Two Hearts That Could Never Meet novel · Chapter 17 of 24

Chapter 17: Otherwise

I opened the envelope right there beside the soup.

The camera had stopped streaming. The woman with the lanyard was already telling people the show was over.

Inside were three sheets of heavy paper and a small card in gray ink.

The first sheet was a check for five million dollars, made out to me.

The second was an agreement. I was to say nothing about the seating chart, the folder, or the money, ever, to anyone.

The third was a deed to a house in Brookline, in my name.

Lawrence read over my shoulder and went still.

"Don't," he said. "Don't decide anything because of me."

"I'm not."

I read the card.

In her small neat hand, Constance had written: You were happy. Do not let principle ruin a good life. C.

The man in the gray overcoat stood waiting with his hands folded.

"Mrs. Thackeray is prepared to discuss the terms," he said. "She would like an answer today."

"Does she want it in writing?"

"If you prefer."

"I prefer to give it to her face."

I tore the check in half.

I tore the halves in half.

Then I did the agreement, and the deed, and last of all the card, until the floor of the Armory was white with confetti and a little boy in the soup line clapped.

"Tell her I read it," I said. "Tell her she's right. I was happy."

The man did not move.

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