Chapter 55

Even in a moment like that, his thoughts were of the little mute girl who couldn't speak.

After hearing those words, how could she not love him? In that instant, Latisha gave him all her love, without reservation. He became more important to her than her own life. But she also knew the truth: all his protection was just pity for a girl who couldn't speak. Her love would never be returned.

And she was right. Soon after, he and Yesenia got together. He redirected all the special attention he had once given her to another woman. He went to protect someone else. She became the one who was never chosen.

When they got together, Latisha lost her love and her only friend in a single stroke.

While she was lost in thought, Nikita had sent several more messages. Snapping back to the present, Latisha quickly typed: [Nikita, don't do it. It's too dangerous.]

Nikita replied: "It'll be fine. Don't worry, I'm definitely going to win."

Latisha was still frantic. [Please don't go. I can give you money.]

Nikita laughed when she saw that. “You'll give me money? Where would you get it? Forget it. I don't want that bastard's money anyway. Just you wait. As soon as I win, I'm coming to get you."

Latisha tried to argue, but Nikita simply stopped replying. Left with no other choice, she asked for the location of the race, deciding she had to go there and talk her out of it in person.

Nikita had no grand ambitions. She wanted no part in her family's business or their endless disputes. She certainly didn't want an arranged marriage for the sake of the family's future. She craved freedom. All she wanted was to grab her sketchbook, get in a car, and see the world. That, to her, was a life without regret.

Latisha hadn't originally been part of that plan, but now, Nikita thought it would be nice to have a companion.

Nikita sent her the address.

"Latisha, stop wasting your life on that guy. What's so great about him? Let me show you the world. Once you broaden your horizons, you'll realize that men are optional."

"You only get so many days on this earth. Why spend them waiting for a man who doesn't love you back?"

For a moment, Latisha was captivated. [The world... what is it like?]

She had lived her entire life without ever leaving Etherea City. She didn't even know what lay beyond its

borders, let alone the great wel!

world.

She and Nikita were different. Nikita was like the wind, meant to roam free. Latisha was like a flower, needing roots in the soil. If she was carried away by the wind, she would only wither and die. '

Clifford didn't come home for several days. Now that Latisha had stopped talking about divorce, he felt free to leave her alone in the house.

His absence was a relief. She didn't have to constantly worry about him discovering the baby. It also meant she could go see Nikita.

Nikita, thrilled that Latisha was coming to cheer her on, came to pick her up early in the morning, honking her horn wildly outside.

Latisha, who had fallen asleep on the sofa, went to let her in.

Nikita was dressed in a black leather riding suit that made her look impossibly cool and accentuated her tall lean frame. The moment she stepped inside she threw her arms around Latisha. "Have you missed me?"

Latisha stiffened for a second before gently pushing her back. *Can you please not race?* she signed.

"Why not? I already told them I'd be there. Besides, how else am I going to get the money to travel the world?"

Latisha bit her lip, hesitating for a long moment before signing: *I'm not divorcing Clifford.*

The smile on Nikita's face froze. "Not again. Did he say a few nice words and you just melted?"