He simply wanted me to be happy.
So I’ve used the money to take practical steps to make that happen. I bought a modest two-bedroom apartment in Sunset Park, which still feels surreal every time I unlock the front door and remember it belongs to me.
It’smine. The first real space that’s ever belonged to me.
I went with two bedrooms because of Eva. Because when I find her—not if,when—she’ll have a room waiting for her. A place that’s safe and warm and ours.
I’ve enrolled in therapy to work my way through my past with the Bratva. Three sessions a week of breaking down long-term trauma and the effects of things like captivity and grooming. Learning how to break the toxic mindsets that had me feeling some sense of twisted obligation to Fedorov and the Bratva.
Turns out, itdoeshelp to talk your way through your bad experiences. Even better when you have a professional there to listen and offer perspectives you never considered.
Therapy isn’t the only way I’ve filled up my time.
I’ve also started taking classes at the local community college. My eventual goal is to follow in Mom’s footsteps; assomeone who loves math and numbers, it only seems right. A degree in mathematics is right up my alley.
The rest of the money has been invested (only a small amount) and then put into a high-yield savings account to collect interest.
Killian was right that it’s enough money to live comfortably for a very, very long time.
But I still err on the side of caution. I still live a humble life, wearing T-shirts and jeans and shopping at local bodegas. Like him, I’ve never been a flashy person. I don’t need luxury or some big lavish life.
I’m just happy having my freedom and a safe place to lay my head at night.
That still doesn’t mean I’m not without paranoia. In the wake of what’s happened, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.
For Fedorov to appear around a corner or for the Bratva to come knocking. I still don’t know whether he’s alive or dead, and the uncertainty gnaws at me in the quiet moments when I’m trying to fall asleep.
But I’ve also noticed the buttonmen keeping an eye on me from a distance. Telltale signs like a car with Callahan plates parked across the street or a familiar face in the crowd on my way to class. Security most likely arranged by Killian.
I’m not mad at it. Ilikeknowing I have the protection, even if I’m trying to stand on my own two feet in most other ways.
“So,” Chantal says, pulling me out of my thoughts. “How are the classes going anyway? Still enjoying them?”
“Yeah, actually.” I set down my mug and fiddle with the handle, a small smile tugging at my lips. “It’s weird because I spent so many years just... surviving, you know? Not thinking about the future because I didn’t think I had one. But now I’m sitting in a classroom learning calculus and it’s like... Idon’t know. It feels good. I’m finally becoming the person I was supposed to be.”
Chantal hums softly and reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. “Oh, Jhene… so proud of you! You’ve been through hell and you’re still here. You are doing your own thing, and I am here for it. One hundred percent.”
“Thanks,” I laugh. “It’s nice to have cheerleaders in my corner.”
“Damn right,” she says, “And listen, when you’re ready to transfer to a four year, let me know. I can put in a good word for you at NYU. Simone and I both went there. We know people. You’d be a shoo-in.”
My eyes widen. “Chantal, you don’t have to?—”
“Girl, please. Consider it light work. We’ve told you already—you’re one of us, whether you like it or not, and we help each other out.”
I can’t bring myself to point out that me and Killian aren’t together and haven’t been for months, which means I’m no longer one of the women of the Callahan clan.
It seems that doesn’t matter to the sassy gallery owner.
“Anyway, have I told you about my birthday plans? I’m pretty sure Lochlan’s taking me out for a romantic dinner,” she gushes. “I have a feeling he has something else up his sleeve too.”
“Oh really? How, um, exciting.”
I take a quick sip of my chai to distract from the fact that I’m in on the plan.
Chantal has good reason to be suspicious because Lochlan’s asked Simone and Monique to help him plan a surprise birthday party for his fiancée.
It’ll be held at Callahan House, and after some convincing, I’ve even agreed to come.
