Please don't forget to vote and comment!

When Braden leaves, I say goodnight to Brooke, go take a shower and go to bed early, wrapped in Braden's shirt, his scent lingering everywhere in the room, calming me down.

I don't feel very tired and since I'm used to be up for long hours at work, I can't fall asleep immediately. So I lay on my back, looking up into the darkness when flashes of Braden come into my brain again.

I smile goofily at the thought of him. It's only a surprise that I don't start giggling out loud like a teenager, thinking about her crush.

I hug the pillow Braden slept on close to my chest and bury my face in it. How I wish he would be here with me, holding me in his arms that make me feel so protective ...

Thinking about it, I start to wonder why didn't he stay with me. He said he needs to wake up early, but that didn't stop him from sleeping here before. I frown in the darkness.

My phone beeps from my bedside table and I jump up in shock. I lazily stretch across the bed to reach it and I blink down on the screen two times so that I make sure I'm seeing right.

The phone beeps again in my hands, making me almost drop it in surprise. There are two messages from Braden waiting on me.

I enjoyed every moment with you today.

And then another, Think about me. I know you won't leave my mind for a long time.

My heart stops for a moment and then starts beating up faster, louder. I stare at the phone in my hands with a huge grin splitting my face. God, how much I love this man.

I type back, I already think bout u every sec of the day :) x

I lie down on my bed with my phone tightly clutched in my hands, hoping for his answer, but when it doesn't come, I panicky wonder if the sentence was too much. Does he know what I mean with it? My heart drops a bit. Surely not, I think. He would say something otherwise, wouldn't he? Or would he just be gone one day, when he gets fed up with me, and he'll leave without any word?

With him lingering in my thoughts and with my phone still clutched in my hands, I fall asleep, hugging his pillow, wrapped in his shirt and surrounded by his amazing scent, luring me softly into the dreamland where even there, he doesn't escape my thoughts.

***

And I wake up just like that - still hugging his pillow, my phone now lays on the bed beside the pillow and his scent is still everywhere around me. I bury my head into his pillow, inhaling deeply and then smiling like a child.

It's amazing what effect he has on me when he's not even here. And it's even more amazing what a big part of my life he became in such a short time. He already has his side of the bed, his pillow, his mug in the kitchen, his clothes in my room ... I like it. I just hope it lasts.

I pick the phone up and firstly check if Braden has sent me any messages. There's ... nothing. My mood shifts a bit in the other, darker way, but I remind myself that it's not good to become attached so much to a man like Braden who constantly reminds me that he can't promise me anything but a good fuck. I cringe at that crude thought.

I see it's not even 8 am and I almost laugh loudly, because I basically can't remember when was the last time I woke up at this hour. Well, before I met Braden, at least. I guess him being a part of my life starts new habits, such as waking up early in the morning.

I decide it's too early for me to get up anyway, so I lie around for a bit, think through all Braden's glances, his warm words, the slow, sensual fucking we did yesterday ... All his lingering kisses, his long stares ... I sigh into the pillow. I wish I could wake him up, or that he would wake me up, every morning with kisses.

I reluctantly drag myself out of my warm bed into the cold, lonely flat. I decide on taking a long shower, because why not? I don't have anything better to do.

I think about what to do the whole day and decide I could do a little shopping. I don't even have to buy anything (I cringe a bit, thinking about my numbers on my bank account), I could even go visit Brooke. To think about it, that's a great idea. I get to see where she works, I maybe get to hang out a bit with her and it seems a lot better than sitting at home in this lonely flat, not having anything to do. Besides, it was a long time ago since I went shopping by myself.

I brush my teeth, my face and decide to not apply any make-up today. I look well-rested and my face naturally shines. I don't do much with my hair either, just tie it up in a loose bun. Then I dress myself, deciding to go on casual. I put on some skinny jeans and a sweater that looks kind of big on me, but it's one of my favourites because it's so comfortable.

I just prepare myself some eggs to eat before I grab the keys - both for the car and the flat and head out.

Brooke never really told me where exactly the shop is located, only its name, so it takes me some time to find it. It's not that far that I expected. And it's nearly as small as I pictured it in my head. It's quite big and looks luxury. I suddenly get second thoughts of coming here. It's clear that I can't afford anything from here.

But then I remind myself that I don't actually have to buy anything, I can just look around.

I get out of my car with heavy steps and go into the shop. I take a calm breath and look around from the door. It has two floors and it's enormous! There are people everywhere - looking, buying, walking around, talking, laughing ...

My first thought is - I don't belong here.

Then my second thought is - how can you decide if someone belongs somewhere? On money? Power? Looks?

I have neither, but who really knows that? People might just see me as a regular person.

So I straighten my back and with all the confidence I have in me, I lift up my head and calmly start walking, looking at the prestige clothes.

Everything's beautiful, really. There's not a piece I wouldn't wear.

''Rory?'' I hear from behind me and I turn around, smiling big.

''Brooke!'' I say, a faint of a blush spreading on my cheeks when I remember yesterday's embarrassing morning.

She comes nearer. ''What a nice surprise! Can I help you with anything?'' She's literally glowing and she looks so natural I notice that she really loves what she does.

''Uh ...'' I look around the shop, looking at all the fancy, gorgeous things I'm sure I can't afford. ''Not really, I'm just ... looking around.'' I turn to face her. ''And I came to pay you a visit. I'm bored to death at home!'' I complain.

Brooke rolls her eyes and laughs. ''Maybe if you had a normal job like the rest of us, you wouldn't have that problem ...'' she drags out, still laughing, but her eyes are serious.

I glare at her. ''Not you too!'' I exclaim, groaning out. ''Besides, what is wrong with my job?'' I'm really starting to hate how people see my job as a not normal one. Many people work in the bar. What is even considered as a normal job anyway?

Brooke at least looks a bit uncomfortable and sheepish by my question. ''Nothing's wrong with your job,'' she explains slowly as if carefully choosing her words. Then she frowns. ''That sounded so wrong. God, Rory, I'm sorry. I didn't mean your job isn't normal or there's something wrong with it, but have you ever considered working different hours? I mean I can see so much potential in you. You're smart and young and you have a bright future ahead of you. You could do so much with your life.''

My eyes get even smaller, studying her and swallowing her words. ''Why do I think that Braden has something with this?'' I ask her slowly, still glaring at her.

Brooke sighs and looks down at her feet. She clears her throat and looks back at me, giving me a smile, unsure smile. ''That's not important.''

I cock my head on the side. ''It is to me, B. I don't know ...'' My throat closes up because suddenly I realise that I have two important people in my life who think I'm worth much more than I have now. They believe in me and they see something in me. ''I don't know why would you try so hard for me to leave the bar. I like working there ...'' I don't know who I'm trying to convince anymore, but realising that now, working at the bar is not something I like to do. It's not something I'd be proud of saying when I get old. I don't enjoy it. I just do it because it became a habit and it's good money.

Brooke looks thoughtful for a moment, before she nods, though her face stays reserved. ''I won't push you, Rory. It's your decision, anyway, but I really hope you think about it. Just know that if you need any help, come to me. Or Braden. We will both help you without a second thought.''

I fight the tears back. I don't want to start crying in the middle of the shop like a crazy woman, but her words woke so many emotions in me. No one cared for me so much before. I never thought I could find a person that would care so much about me and my well-being, yet alone two people.

''Oh, what the hell,'' I say as I throw myself at Brooke and wrap my arms tightly around her. She's clearly surprised and didn't expect it and she stumbles a bit back by the force, but she quickly puts her own arms around me in a tight hug. ''Thank you so much, Brooke. I'm so grateful I have you in my life.''

Brooke tightens her arms around me. ''Don't thank me for that, Rory. I'm grateful God sent me you.'' She pulls back from the hug and I see her eyes are glistening with unshed tears. ''God, I thank God every night that he sent you in my and Braden's life.''

I smile at the last statement, thinking about Braden again. Little does she know that it's me who's grateful having him and her in my life, thanking every source above and asking myself with what I deserved such great people.

''If anyone should be thanking someone here, it should be me. I love you both and you both became a part of my heart in a short time.'' I softly smile, but at Brooke's widening eyes I realise what I really confessed.

I love you both ...

''Oh, God ...'' I groan to myself, feeling my face go completely pale.

Brooke tries to smile reassuringly, but it doesn't reach her eyes. ''It's okay. I know about your feelings towards Braden and I promised you I won't say anything.'' She opens her mouth to say something else, but changes her mind and presses her lips tightly together in a straight line.

I sigh, knowing what she's thinking. But I can't give her what she wants. I can't confess my feelings to Braden because I'm not strong enough for him to leave me.

I lower my eyes. ''Thank you. I really appreciate it,'' I say in a small voice.

There's an awkward silence between us. ''Well!'' Brooke says, suddenly too cheerful, her voice high and loud. She cringes a bit and interlaces her hands together in a business-like mode. ''I need to go back to work. You're welcome to look around and try on anything you might like. And if you need help, just search for me.'' She winks and turns on her heel, going to the next costumers.

I watch her interact with the customers and every here and there, her eyes would discreetly search mine. She'd cast me a worried look, which she soon replaced with a tight smile. I sigh to myself and turn around, forcing myself to go look around, even if I feel like just going home and lie to bed for the whole day.

***

I did find some shirts and leggings that I like and are in my price range, much to my surprise. As I give the saleswoman my credit card, I look around the shop and search for Brooke to say goodbye, but I don't see her anywhere. I sigh disappointedly.

''Excuse me, miss?''

I turn back to the saleswoman.

''Your credit card has been declined. Do you have any other?''

I frown, staring at the small card she's holding in her hands. ''Have you tried it again?''

''I've tried it three times, ma'am. It's not working. Would you like to choose another paying method instead?''

My throat closes up in discomfort. ''No, uh ... I don't have any cash on me right now.'' I look at the pile of clothes, sitting at the counter. ''I'll return the clothes.''

''Certainly, miss,'' the saleswoman replies in a monotone, robot voice that makes me want to cry in embarrassment.

What the hell is happening? This day is getting worse and worse.

I sigh and take the card from the woman, thanking her, and eying the clothes I couldn't buy for the last time, I turn and walk out of the store with my head lowered.

Once in my car, I close my eyes and take some deep breaths to calm myself down. God, that was embarrassing! Hopefully, no one saw that.

With shaky hands, I start the car and drive to the closest bank I come across.

I have to wait in line before it's my turn to speak with a chartered man. ''Hello. How can I help you?'' he asks in a warm, British accent. He's a quite good looking, too, probably somewhere in the middle of his thirties. He has light brown hair, gelled back, showing his face.

When I don't answer immediately, the man turns his gaze from his computer to me, raising his eyes. I flush and fidget in my seat. ''Uhm,'' my voice comes out shaky and I try it again. ''It seems that there's something wrong with my credit card.''

I push the offended card towards him. ''What do you mean?''

''Well, I tried paying with it in a store and the saleswoman told me it was declined.''

The man nods and takes the card. ''I can check it for you.''

I nod gratefully.

''I'll need an identification card, though.''

I immediately search through my wallet and give it to him. I wait patiently while he types something on his computer. He frowns as something flashes on his computer screen.

''It seems like nothing's wrong with your credit card, miss,'' he says.

I draw my eyebrows together. ''No?''

He shakes his head. ''No. It seems like your bank account is empty.''

I blink at him, thinking I haven't heard him right. ''Come again?'' I ask, already feeling some kind of panic in me.

The man faces me now completely. ''You don't have any money on your bank account, miss ...'' He checks my credit card, ''Warren.''

My mouth falls open in horrification, my breathing starts to quicken. ''W-what?'' I put my hand on my throat, massaging it because it feels like someone's choking me. ''But ... But how is that even possible?'' I manage to ask. My face is probably white as a ghost and my voice is almost a whisper.

The man checks his computer again. ''There's been a transaction a few days ago. Half of your money went on the other account and half of it ... It seems like someone withdrew it.'' The unknown man knits his eyebrows together and looks at me.

I put my palm on my forehead and my elbow on the desk, holding my head in my hand. It feels like the word is crashing around me. ''Who did it?'' I'm almost afraid to ask, but I'm not thinking straight right now and I can't comprehend the things this man is telling me. I still hope that this day is just a dream and I'll wake up soon.

The man looks at the computer screen. ''It's signed by the name of Charles Bay. Do you know him?''

''Oh, God ...'' I don't even hold back the cry this time. I let the tears fall freely. Of course. Of course it would be him, that bastard.

''It says that he's assigned as a chartered person, who can also withdraw money from this account, besides you.''

I put both of my hands on my face now and sob as tears fall like a waterfall down my face. How could I be so stupid? So naïve? How could I be so stupid to forget I assigned him as a person who can also withdraw money from my account? How could I be so stupid to even trust him in the first place?

He did the same, though. I could withdraw money from his account if I wanted to, but, of course, I would never do it. I guess I really judge people based on what I'd do or wouldn't do.

How. Fucking. Stupid.

I just sit there, crying in my hands for who knows how long, while hating myself, hating Charles and then hating myself again for being so damn stupid. Then, I even start hating myself for getting out of the bed this morning.

Please, let this be just a nightmare and I'll wake soon from it ...

''Miss? Are you okay?''

I don't even have the power to lift my head and answer. I take some deep breaths so I don't start hyperventilating. I wipe my face and lift my head to face the man, although not really seeing him. ''What can I do? I mean, I can't - He can't just ...'' I take a shaky breath. ''Can I get the money back?'' I ask hopefully.

The man grimaces and he looks apologetic. Immediately, there are new tears welling in my eyes. ''No. I'm sorry, but we can't do anything about it. It was completely legal and unless you changed who can have access to your bank account, we can't do anything about it.''

I sniff and look down at the table, trying hard not to break down completely in front of some stranger. ''So I can't get money back. Ever?''

The man shakes his head. ''Sorry. I wish I could help you, but I can't.'' His words are warm and he sounds really apologetic. It doesn't help my state much, anyway.

I just found out I'm completely without that little money I had saved. What will I do now? I start to panic and my whole body starts shaking.

''Miss, calm down. Just breathe. It'll be okay.''

Don't tell me it'll be okay! You didn't just find out your ex-boyfriend took all the money from you - legally, may I add! I want to scream at his face, but I don't, of course. I bite my lip and just nod my head.

''I presume you want to change your contract to prevent Mr. Charles to have an access to your bank account?''

I just numbly nod, not really listening to what he's saying. I feel like I'm somewhere else, like it's not me that's happening this to and I'm watching the third person go through this. How will I get through this?

I don't know for how long I sit there, frozen in the spot, but there's a piece of paper suddenly shoved in front of me with a pen. I frown down at it, not even seeing the letters.

''I just need you to sign this.'' When I don't do anything, he clarifies, ''So only you'll have an access to your bank account from now on.''

I take the pen slowly and scribble my name on the bottom of the paper. A tear falls down right on top of it, smearing it, but I couldn't care less in this moment.

''That would be all, Miss Warren,'' he dismisses me and I take this as my cue to go.

As I stand up, my legs slightly wobble and I have to grip the chair so I don't fall on the floor. The man doesn't even look at me this time.

I go out of the bank in a haze and when I sit in the car, I just put my head on the steering wheel and let myself cry for some minutes. Or as I later notice when I stumble in my apartment, hours.

I still don't have anything figured out. I dread calling Charles, but I know I have to, even though just thinking that I have to hear his voice makes my blood boil in rage.

I angrily scrub my face, all red and strained with tears. The effect is the opposite I expected, my face looks even more red now and overall, I look like a wreck. I'm a disaster. It has me to punch the mirror with my fist, directly in the middle of my face, but I change my mind in the last second and just turn around and go into the living room to search for my phone.

I don't think too much, just pick it up, search for Charles' name and press dial. I wait while biting my lip anxiously. I grow nervous, because I have no idea how to approach the subject. Do I just confront him about it?

''Hello, Rory. I had a feeling I'll hear from you soon,'' I hear through the speaker and I grip the phone tighter in my palm.

Just hearing him makes me want to claw his eyes out. ''Hello, Charles,'' I say formally. ''And why would you expect to hear from me, I wonder?''

Charles chuckles in response and I narrow my eyes at the wall and squeeze my palm into a tight fist so I don't throw something across the room. ''Cut the crap, you never were really good at lying. Look, I borrowed some money from you. I'll give it back once I can.''

I can already taste the blood on my lip from biting it so hard. ''Borrowed it? Charles, you fucking stole my money. You stole everything I have-had!'' I scream out because it just feels good to do it.

There's a slight pause. ''Stole it? Rory, baby, I did it totally legally. I guess it's a good thing you forgot I still have access to your bank account, huh?''

I groan out in frustration. ''You stupid jerk! I want my money back, Charles, understand?''

I hear Charles smile. ''No can do, baby. I need that money.''

''Stop calling me baby, you assface!'' I feel my body shaking and I take some calm deep breaths. ''I need that money, too. Are you insane? You stole everything I had, Charles. How do you expect me to live?''

I already feel the tears back in my eyes threatening to fall again and I try to blink them back, but I can't. They fall anyway.

''Then come back to me and you won't have to struggle every month by yourself anymore,'' he adds, his voice softer now, but he can't fool me.

I snort. ''You are insane, aren't you? I'm never going back to you, Charles. Never,'' I spit out.

''Well, then, it was nice chatting with you, I guess.''

''Charl-'' I try to say, but the line suddenly goes dead. I stare at the phone blankly. I dial his number again, but it goes straight to the voice mail. It has me to throw the phone against the wall, but I remember that this phone is technically not mine, so I just grip it hard in my palm and go take a long, cold shower to block my crying out and to cool my body down from having a panic attack.

***

''What's wrong, Rory?''

I try to blink a few times, but the betraying tears fall anyway. I quickly wipe them away before Aaron notices, but from the way his look changes, I know he saw it.

I've been on the verge of tears for the whole evening. My mind just wouldn't shut off and I was getting more and more frightened because I just don't know what to do.

And now Aaron asking me what's wrong, when clearly my world's falling apart, is my last straw.

I sniff and look away from his face, scared that I'll start crying just because of his concerned eyes. ''Nothing. Everything,'' I mutter in a small, shaky voice that doesn't even sound mine.

Aaron doesn't say anything, just steps closer to me and wraps me in a hug. ''Whatever it is, Rory, it's going to be okay,'' he tries to reassure me, but nothing and no one could make me feel better now.

I nod against his chest anyway, seeking his comfort. ''Do you maybe know if Braden's here tonight?'' I ask, my voice barely a whisper.

Aaron pulls away from the hug and lifts an eyebrow. ''You're asking me that?''

The blush spreads against my cheeks. ''Uh ...''

Aaron just softly chuckles and shakes his head. ''Yeah, I think I saw him go up before.'' He shrugs carelessly.

You know there's something very wrong with me when I don't notice Braden being in the same space as me.

''Can you manage without me for a bit? I need to go talk to him about something.''

Aaron nods, still concerned. He has his hands on my biceps, still, but I don't think he even realizes it. I awkwardly lose his touch as I go around him and in the back rooms, taking the stairs up to main offices.

When I come face to face with Braden's office door, I stare blankly at it for some deep minutes, taking deep breaths.

To hell with it, I say as I knock on the door.

''Enter,'' I hear him say from inside with his authoritative, baritone voice that makes me weak in my knees.

I slowly push the door open and stuck my head inside. ''Do you have a minute?''

Braden immediately raises his head from the papers he's holding in his hands before he slowly lowers them down on the desk. ''Of course. Come in. Is everything alright?''

I fight the tears back again. I'm getting really tired of people asking me that. Why do I become such a wreck when someone asks me what's wrong?

I enter the room and close the door behind me. I don't even let myself look around the room, not even interested to see where Braden is really working and how he decorated his work place. That should wait for another time.

''I have a request.''

Braden cocks his head on the side and intertwines his hands together in front of him, being all business-like. ''Sure, Rory. Anything.''

I take a deep breath, looking up at the ceiling. ''I want to work one more shift,'' I mumble out quickly.

Braden suddenly sits up straighter, looking at me with hard eyes. ''No.''

''I-what?'' I scrunch my eyebrows.

''I said no,'' he says, his tone firm.

My mouth falls open. ''But - won't you even think about it?''

Braden puts his right palm under his jaw, supporting his head. ''I don't have to think about it. My final answer is no.''

My arms fall limply by my side as I stare at his stone hard eyes. I bite my lip, suddenly feeling insecure about myself. I lower my eyes on the floor. ''But I need it, Braden,'' I whisper, trying hard not to start crying in front of him.

I hear his chair move. He stands up and comes around his desk, sitting himself on the edge of it. He looks even more intimidating that way. ''And my question is, why would you need to work another shift?''

I slightly frown. For some unknown reason, I really don't want to talk with Braden about my troubles. I don't want to seem like I want anything from him, yet alone money. I can get through this, and I will get through this on my own. ''That's kind of personal. My previous boss didn't need to know the reasons behind my requests.''

Braden crosses his arms in front of his chest and his legs at his ankles. He's still watching me with ice cold eyes and it's unnerving. ''I'm not asking as your boss, though.''

I don't know how to reply to that. ''Oh, well ... Do I have to have a reason behind it?''

Braden sighs tiredly. ''Why won't you answer the question, Rory?''

I frown at him, now getting annoyed. ''I did.''

Braden thins his lips. ''No, you did not. You answered with another question, which doesn't tell me anything.''

I look at the right, not being able to look at his scrutinizing eyes anymore. ''Why are you being so difficult?'' I ask, my voice small.

I see the movement in the corner of my eye and notice Braden standing up. He comes near me and I watch with fearful eyes, panic rising inside of me. I fear of him getting to know the truth out of me.

He stands in front of me with his hands in his pockets, intimidating me by his mere presence in my personal space. I wrap my arms around me, feeling vulnerable.

''I'm not trying to be difficult,'' he points out. ''I want to know what's bothering you. And before you lie that it's nothing, let me tell you that I'm good at reading people. I'm good at reading you,'' his voice softens at the last statement.

I lower my eyes on the ground, feeling drained of energy. I don't have any power to fight him. ''Can I please work another shift, Braden? Please,'' I plead weakly, on the verge of crying again.

Braden puts his fingers lightly under my chin and lifts my face up, forcing our eyes to meet. His face is closer now. ''Tell me the reason,'' he demands, his eyes searching mine for answer.

I feel my body start to shake of just having to remember why I'm being such a fool right now in front of him. But there's no space to feel embarrassed right now, I tell myself. ''There's no reason,'' I say back, making sure I keep my voice even and that it sounds like a truth. I really hate lying to him. I hate lying to people, period.

Braden inhales sharply. ''Then the answer is no.'' He lowers his hand down and his eyes and tone turn to ice once more. He turns around, showing his back to me, and goes sit back behind his desk. He takes his pen and makes himself seem busy with the papers again.

I'm dumbfounded for a moment, standing there like a fool, not knowing what really happened. ''Why?'' I cry out in humiliation, tears springing back to my eyes.

Braden doesn't even lift his eyes up. ''Because I said so. If that would be all you can return back to work.'' His tone is dismissive.

I want to start crying right here and now. How can he be so cold when I'm clearly in need of a help only he could give me?

I look at his form, slouched over the stack of papers and suck all of the humiliation in. Could things go even worse in one day? I just want to crawl in the comfort of my own bed and sleep for awhile to avoid my problems.

I nod with my head, even though Braden doesn't see me, because he won't look at me, turn around on my heel and stomp out of his office, softly closing the door behind me. It has me to angrily slam the door, but I think he would expect that, so I don't.

But when I come out, I lean against the wall beside his office and bury my head in my palms, sobs overtaking me and tears start to fall. I don't even try to stop them by this point.

Is everyone against me today, I ask myself as I feel a cramp in my stomach and I double over, falling on my knees, my vision blurry with tears.

Can this day get any worse?

...

My story hit more than 500 votes and as promised, here's the new chapter! Thanks to @koltunised for your votes!

Now, what did you think about this chapter? A plot twist, huh? What do you think of Braden? Is Rory doing the right thing, not telling him the truth?