Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
I stare at my father as if he’s lost his mind, then shake my head vigorously. “I won’t.”
“He embarrassed the family!”
“Lillian, come on,” Sadie jumps into the conversation. “It’s not like you’ve been dating him for that long.”
I give my family an incredulous look. “Do you hear yourselves? What’s wrong with you?” I throw my arms open in absolute frustration. “You can’t tell me to leave the man I love, and that’s not the issue right now.” I lock eyes with my father. “You were the presiding judge for the case regarding Callan’s friend? What did Callan mean when he said you let Theo walk free?”
“I’m not discussing a court case with you!” my father snaps. “You’ll leave that man, or I will disown you.”
There’s a sharp stab of heartache in my chest.
My hands fall to my sides, and I can only shake my head in disbelief at my father before I manage to say, “Again. It’s your go-to threat.” Letting out an empty-sounding chuckle, I shrug. “Just do it. I’m never going to study law. I’m never going to be the person you want me to be. AND I’m never leaving Callan because you demand it of me.” I take a step forward, anger making me braver than I feel. “Callan is the only person who has shown any interest in my life. He’s the only one who cares about me. I’ll never leave him.”
“Lillian, stop!” Sadie hisses.
Mom looks horrified by my outburst as she says, “You saw how volatile the man is. Even you jumped in the way to protect Theo. Callan almost hit you!”
God help me.
“I didn’t stop Callan to protect Theo,” I almost shriek. “I did it to protect Callan from an assault charge.”
Dad stares at me with something akin to hatred. “Are you saying you’re choosing that man over your own family?”
Feeling exasperated, I shake my head. “No.”
I look at the man who was supposed to love me but could never find it in his heart. He only loves his stupid status in the community.
Tears prick behind my eyes as I whisper, “You’re making that choice for me.”
“Lillian,” Mom gasps. “Have you lost your mind?”
My eyes drift from Dad to Mom to Sadie. I look at the people who’ve disappointed me one too many times.
“You alienated me first.” My tone sounds heartbroken and lost, and I hate that I can’t be stronger. “You excluded me from family BBQs and dinners because you never even thought to invite me. You leave my messages on read or reply days later. You give me silent treatment whenever I don’t do what you demand.”
A sob catches me off guard as it escapes my lips. I take a moment to breathe through the tears.
“You make me feel utterly forgettable where Callan is the only one who’s treats me like a priority. If you force me, I’ll always choose him.”
My father glances around the apartment before giving me a threatening look. “Are you sure that’s the road you want to go down?”
My voice is strained with heartache. “You’re giving me no choice.”
He points at me with disgust tightening his features. “Pack your shit and get out of my apartment.”
“Oliver,” Mom gasps.
“Now!” His voice is like a clap of thunder, making me jump with fright.
Absolutely devastated, I stare at him.
His eyes drop to my hand, and he points at my cell phone. “Leave that here. You’re not taking anything I’ve paid for.”
I grip my phone tighter. “No, I need it. I’ll pay you for it.”
My father stalks toward me, and grabbing my wrist, he twists my hand hard as he rips the device from my grip. I let out a pain-filled cry before he shoves me out of his way.
I fall to the side and try to catch myself, but my palm slams into the floor, causing an intensely sharp pain in my wrist. Sitting in utter shock from what just happened, I pull my injured hand to my chest.
“Oliver,” Mom shrieks.
“Jesus,” Sadie gasps. “Mom, get Dad out of here. I’ll make sure Lillian leaves and take the keycard from her.”
My parents storm out of the apartment, and Sadie just watches as I climb to my feet.
“All of this could’ve been avoided,” she snaps at me.
In too much shock because of how my father manhandled me, I don’t reply.
“I’ll help you pack. You can stay with Denise until you find your own place.”
Sadie rushes up the stairs, then yells, “Come, Lillian. I don’t have all night!”
Intense anger erupts like a volcano in my chest, and going after my so-called sister, I shout, “Get out! I’ll pack without your help. You can wait in the lobby.”
She shakes her head and watches me like a prison warden. “You’ll lock the front door the moment I leave.”
Absolutely rattled by everything that’s happened tonight, I quickly strip out of the silk gown and put on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. When I use my right hand, the sharp pain is so intense it steals my breath.