. I didn't belong in front of that golden hotel.

By the time I got home, it was late at night.

I entered the passcode, but it was wrong. I tried again and again.

Every time Pierce brought a new woman home, he changed the locks.

After the tenth failed attempt, I broke down.

I banged on the door like a madwoman. "Pierce! Open the door! "

Eventually, someone inside got annoyed. The door swung open.

Pierce stood there shirtless, his eyes full of irritation.

When he saw my disheveled appearance, he didn't hide his disgust.

"Raina, you know my rules. If you keep making a scene, locking you out will be the least of your problems. "

He tried to slam the door, but I shoved my hand into the gap.

The door crushed my fingers. I felt a sickening pop as the bones cracked.

I didn't scream. I just used my last bit of strength to beg him.

"Let me in. "

Maybe I looked so pathetic that he felt a tiny spark of pity. His brow softened for a second, but then a soft, feminine voice came from the bedroom.

"Pierce, what's going on? "

Her tone was exactly like Sierra's. No wonder he was so indulgent with her.

I laughed.

Only I knew how tragic and hilarious I looked right now.

"Let me in to pack my things. I'm never coming back. "

My fingers were already turning black and blue, but I refused to let go of the doorframe.

Cecily ran out when she realized Pierce was taking too long.

She jumped back when she saw me.

"Pierce! Why is there a beggar at our door? Call someone to throw her out! People like this carry diseases. She's filthy! "

Pierce immediately pulled her into his arms. "Don't be scared, honey. I'm here. I won't let this trash hurt you. I'll call security to drag her away. "

Watching their romantic display, I felt a sense of vertigo.

Because once, Pierce had held me and made the same promises.

I asked him one last question.

"Pierce, if I died, would you be happy? "

"What a narcissist! Who do you think you are? " Cecily mocked before Pierce could speak. "Why would your death matter to Pierce? A dirty slut like you could die in a ditch and nobody would care. "

I didn't get an answer from Pierce. I only got Cecily's insults and the arrival of security.

"What's this beggar doing here? This is a private residence! Do you have any idea who lives here? "

They grabbed me to drag me away.

"Wait, " Pierce called out.

"I have some trash in my room. Take it out with her. It'll save me the trouble of her coming back. "

I looked back with a tiny bit of hope, but I was thrown out of the complex like a bag of garbage.

My few belongings were tossed next to me, along with a set of divorce papers.

"Sign them and drop them at my office. Don't show your face to me again. You're disgusting. "