Three Years Later, He Came Back Begging novel Chapter 171

“Candie, your dad and I know everything being said online is just lies. We trusted you before, and we trust you now. You can’t let this get to you again, okay?”

Bonnie’s throat tightened. Tears spilled down as she tried to answer. “I know, Mom. I’m going to take them to court.”

“Good.” Shirley’s voice was steady and strong, holding a warmth only moms can give. “We’ve got your back.”

Shirley hung up. A moment later, Bonnie saw a bank notification—fifty thousand wired in—and a text followed. [Don’t worry about things at home. If you need more money, just say so.]

Bachelor left a voice message in their family group chat. Bonnie listened, realizing her parents already knew she quit her job to prep for grad school. Nestor must have told them. Bachelor made it sound like he was scolding her for not telling them big news, but even through the annoyance, she could hear his awkward concern.

At least this time, her family was in her corner.

A bittersweet ache filled her chest. Bonnie picked up her bag and looked at Helen. “Ready?”

Helen nodded. She’d already texted Ned for a ride. “Let’s wait outside while he’s on his way. Need some fresh air anyway.”

Bonnie nodded, and they headed for the mall entrance. She felt the sting of stares following them.

Maybe she was just being paranoid. No matter how wild things got online, chances were, most people wouldn’t recognize her anyway. Still, Bonnie couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling that everyone was watching her.

Like there was something lurking in the shadows, waiting for her to slip.

…

Hannah’s show and interview had wrapped, and there was a big afterparty. Lawrence didn’t go. He was still at his office, alone.

Cabinda’s city lights glowed on the glass windows, but inside, Lawrence sat in the darkness. The world was bright outside, but none of it reached him.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify