Fragments of Desire: Marigold's Silent Departure novel Chapter 9

Marigold's eyes widened in shock, staring at him in utter disbelief.

She had been extremely secretive about this whole thing, even her phone calls were made from some deserted corners–how could Steven possibly know?

"No, I haven’t, quit spewing nonsense!"

Terrified that something hidden was about to be exposed, Marigold clenched her lips tightly. With no inclination to argue further, she spun on her heels and ran for the stairs.

Yet Steven snatched her arm, effortlessly pulling her back.

"Don't run off, I know you need money, and I'm not short of it. How about this: you spend a night with me, and I'll give you ten thousand? What do you say?"

Caught off-guard by his straightforwardness, Marigold’s face turned pale in a heartbeat, a wave of humiliation and vilification washed over her.

Even yesterday, when she had sold herself and let that man have his way with her beneath him, it hadn't left her feeling as demeaned as she did right now.

She shook off Steven's hand with all her might.

"I'm not desperate for money now, stop bothering me."

With those words, she dashed off towards the dorm building as if her life depended on it.

Behind her, she could vaguely hear the man’s taunting voice, "Running away is useless; I'll wait for you to come to me willingly."

Clutching the medicine pouch in her hand further tightly, Marigold picked up her pace.

Not until she was back in her dorm did her heart stop racing wildly; it took what felt like forever for the pounding to subside.

The dorm was occupied today. Marigold dropped her bag on her bed and stealthily, with the medicine pouch in hand, retreated to the bathroom. The words Steven had said reignited her anxiety.

She hadn't sold her eggs yet the story had leaked out.

What in the world was happening?

After pondering for a long while, she could not think of any cause. Lennon was the only person who knew—could he be responsible?

Remembering Lennon’s face, impassive and distant, Marigold bit her lip even harder.

Could he have spilled her secrets over the extra money she had accepted from him?

She took out her phone, tapped on Lennon’s chat, and sent a "Are you there?" message. His response was immediate—a red exclamation mark appeared on the screen.

She had been blocked!