The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

When Leland got home in the evening, he found his mom, Johanna, pacing back and forth in the living room. Furrowing his brows, he asked, "Mom, what are you doing?" "Leland, what time do you call this to come back?"

"Ran out of cash. Sent you a message, but you didn't reply. Came back to grab some money."

Hearing that Leland had come back for money, Johanna couldn't contain her frustration. "Money, money, money! That's all you ever think about! Do you have any idea that we're broke now?" "Broke? You must be kidding."

Leland couldn't believe his ears. He had always lived lavishly, finding the $50,000 monthly allowance barely enough for his expenses. Even during the Dawson family's hard times, his allowance had never been cut. He refused to believe they were out of money now. "Oh, my dear boy..."

Before Johanna could finish, a loud knocking interrupted her, causing her face to pale.

Knowing all too well it must be debt collectors at their door again.

Seeing someone pounding on their door, Leland's face turned sour. "Who the hell is that? Knocking like a maniac?"

About to confront whoever was at the door, Leland was quickly stopped by Johanna. "Don't you dare open that door, son!"

"Mom, who's at the door? Why can't I open it?"

Leland was visibly upset. Being the young master of the Dawson family, he was used to walking tall at school, never facing any disrespect.

The idea that someone dared to harass them at their own home was unacceptable to him.

But Johanna pulled Leland to sit down, insisting, "Don't you open that door! Just sit here with me!"

Leland was confused, not understanding what was going on.

The pounding on the door grew louder, with one voice shouting, "Hey, bitch! I know you're in there. Open up before I break this damn door down!" "Who the hell wants to smash our door? You picked the wrong house!"

Leland's temper flared up instantly. He was about to get up when suddenly, the door was kicked open.

Standing in the doorway were several thugs, wielding baseball bats and looking every bit the part of street hooligans.

Johanna's face drained of color

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when she saw them; she never thought the debt collectors would actually break in. Leland too wasn't looking too great, realizing the number of people they were up against made him swallow hard, asking, "Mom, what's going on? Who are these guys?"

"I... I..." Johanna was at a loss for words with Leland.

But the intruders spoke first, "Today's your final deadline. If you don't pay up, we're gonna break your son's legs!"

"Wait, wait! I'll pay! Haven't I already

givennovelbin

give thirty million? Please, just

give me a few more days to gather the funds... It takes time, you know..."

"Our boss has given you plenty of extensions! Don't forget you owezus ninty million, interest not included! You have one hour to come up with the money, or your son's life is over."

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