Chapter 35
Willow had no idea about their collaboration.
Leaving the restaurant, she found herself with nowhere to go. After a moment's hesitation, she called Molly.
"Willow, what's up?" Molly answered quickly.
"Are you free this afternoon?" Willow asked, feeling slightly awkward about the request.
"Sure am! I've got nothing but time. Need help with something?"
"Could you help me look at apartments? I want to rent a place, but I'm not sure where to find something suitable."
She hadn't known Molly long and felt bad about imposing, but reflecting on it, Willow realized she hardly had any friends.
During school, all her energy had gone into studying and part-time jobs. Whatever time remained went to Charles, leaving no opportunity to build other relationships.
Molly didn't mind at all—she actually seemed excited. "Of course! Where should we meet?"
"How about downstairs from the office?" Willow suggested, relieved.
After hanging up, they headed out separately. To Willow's surprise, Molly showed up in a car, rolling down the window with a bright grin. "Hop in!"
Her smile was infectious, instantly lifting Willow's mood.
"Thanks for coming with me," Willow said after getting in.
"I should be thanking you for rescuing me," Molly replied, starting the engine. "At home all I hear is my brother's endless nagging."
She glanced at Willow. "So what are you looking for? What's your budget?"
"I don't have much money right now. Just something clean and safe would be fine."
"With requirements that basic, I know just the place." Molly raised an eyebrow and drove off, adding, "Too bad my brother's keeping tabs on me and making me live with him. Otherwise, you could just move in with me."
Willow smiled, noting Molly's car must have cost around $500,000. She guessed Molly came from a well-off family—her personality had that unmistakable warmth of someone who grew up surrounded by love.
Twenty minutes later, they pulled up in front of an older apartment complex near the police station.
"What do you think? Safety is definitely guaranteed," Molly said proudly.
After Willow nodded, Molly added smugly, "If my brother wasn't forcing me to stay home, I was planning to rent here myself."
They chatted with the security guard about available units and went inside to look around.
The complex was mostly occupied by elderly residents who, seeing a young, beautiful, and polite potential tenant—plus hearing Molly's sweet-talking—offered to lower the rent for Willow.
After viewing several apartments, Willow chose one with abundant natural light. It came fully furnished and was move-in ready.
Signing a one-year lease made her separation from Charles finally feel real.
"This place is so nice! We totally scored," Molly exclaimed after exploring the apartment.
Willow smiled. "It's all thanks to you. Hungry? Let me treat you to dinner."
After helping Willow tidy up a bit, they went out to eat.
"About Charles..." Molly asked over dinner, concern in her eyes. "Is he going to keep bothering you? Is that why you suddenly needed an apartment?"
Willow's movements paused almost imperceptibly. "No, he won't. I made things clear with him."
"That's good. Those rich guys can be such a pain to shake off."
Since they had broken up, Molly saw no reason to tell Willow about Charles being married.
---
After dinner, Willow was thinking about returning to organize her new place, but Molly pulled her back into the car.
"I didn't tell you," Molly winked mysteriously, "but besides being safe, this area has something fun too!"
Willow wanted to decline, but after all Molly's help, she felt awkward refusing. Her silence was taken as agreement.
"This is perfect to celebrate!" Molly declared. "You've escaped a clingy guy AND found a great apartment. Double win!"
The car headed in the direction opposite the police station, soon stopping in an empty alley.
Night had fallen, and the darkness was broken only by a single light above an elegant wooden door. Stepping out, Willow noticed luxury vehicles parked everywhere.
Molly linked arms with her as they approached the door. "This is a members-only upscale bar. Only Majestic City's elite come here. They might not compare to Sterling, but there are plenty who are on par with Charles"
She turned to look at Willow. Even in the dim light, Willow's skin glowed, her neck long and slender. Despite her casual hoodie and jeans, her curves were unmistakable. Not to mention her beautiful, cool-featured oval face.
Beautiful yet fragile, with an upward resilience, and from a modest background—easy to control. Rich boys loved girls like that. Molly could already imagine how popular Willow would be once they went inside.
"I know most of Majestic City's elite families," she declared confidently. "I'll vet everyone for you. I absolutely won't let you run into another guy like Charles."
A staff member greeted them at the door. "Please show your membership card."
Molly flashed a black card, and they were admitted.
After passing through the wooden door and taking an elevator up, they emerged into what seemed like another world entirely—a bar awash in colorful lights, the air thick with luxury and indulgence.
A handsome, gentlemanly waiter approached with a drink menu, the prices making Molly wince. She'd only brought them here because she'd discovered her brother's membership card in the car and thought it might be fun.
Molly gave Willow a guilty look. Willow smiled reassuringly and was about to speak when a hand snatched the menu from the bartender.
"I'll... I'll handle this!" slurred a male voice. "Beautiful ladies like you shouldn't be paying for your own drinks!"
The man jabbed at several items on the menu. "Two of each of these!"
Willow immediately frowned. "No thanks. We don't drink alcohol. Could we just have two glasses of milk instead?"
The bartender nodded and walked away. As a membership bar, surely they wouldn't do things against the guest's will.
Rejected, the man's expression darkened as he looked both women up and down.
They were beautiful, sure, but unfamiliar faces in Majestic City's social circles—which meant they probably weren't from important families.
His demeanor turned aggressive. "Who comes to a bar and doesn't drink? Tonight you're drinking whether you like it or not!"