Nolan Lancaster: Rejected, Revenged, And Richer Than Ever

Chapter 7

Savannah and Dora stared at the pile of money Nolan had dumped on the table, their eyes wide with surprise. They had never seen so much cash in one place before.

Savannah opened her mouth to speak, but her mother quickly rushed in from the kitchen. “I didn’t know you were back!” she exclaimed, bouncing with excitement. “Look at what Nolan has done! He really brought the money to make things right for the wedding. He’s serious about you, Savannah, and I’m so happy for you both. I give you my blessings. You can get married now.”

Savannah couldn’t believe her ears. Her voice was sharp with frustration as she replied. “Mum, are you serious? What are you saying? You didn’t want us to get married before, and now you’ve changed your mind because he finally sold his aunt’s land to get some money?”

To Savannah, the only explanation for how Nolan could afford this amount of money so quickly was that he had sold his aunt’s land. It wasn’t a sign of progress to her and it changed nothing.

“You sold your aunt’s land to get this money?” Savannah’s mother asked, raising her eyebrows in disbelief. She had assumed Nolan had gotten some kind of job that paid well and was able to drop some money for the wedding. But now it was clear. He was still the same, still poor. Her excitement crumbled into annoyance, and she felt the sting of disappointment. She’d gotten her hopes up for nothing.

Dora scoffed, shaking her head. “So it’s not even money you earned yourself? You don’t have a job, Nolan. What was I even expecting? Did your poor aunt even know you sold the land? Did you do this behind their back?”

Nolan’s face twisted in frustration. “You’re all getting it wrong!” he snapped, running his hand through his hair. “Just let me explain!” He wanted to tell them the truth that he was an heir, that he had access to more money than they could understand. But Savannah didn’t give him the chance.

“Stop,” she said, cutting him off. Her voice was cold. “I don’t need your explanations. I’m done. She looked at the money on the table and shook her head. “This isn’t enough. You think this money will fix everything? What about the future? You want to use all this money for the wedding, but what about finding us a place to stay? How will we live? How will I feed myself?How will I shop for my clothes, shoes and bags?”

“This isn’t just about a wedding and it’s clear you don’t have a plan for anything beyond that. It’s funny how you I’m going to change my mind because you can buy a few things for the wedding.”

I didn’t—” Nolan started to say but she didn’t let him finish.

“I don’t care about whatever it is that you have to say. I’m not interested in marrying you anymore. “Look at me—” she gestured to her outfit. “I went to the club tonight, and a bunch of rich men were interested in me. I don’t need you anymore in my life and I’ve moved on.”

“Savannah, please,” Nolan said, his voice desperate. “You can’t just throw everything away. We have so many good memories together. I can give you a life you’ve never imagined. Things are going to change for the better.”

Oh, I’ve heard this before,” she said with a bitter laugh. Aren’t you tired of your empty promises? Nothing is going to change and we both know that. A man who can’t even take responsibility for his own life isn’t someone I’m going to marry. Not now, not ever.”

“I can’t believe I almost fell for his lie,” Savannah’s mother said with disgust. “He came here pretending like he had more money for the wedding. Can you believe he promised us a house in the city too? Now, I can see that he’s just trying to ruin my daughter’s life.”

Savannah’s mother went from sweet to condescending in an instant.

“I think your emotions are just running high right now. You need to think clearly, Savannah. Don’t let your mum or Dora pressure you. I’m asking you again—are you sure about this? You’re really going to end our relationship like this?”

“Don’t try to gaslight her or put pressure on her!” Dora said sharply. “She already made up her mind!”

“Oh, keep your mouth shut!” Nolan yelled, startling Dora. “You’re not Savannah, and the question wasn’t directed at you. So until I leave, don’t you dare talk to me!”

Nolan was clearly losing his patience.

“Dora is right, don’t silence her!” Savannah yelled back. “I already told you, I’m not interested in this relationship anymore. Don’t try to gaslight me or manipulate me! I’m not going to end up with a poor loser like you!”

Nolan let out a bitter laugh. “Me? A poor loser? You’re going to regret everything you’ve said tonight, Savannah. You’ll come back to me begging, but I won’t take you back.”

Everyone laughed as Nolan seethed with anger.

“For someone so poor, you sure have a lot to say,” Savannah mocked. “Do I look like someone who would regret you leaving?”

“If anyone’s going to regret anything here, it’s you,” she added, still laughing. “You’ll regret ever being born a poor, good-for-nothing man. You’ll wish God had never created you because you’re going to suffer your whole life. You really think your life will suddenly change, and you’ll get rich? That’s a dream that can never come true.”

Nolan stood there, stunned. He couldn’t believe Savannah was the same woman he had once loved and planned to marry. She was nothing like the girl he knew, and it left him disappointed. He had finally had the chance to care for her and give her a comfortable life, but now, it was all ruined.

He didn’t say anything. He just went to pack his money back into his bag, but Savannah’s mother stopped him.

“You’re shameless! You still want to leave with the money?” she said. “A real man would’ve walked away without a second thought, but look at you, stooping so low.”

Nolan chuckled, looking at her with a smirk. “According to everything you and your daughter have said, I’m not even close to being a real man. And since the wedding is canceled, why should I leave my money here? You’re just a greedy old woman.”

“Watch how you speak to my mother!” Savannah snapped, her eyes burning with anger.

“Maybe you should tell your mother to stop being so greedy and shameless,” Nolan shot back. “She should be ashamed of herself, trying to get me to leave my money behind.”

“As for you, Savannah. You’ll regret this. I’ll make sure of it. You’ll come crawling back to me for forgiveness!