Chapter 56: Chapter 56

“You did a good job.” My father complimented me as soon as I answered his call.

Never in my life did I imagine hearing those words coming out of his mouth. I couldn't help but think if he was posses or sick. Or if he had eaten something that made him nice to me this time.

I was confused and shocked about what to reply for a moment as he continued, “Well done, sweetheart. You managed to impress the CEO of Venesian Pharmacies. Is there something you need?”

I scoffed. No way. Is my father offering to buy me something?

Looks like this is too good to be true. As if m last day on earth.

But I think I decided on what I want now.

“Freedom.” I suddenly blurted out.

“What?” He seemed too confused.

Indeed, me too. Since I had stayed a good girl for all these years and performed everything they want, it must have shocked him.

“Like a free bird. I want to leave the house and start on my own, father.” I aid the word father and called him that out of respect for raising me in that toxic, but it never was a place I could call home. They would provide me with physical things. gave me food and shelter, but it never felt like I was part of the family.

I need to be alone. It's time for me to leave that place.

I should have done this a long time ago.

They never even attempted to look at it with love once. All they care about was that stupid older sister I have. and when she messed up, they are depending on me to fix it.

“Dear, are you alright? Saphira-“

“I meant what I said. I will not return on that home.” I said firmly, and it didn’t take a moment for my father to drop his nice act and throw harsh words like he usually does.

“Fine. Is this your way of disobeying me? Tsk, I knew it. Make sure to never come back, I’ll have all your credit cards halted.”

Manipulating. Controlling, and gaslighting. all of those things are what my father is an expert at. well, he didn't establish that company of his all for nothing.

But his words didn’t faze me.

“I won’t sign the marriage contract. Go and make your other daughter marry him or whatever,” I said, triggering my father more.

I knew he was never the loyal one.

I always knew that it was not only me and my sister all along.

He has hidden a secret child the whole time with his mistress.

“You made her your backup option, didn’t you?”

“You rascal! How dare you say that! I raise you in my home-“

I don’t even want to hear my father’s harsh words as I hang up the phone. Tsk, him, and his anger issues. How did my mother even stay obedient to him? But then again, my mother has her issues too.

“Who was that?”

A deep voice said from behind me and I jumped at the sudden sound, feeling his breath tingling my neck.

He smirked, seeing my composed exposure break. I was suddenly reminded that I am still in Theon’s office. He made a deal with me and disappeared to give his lawyer a call.

As he stood there walking in front of me, I cleared my throat, “Nothing you have a business of.”

“Are you busy today? When can I meet you again?” H asked, his head cocking to the side. He leaned on his table as I sat on the sofa in front of him, so I was eye to eye-with his crotch. “I’ll need to send you the contract and have you signed. what's your address?”

I wouldn't mind his question as I gulped, averting my eyes to the wall behind him as I was reminded of last night's event again, which he was deeply denying was him.

I know despite extremely denying how handsome he is, I couldn't deny the charm his aurra gives off. He is hot for his good.

And he knows it so he’s that confident.

I Suddenly stood up, grabbed my bag, and shook my hands with him s if I was making a business deal. “it was nice meeting you.”

“you didn’t answer my question.”

“Well, I am tired.”

“When can I get your business card?”

“I don’t have one. I am only the second daughter and I do not have any job.”

that made his eyebrows furrow... “I couldn't have guessed. you looked confident and eloquent that I didn’t know you don't have a job.” He then cleared his throat, “But you will have soon anyway. when you sign the papers.”

right. Why does he have to keep reminding me that I have to be Carson’s nanny? He’s making it seem like we are getting to be officially husband and wife when it's just his fashionable way of addressing me.

Not that I mind. I decided to not sign that contract and not see him again. anyway...

His eyes shifted and his hands grabbed my chin gently as he made me look at him. “Why do I feel like you are leaving and not going to return to me?”

I smirked. your gut is right. Because I won’t. Since I had finished my task here, it's time I do what I have to do...

leave this whole place.

but I didn't tell him that.

instead, I said my goodbyes.

“I’ll have my secretary drive you.” He tried to kindly offer but I reject.

“It’s fine. I can go home by myself.”

“Or do you want that I drive you?”

“No thanks. But I appreciate the offer.” I walked out of his office and hailed a taxi.

“Where to, miss?” Asked the taxi driver and I told Tori’s address.

The minute I arrived at Tori’s house, she came running to me.

I did not push her away, but I didn't hug her back. I just stood there, feeling lifeless. I remained a stoic expression.

“Saphira! I am glad you are home now, bestie! I missed you!”

I am still mad at her for leaving me last night without telling me beforehand, and she knows it... I made sure she felt it.

“Awe, you’re still angry? Look, I apologize.”

“You reek of men,” I muttered.

She blinked, “What?”

“You just found yourself a dick and ditched your best friend who was being lured by one of the men there,” I said, grabbing my suitcase and putting all my clothes there.

“But you. got yourself a guy last night, definitely a hot one. Want me to help you get in touch? I can arrange-“

“No.” I cut her off before she could finish. I continued packing my things.

She blinked, “No way, you're leaving? Where? You’ll return to your family?”

I shook my head, “No.”

“Then where?”

I paused at her question.

she’s right. Where should I go?

I do not have anyone now.

I do not have anything with me now.

I am homeless and poor.

I gnawed on my teeth, looking for a place in my head but sighed, “Anywhere.”

“I am cutting ties with anyone I know. including you. I am thankful for anything. I am.”

“Don’t you think you’re overreacting, Saphira? you’re angry, but let’s calm down.”

“I can’t calm down now. I just had my whole life ruined. I can’t do this, I can't deal with anything anymore. i had finally decided what track I will take in life.”

“Look, I did everything to cheer you up. please don't just-“

I close my eyes, fighting back the urge to shout at her “I do not want us fighting in the last time I see you.”

“you’re not going to kill yourself, re you? I know you are depressed, we’ll work it out. i’ll ask a therapist.”

“This is a thing a therapI’llcn’t do.. I need t breathe on my own. This is something...hat I need to do. ou were a great friend tori. I hope you know that”

Her hopeful eyes wereToripaced with tears as she broke down in front of me.

“Give me a call if anything is disrupting you..and just know that I’ll always be here for you. You’ll always be my best friend. you can count on me.”

“I know.” that's why I won't show up here again. in this whole town cause people broke me. and I can't keep seeing this whole place without getting reminded of everything.

“I m worried how you’ll survive out there. do you have any money?”

“I’ll figure it out.”

I m not that dumb, I am aware that this path I m taking is going to be a rough one.

But I have myself. and I am all grown up. I can do this on my own.