Chapter 8
Nerissa's cheeks went bright red in an instant.
It finally hit her — this whole vibe between them was way too intense and dangerous.
That kiss just now, and the look in Jace's eyes that still hadn't completely softened, snapped her back to reality.
"Th-thank you," she stammered, fumbling to unbuckle her seatbelt. Grabbing her backpack and the bag of meds, she practically bolted out of the car.
As soon as her feet touched the ground, Jace's voice came from behind her, calm but firm: "Take the meds as prescribed. And for the next week — no intense physical activity."
Nerissa paused, turned to glance back.
Jace had already turned away, eyes staring straight ahead. His profile was cool and sharp, like nothing had even happened earlier.
"Got it," she said softly, then closed the car door.
Without waiting even a second, the black sedan pulled into the traffic and quickly disappeared around the corner.
Standing there in the glare of the afternoon sun, Nerissa squinted. It kind of hurt her eyes.
She stared at her phone screen — the massive transfer still pending, and that deep blue profile picture — her mind felt like a total mess.
160,000. Add the 60,000 from before, that's 200,000 altogether. It was enough to cover her dad's surgery, plus part of his recovery. But honestly, there was nothing to be happy about.
Maybe in his eyes, she was no different from those women who trade their bodies for money. Just another deal — he just happened to be "generous."
Nerissa rubbed her eyes hard, trying to push away the lingering sting. This wasn't the time to spiral. She needed to get to the hospital and pay for her dad's surgery, pronto.
She opened up the transfer, hesitated for a few seconds, then accepted it. She'd pay it back. Every cent. With interest.
Just as she was about to lock her phone, a new message popped up.
Jace: [Take the medicine at the prescribed time.]
Short, cold, and not even a period.
Nerissa stared at the words for a moment before slowly typing her reply: [Got it, thank you Dr. Whitmore]
Once the message sent, she shoved her phone in her pocket and headed for the bus stop.
The dull ache in her stomach silently reminded her of everything that had happened last night and this morning.
Something inside her... felt different now.
First thing Nerissa did was send half the money to her mom.
Just to be safe. This way, if they needed more later, she'd still have something to fall back on. The money got accepted almost instantly — no reply, nothing. Even through the screen, Nerissa could feel the sheer indifference and impatience coming from the other end.
She waited a good while before finally texting her brother: [Let me know how Dad's surgery goes once it's done.]
He just sent back a single "ok" emoji.
Just as Nerissa reached the dorm building, someone suddenly blocked her path. A lazy, cocky voice called out,
"Nerissa, hold up."
She instinctively stepped back, keeping a cautious distance of about a meter.
The guy was Liam Sommers, a senior from the finance department next door. Word was, he came from money — and not the quiet type. He was wild, flashy, always surrounded by girls, and changed girlfriends like outfits.
Lately, he'd been bothering her nonstop.
"You... looking for me?" Nerissa tucked the pharmacy bag behind her back, watching him with obvious wariness.
Liam's eyes roamed over her face — so clear and untouched, like she'd never been dyed by the world. That look alone made his skin itch with excitement. He just wanted to bag her and drag her straight to a hotel.
There was something about girls like her — so clean, so naive — it made conquering them feel ten times more satisfying.
He leaned in, face getting uncomfortably close.
"Heard you're broke, huh? So, how much for one night? Sixty grand?"
