After four days, we'd see who had the last laugh.
On the final day, I'd already packed my bags.
Two hours left until the one-year pact expired.
Over those four days, I'd listened to Giles and Lissa in the master bedroom every night. I'd watched them cuddle on the couch. I'd endured Giles's constant jabs.
"Number Twelve, go take out the trash."
"Number Twelve, get out of the bathroom. Lissa needs to shower."
"Number Twelve, the food you made is too salty. Lissa can't eat this."
Number Twelve.
He didn't call me by my name. He called me "Number Twelve."
I endured it.
That morning, Giles got a phone call.
"Really? That's amazing!"
He was shaking with excitement.
"Gilbert Group wants to produce my album! And they're getting a famous songwriter to write the songs!"
Lissa was just as thrilled.
"Giles, you're going to be a star!"
I sat in the spare bedroom listening, a small smile curving my lips.
A Gilbert Group album?
A famous songwriter?
I'd arranged that a month ago.
Back then, I still thought Giles was someone worth investing in. I wanted to give him a hand up.
Looking back now, the irony was rich.
Giles's voice drifted in from outside the door.