7
Since Jazz’s parents passed away when he was young, I’d moved in with him and Scarlett after they got married to help take care of things,
9:34 PM
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raising Delilah and running the house.
I knew everyone at Green Willow Estates, especially Jeannie, who always had her ear to the ground.
When Scarlett’s house caught fire, it was Jeannie who called me with the update, less than thirty minutes later.
We’d always gotten along, so even after I moved out, she’d check in, offering to help with anything I needed.
When her call came, I had to answer.
“Evie, your ungrateful daughter is getting her comeuppance!” She chuckled and then filled me in on all that had happened in the past few
months.
After I’d gone, Scarlett had stayed close with Vivienne, whose two kids had yet to marry.
Kel was a troublemaker, who’d never liked school or work, lazing around and playing games all day. Sabi was the type always looking for a rich guy to settle with.
Vivienne had convinced Scarlett to welcome them over, saying “family should stick together.”
So Kel and Sabi had practically moved into Scarlett’s house, coming over empty–handed and leaving with arms full of groceries and goods.
Kel even threw a party there, trashing the place.
Jazz had been furious, but Kel’s behavior didn’t change.
This last time, he’d invited friends over again, and they drank themselves silly. One guy, smoking on the couch, knocked over a half–full bottle of whiskey, which caught fire, setting the whole place alight.
it.”
Jazz had just come home, seeing smoke billowing from their windows.
Kel barely escaped, cursing Jazz for “almost getting him killed” and demanding money for damages.
When Scarlett arrived, Kel and Jazz both turned on her, berating her in front of everyone.
After that, the house was unlivable. Scarlett tried to stay at Harrison’s, but he turned her away, telling her to book a hotel.
Jeannie had captured the whole thing, showing me the video.
At the end, she told me, “Bad luck follows those who make bad choices. Don’t let your heart soften, Evie. A daughter like that doesn’t deserve
I nodded, feeling no sympathy. I’d reached the end of my rope.
Watching the video of them fighting, I just felt an overwhelming sense of irony.
Family felt like a cruel joke.
