Chapter 152 No More Family Drama
Tilda didn’t want to see any member of the Jensons. She just wanted to hide under the covers and get a good night’s sleep. All she hoped for was to wake up tomorrow feeling a little better.
She had no time or patience to deal with Blair. Tilda could already guess why Blair was trying to see her. It was definitely about Dominic.
Tonight, Tilda wasn’t in the mood for another argument with Blair. After Tilda hung up, the security guard glanced at Blair with a troubled look. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Jenson. She doesn’t want any visitors right now. We can’t let you in.”
This condominium had tight security. To get inside, you needed either a key card or help from the guards. That was one of the reasons Tilda bought this place in the first place. If Blair weren’t someone with influence, the security guard would never be this respectful. After all, it wasn’t wise for a low-level guard to offend someone like her.
Blair’s expression darkened. But Tilda’s refusal didn’t surprise her. “I understand. Don’t worry about it.” Blair turned around and left.
Her driver was waiting for her in the Maybach. Blair came out so soon; clearly, she didn’t get what she wanted. The driver quickly got out to greet her. “Ma’am, how did it go?”
Blair took a deep breath. “We wait.”
It was the dumbest plan, really—doing nothing, hoping for a miracle. Still, she waited before the condominium entrance. After all, tomorrow was a school day at Orica University. Eventually, Tilda would have to come out. Meeting Tilda was the best way to figure out what was going on with Dominic.
The next morning, Tilda slept in until nine. She rubbed her aching temples. Sigh.
She’d had another nightmare—one that actually fit her mood. In her dream, she was back at Cornerstone Café. She’d lost her memory, waiting hopefully for DJ to show up. DJ did come, but wore a mask. Tilda chatted cheerfully with DJ. They discussed everything that had happened over the past three years. Tilda felt like she’d finally found a true friend. But then, suddenly, DJ’s mask fell off. Underneath was Dominic’s disgusting face. He laughed at her and ridiculed, “Tilda, you really think I saw you as a mentor? I was just playing with you. Now that I know Queen’s real identity, if I tell everyone, do you think you’ll ever have peace again?”
Before Tilda could toss her coffee at Dominic’s face—or do anything worse—she woke up from the nightmare. Truth was, Tilda had been in such a rotten mood last night. She’d just chatted with Andy for a bit before she crashed. She hadn’t replied to anyone’s messages.
When she finally checked her phone, she saw good morning texts from Una and Andy. And then… Jude.
Jude had messaged her at eight last night. But Tilda, feeling awful, had gone drinking at Nightingale Bar instead of replying. This morning at eight, Jude messaged again, right on time.
Tilda opened the text. Jude asked, “Bad mood?”
Tilda typed, “Yeah. Something really upsetting happened. Hard to explain.”
She was about to put her phone down when Jude replied instantly. Jude offered, “I know I don’t have the right yet, but if you want to talk, I’m here to listen.”
Tilda wrote, “It’s just silly little stuff, really. I’m choosing to forget it so I can have a good day. Facepalm emoji.”
After a moment, Tilda bit her lip and added another message. “Thank you, Jude, for caring about me.”
Jude answered, “You’re welcome. Smiley face emoji.”
Their conversation felt so old-fashioned. Tilda couldn’t help but laugh. If anyone else saw these messages, they’d never guess the two of them were dating. Well, they weren’t. But because Jude cared enough to reply instantly, Tilda actually felt a little better. Even a guy she barely knew was more caring about her than her family.
Her family, though. What could she possibly hope for from them? Even a stranger was better than them. How could people who share her blood be so heartless? All they ever did was make her miserable and sabotage her future. She didn’t need a family like them. Tilda just wanted them out of her life for good.
After Tilda finished getting ready, she left her condominium. She still had a class at university today—she couldn’t be late. Tilda had taken a rideshare home last night. Her car was still in the parking garage at Nightingale Bar. That meant she had to grab a ride to university this morning. After class, she’d pick up her car from the bar.
Tilda swiped her access card and stepped out of the condominium entrance. A figure appeared in front of her.
“Tilda, we need to talk.”
It was Blair.
Tilda glanced at Blair, then at the Maybach parked a short distance away.