My Sweet Punishment by Amelia Brooks (best book club books of all time .TXT) 📕

       The next morning, I got woken up by a phone call. And guess again who it’s from.

      Of course, Olivia. My first thought was to reject the call since I was still angry with the girl who had just left me. And she really had, ‘cause she didn’t even call me that night. Not once.

       But the ringtone kept playing insistently over and over, and when the phone rang for the tenth time, I lost my nerve and decided to answer it.

      “Hi, Olivia.” My voice sounded very strict. “Something urgent? Because I’m very busy at the moment”.

    “Mia, please, don’t hang up,” the girl said in an unctuous voice. “I know what I did was so bad and I’m a terrible friend, but...” the bestie’s voice suddenly turned sad, and I started to worry.

      Did something happen to her at the party too? And I, without finding it out, got angry with the girl. Maybe it’s me who is a terrible friend.

     “Olivia, did something happen yesterday?” my voice was full of concern.

     “Yes, Mia,” I think the girl was about to cry. I was ready to rush off right away and, hell with it, even in my pajamas to comfort her. But then she said something that made me want to knock her. “I haven’t met Henry. I checked the whole fucking house, bypassed all of the tables in the garden…”

     “God, are you kidding me...” I could not stand it and interrupted the girl. “Olivia, I’m not in the mood to hear about your billionaire right now. We’ll talk tomorrow when I’ve calmed down a bit.” And, without waiting for the girl to answer, I hung up.

     I’ve decided not to tell Olivia about Mike. Because I didn’t want to ruin their relationship. They are relatives, and I… Besides, I’m sure that yesterday was the first and only time I met him. To that beautiful place, of which I got now not very beautiful memories, I’ll never set foot again.

       I thought back to what had happened in the gazebo and felt my cheeks going red. That’s enough, Mia! This will never happen again, either.

       I glanced at my watch. It’s almost noon. Today is my last day off before the hard-working week, and I plan to go home to visit mom and James. So I got up quickly, had an omelet for breakfast, and got ready to leave. I also need to drop into the toy store. I want to buy some presents for James.

     When I was on the bus going to my small town, I heard the sound of a new message. I took my phone out of my purse and prepared to read another apology from Olivia. But the number of the sender was unknown. And from the content of the message, I immediately guessed who it was from.

      Mike: “Babe, I know I can’t be forgiven. And I was such an asshole. But it was the alcohol and your beauty that has completely clouded my mind. I repent my sins. How can I make recompense?

      P.S. And by the way, the pond… it was cruel, but I admit, pretty effective : )”

     He repents, of course. I rolled my eyes. The hell I believe him. And how did he get my number? My first desire was just to ignore the message and block the number. But then, thinking that my silence might be interpreted as I’m hesitating, I quickly typed the short answer.

      Me: “I don’t need any recompense. The only thing I want from you is to forget this number as soon as possible.”

     I think now it’s clear enough that we won’t have any more conversations. After I clicked send, I immediately blocked the number.

      I was obviously expected at home. When I entered the house, I noticed the wonderful smell of my favorite dish. Mom was cooking dinner.

     James was the first to greet me, giving me a big hug. I smiled and handed him a bag of toys. The boy happily ran to his room, whooping. By the way, he looks much better. The wan complexion was finally gone from his face.

     My mother obviously heard the noise and also came out of the kitchen. I almost burst into tears right away. I missed her so much. She looks exhausted. Endless worries about my brother and constant work impact are felt. But I promise, soon everything will change. I hugged her very tightly.

     We had a good time. James was overjoyed because of the new toys. My mother says I’ll spoil him. But I am sure that the child should have a childhood and a lot of toys. He is currently home-schooled. Since his health has only slightly improved, and it’s too early to take any risks.

    Then my mother asked me a lot about my studies. I didn’t tell her that I’d lost my scholarship and that I worked twelve hours a day. I don’t want her to worry about me too.

     It was getting dark when I was coming back to my rented apartment. I had almost reached the building when someone slightly grabbed my shoulder.

     I jerked and was about to scream, but then I turned around and saw Mike holding a huge bouquet of roses. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It couldn’t be worse. His persistence was beginning to frighten me again. And who the hell gave him my address? I’ll kill Olivia!

      “What are you doing here?” I looked at the guy severely.

      “You don’t answer my messages and calls,” Mike handed me a bouquet. “This is for you.”