From Left Behind to Living Lavish

Chapter 3

In the days that followed, the housekeeper started bringing me my meals instead of Carter, and he disappeared entirely.

Then, Amy Jefferson showed up.

I'd seen her a few times before, she was the adopted daughter of the Hall family and, by all accounts, Carter's one true love.

Amy had this delicate, almost innocent look about her. Her large, watery eyes could make anyone feel sorry for her. She moved with the elegance of someone who belonged at the top, stepping toward me in high heels, her black dress clinging to her body in all the right places.

"I heard you've been wandering around for three years, that you're mute now… and simple-minded," she said with a mocking smile.

"Carter hates you. If you stay here, your life won't be easy. But if you want to leave, I can help you."

I looked up at her, trembling. I saw the flicker of amusement in her eyes before she quickly softened her gaze, offering what looked like kindness.

I was desperate to leave.

Terrified I might miss my only chance, I nodded, willing to do whatever it took to escape this hellhole.

She made me change into her clothes and put on sunglasses. Before I could say anything, she added, "This is the only way to get past the security. Once you're out, my driver will take you anywhere you want."

I was so nervous I could barely swallow, but I nodded again. All I could think about was getting out of this place.

What I didn't expect was that by the time I realized what had happened, I was at some random party.

It didn't take long before people started recognizing me.

"Well, well, look who it is. The heiress of the Thomson family. What are you doing here?"

"The heiress? Haven't you seen the news? She's just a beggar now."

"I knew it. Someone like Lindsey Thomson wouldn't come to our little party unless she was here to scavenge."

"Hahaha…"

Once, I'd been untouchable, living in my father's shadow, too proud to care about anything else. Now, my fall from grace had become their entertainment.

I clutched the hem of my dress, constantly glancing toward the exit, my heart pounding.

Then, I spotted a flash of white. It was Amy, looking disheveled, a bruise on her forehead. I didn't think, I just rushed over to her, grabbing her arm and begging her to take me out of here.

Her eyes flicked to something behind me before she started crying out.

"Lindsey, I know you hate me. I get it if you knocked me out and stole my clothes, but please, go back. Don't make Carter look bad."

"Lindsey Thomson!"

Before I could even react, someone grabbed me, yanking me away. I stumbled, crashing into a table. The sound of breaking glass was followed by the sharp pain of glass shards digging into my palm as I fell to the floor.

The pain shot through me, but I barely registered it, my eyes meeting Carter's. His fury was unmistakable. I shook my head frantically, trying to explain, but the scornful looks around me told me no one cared to listen.

Not even Carter.

He scooped Amy up like I was nothing, his voice cold and precise: "Don't push me, Lindsey."

I knew. His line in the sand had always been Amy.

……

I was dragged back to the villa, sinking into despair as I waited for the inevitable fallout.

Hours later, Carter returned. His eyes locked on the untouched food, his chest rising and falling as he tried to control the anger boiling inside him.

I wanted to cry. I felt the tears burning, but I couldn't let them fall.

As the pampered daughter of the Thomson family, I'd always been spoiled and used to throwing tantrums. Crying was my go-to way of dealing with things.

But Carter never tolerated it. He'd always shove me aside with a sharp "Lindsey, your tears disgust me."

So, over time, I learned to keep my emotions buried.

Carter crouched in front of me, his presence looming. The faint scent of tobacco clung to him as he gripped my chin, forcing me to look him in the eye.

His face was unreadable, but the cold, hard look in his eyes told me everything I needed to know.