My Stepfather, my Ruin

Nicole Harper

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"I'm getting married to a billionaire!"

I didn't speak for a few seconds, waiting to see if she had more to say. When she didn't, I sighed. "Is that what you called me to say?"

"A billionaire, Nikky! I don't have to worry about money anymore."

"Is he going to help me pay off my debts?"

"He's not your dad, Nikky. Why would he do that?"

Just as I expected. "I'm behind on rent and I might get evicted soon."

"You should have told me earlier! I went shopping a few days ago and I removed the tags on everything. If you can wait for a month, I'll send you some money when he gives me my allowance."

I couldn't wait that long. My landlord had been accommodating enough. I was behind on four months' rent, but that was because one of my part-time jobs, the best-paying one, suddenly dropped me and my savings were forced out of me by my father's creditors.

I was broke and desperate and hearing my mother talk about her third marriage wasn't what I was in the mood for.

"Also, I sent you a picture of my ring earlier this morning. Did you see it?"

"I'm busy with my final project and part-time job, Mom. I don't have the time to check your messages."

My mother sighed exaggeratedly. "You're so boring. My friends have fun with their daughters but I can barely get a conversation out of you."

That was typically what happened when I had a lot to deal with, none of which included my mother's married life and her selfishness. 

"Anyway, make sure you come to the wedding."

I held back a sigh. "When is it?"

"April 23rd."

"Can't," I said without hesitation. "I'll be writing exams then.

"Are you really going to miss your mother's wedding?"

"I'll make sure to be present at your next one."

I hung up before she could complain further. My relationship with my mother was... weird, but she was also the only family I had left. Well, the only family whose location I knew. I didn't know where my father was and I wasn't bothered to find out.

Fine, I was, but I didn't have the means to find him so I didn't. I focused solely on graduating while suffering the consequences of his actions. 

I wasn't sure what I did in my past life to be born to selfish parents but I had no choice but to deal with it.

Pushing my parents to the back of my mind, I stared at my account balance. It was red. I'd gotten my weekly paycheck earlier, but I'd spent it all on food and a few debts as I'd borrowed some cash from my coursemates in the past week.

I don't have any hope of paying my rent, not unless an angel fell from heaven and stacked up my bank account. I had two weeks to leave before I got thrown out and I