When my benefactor went bankrupt and wanted to die, I played dumb. "Baby, your birthday's next month," I purred, tracing circles on his chest. "I saw this watch that would be just perfect for you. It's a steal, really, only five million dollars. Too bad I'm a little short." Tears welled in his eyes, his voice thick with emotion. "You… you remembered?" He then proceeded to haul bricks, deliver food, and sell off his properties until he scraped together the five million. I took the money, and without a second glance, spent it all. Then I pouted. "But the new collection of handbags is just gorgeous. I want one so badly…" Any thought of dying evaporated from his mind. Now, the moment his eyes opened each morning, his only thought was making more money. 1 It was the third year of being Tedd Vance’s pretty little canary when the whispers started: he was broke. Tedd was still away on a business trip when the staff began to vanish, one by one. The house grew quieter, emptier. Anna, the head housekeeper who’d always had a soft spot for me, pulled me aside, her face etched with concern. "Miss Cecilia, you should pack up whatever you can grab and get out of here while there's still something left to take." Did she think I didn't want to run? The problem was, after three years as Tedd's canary, I’d been completely ruined for a normal life. I was spoiled rotten. He was the perfect benefactor—stupidly rich, ridiculously easygoing, and utterly devoted. I hadn't suffered a single day; I'd only known luxury. Where else would I find a fool who'd shower me with money and cater to my every whim? Besides, maybe the rumors were just that—rumors. I was willing to bet on one last chance. 2 The day the bankruptcy became official, Tedd came home. His designer suit was a mess of wrinkles, and dark circles bruised the skin under his eyes. He looked like he hadn't slept in weeks. He bypassed the plush sofa and sank to the floor, leaning against its base, a small, gleaming blade in his hand. His expression was unnervingly calm, his eyes as still and deep as a well. He toyed with the blade, spinning it between his fingers, its edge glinting as he positioned it over his wrist. The house was dark. With the staff gone, no one had bothered with the lights. I fumbled along the wall, my fingers searching for the switch. Click. The sudden flood of light made Tedd flinch. He turned his head, his eyes widening slightly when he saw me. "Cece," he murmured, his voice hoarse. "You… you're still here?" I feigned ignorance, pretending I didn't see the blade in his hand or understand the gravity in his tone. I threw myself at him with all the practiced drama I could muster, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Baby, you're finally back! I missed you so much." My hands, moving on instinct, immediately began patting down his pockets. Empty. Not a single gift box, not even a trinket. It seemed the rumors were true. There was really nothing left. Usually, Tedd returned from a trip laden with extravagant gifts for me. He knew exactly what I was searching for. A shadow of despair crossed his face. "Cece, I'm so sorry, I…" I cut him off, settling into his lap and taking his hand in mine, my voice a delicate, regretful sigh. "Baby, your birthday's next month. I saw this watch, it would look perfect on you. Such a shame it's five million dollars, and I'm a little short." My interruption threw him off. He blinked, the words he was about to say forgotten. Then, what I’d said registered. His eyes went red with emotion. "My birthday… you still remember?" I shot him a playful, reproachful look. "Of course I remember. How could I ever forget your birthday?" He looked deeply moved, his hand trembling in mine. "Five million… that's nothing. I'll transfer it to you right now…" He trailed off, the reality of his situation crashing back down on him. I just watched him, my eyes wide and expectant. Tedd rubbed his eyes, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. "There's… there's a bit of a cash flow problem right now. Just give me a couple of days, and I'll get it to you." He tried to stand. "I should go. I need to take care of this now." I tightened my grip, pulling him back down. "And another thing. While you were gone, the staff just up and left. There's no one here to even make dinner." A flicker of raw pain crossed Tedd’s face. He clenched his fists, then slowly forced them to relax. "I'm sorry. It's all my fault." He shrugged off his jacket and walked toward the kitchen. "I'll cook." There were still some groceries in the fridge. Tedd tied on an apron and got to work. He’d slimmed down over the past couple of weeks, but his body was still solid. A broad chest, a great ass. After being spoiled by a man who looked like that, how could I ever settle for anyone else? Damn it all. I was in deep. 3 Tedd had learned to cook during his university days abroad. He wasn't a master chef, but he wasn't terrible either. Thankfully, I wasn't a picky eater. The main course, after all, was still to come. After dinner, he tried to leave again. I dragged him straight to the bedroom. "Baby, you've been acting so strange since you got back," I murmured, pinning him to the bed. "Did something happen?" His eyes flickered. His attempt to push me away softened. "No, it's nothing. I just need to sort out the funding issue as soon as possible." My fingers traced lazy patterns across his chest, my voice dripping with manufactured sorrow. "Always work, work, work. Haven't you missed me at all?" I hooked my leg over his hip. His Adam's apple bobbed. I didn't give him a chance to answer, silencing him with a kiss. He could sort out his business later. First, he was going to take care of mine. Halfway through, Tedd clung to me, his voice cracking with a vulnerability I'd never heard before. "Cece… you're so good to me." I quickly pressed my fingers to his lips. Shhh. Don't say another word. Any more of that, and my guilt might actually kick in. 4 When I woke up, Tedd was already gone. Out looking for work, I presumed. I took my time getting up, showering, and finding the breakfast he’d left for me on the table. After eating, I felt a little full, so I took a walk around the small garden to aid my digestion. That’s when my best friend, Betty, blew up my phone. Betty: I THINK I'M STILL DREAMING BUT DID YOUR MAN JUST DELIVER MY LUNCH???? Attached was a ridiculously blurry candid shot. I zoomed in and couldn't help but roll my eyes. The photo made him look five-foot-five, but even in that distorted mess, I recognized Tedd instantly. To think, he was a CEO just a few weeks ago. How had he fallen so far, so fast? I made a few calls to some well-connected friends and got the scoop. Someone had deliberately set him up, sabotaging him so thoroughly that no reputable company would touch him. His resume was being tossed in the trash before it even landed on a desk. Damn them. My heart ached for him. The truth was, I wasn't penniless. Tedd had been incredibly generous over the years, and being the money-lover I am, I'd converted most of his lavish gifts into cold, hard cash. Fine. If the world was against him, we could just switch roles. I'd support him. This was just cruel. When Tedd came home that evening, I stopped him at the door. "Baby, what if we just moved back to my hometown? We could start over there." I saw the tension visibly drain from his shoulders. He nodded, a look of profound relief on his face. "Okay." With his agreement, I started packing. Clothes, shoes—all essential. This handbag was two hundred thousand, that one was half a million—they were all assets, they had to come. The jewelry Tedd bought me was priceless, absolutely essential. I ended up with several massive suitcases packed to the brim. As I stared at the mountain of luggage, I realized Tedd had been far too quiet for far too long. I went to find him. He was sitting on the sofa, perfectly still. Something felt wrong. "Why aren't you packing?" He stirred, as if waking from a trance. "I don't have much. Just some toiletries will do." He casually tossed a few items into a duffel bag. That night, Tedd fell asleep early. Curled up under the covers, his face was peaceful, his brow smooth. He looked so serene it made my heart melt. At least, it did until I saw the unsent text message he’d drafted on his phone. "I've liquidated all my assets. It came out to exactly five million. Cece, take the money and live a good life." And then I saw the bottle of sleeping pills tucked away in the back of his nightstand drawer. 5 The next morning, Tedd slept in for once. He seemed in high spirits, dressing in a crisp suit as if preparing for a long trip. "Baby, I've transferred the five million to your card." He straightened his tie. "I have to go on a business trip. I might be gone for a month. You head back to your hometown first, and I'll come find you when I get back." Just as he was about to walk out the door, I, feigning surprise, glanced at my phone. Then, without batting an eye, I spent every last cent. Tedd froze in the doorway, the color draining from his face as he watched it all unfold. I set my phone down, my expression a mask of innocence. "Baby, what's wrong? You look so pale." I let a little pout form on my lips. "Are you really leaving? You know, the new handbag collection just dropped, and I want one so, so badly…" You want to die on me? Not until you've earned me a cool hundred million, you don't.
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