Chapter 32: Chapter 32

Lennox's heart skidded to a stop, restarted, and pumped blood so viciously, that he thought he was having a heart attack. In a panic, he jerked away and shoved at Sophia-regretting instantly because of the strength he'd put in, as he watched her tumble off the bed and land on the floor with a Yelp.

Lennox's head felt foggy as he got to his feet, and put some distance between himself and Sophia, who was struggling to get on her feet, her eyes screaming unbelievable, but the blush spreading over her face also showed that she was dying from embarrassment, but her annoyance won out as she opened her mouth.

"What the hell, why did you shove me like that. I could have broken my backbone and then what" she said, her chest heaving and drawing his attention.

The image of Melissa flashed in his head, her accusing gaze and he snapped out of whatever it was that Sophia was making him feel. Even if It was all a game to her, he didn't want to encourage her. He knew his darkness, and it only destroyed or endanger those closest to him.

"I'm sorry. I'll leave now" he said, clenched his jaw, and walked out of the room even as Sophia made to protest.

The ride home made him feel like he was a rubber band stretched so far that he was on the verge of snapping. Why now, of all the time to feel anything, why now? and why her.

Lennox's phone buzzed, drawing his attention and he gave a frustrated sigh, choosing to ignore it. He didn't want to talk to his Dad or Mom for that matter, all they cared about was their business, how they could expand it and get more clients, they didn't care what sacrifices had to be made especially when the sole responsibility of that sacrifice didn't rest on their shoulders.

Lennox's shoulders sagged, then he sat up, deciding to stop giving in to his weaknesses as he flexed his wrist on the steering wheel. He wouldn't be taking up any of those responsibilities anymore. They could go to hell for all he cared. He'd done his part when he was younger, but still had the mental scar from those sacrifices which prevented him from being able to truly care for anyone, which in turn made them hate him, and because he loved holding onto things that made him Happy, he ultimately destroyed them in the end. Like his dog, the love of his parents, his sister, and Melissa. He didn't want Sophia added to the list, no matter how alive she made him feel.

He drove into the garage, parked his car, and wasn't surprised when he saw his Mom standing and waiting for him. She was dressed elegantly as usual, and her perpetual scowl completed the look as she stared him down once he got out of the car.

"Why have you been ignoring us. Are you really sticking to your plan of just staying for a year? What is wrong with you Lennox, why are you doing this to us" she huffed, throwing her arms in frustration.

Lennox stared at the floor, his hands in his pants pocket.

"And look at you, skipping work, reeking of alcohol, and coming back home from God knows where you're slowly spiraling down to the bottom Lennox. If you weren't my only child, I would have given up on you a long time ago" she shouted, and Lennox winced. "Lena should not have died, she had such potential, and you, you just never do anything right," she said offhandedly, then sighed as if she was done with him. "Mr. Francisco reached out to us and it seems he's willing to forgive your mistakes from years ago, he says he's willing to invest in our business if you meet with him and apologize," she said, and Lennox's gaze jerked up to meet her, anger poisoning his blood as he stared at the woman who gave birth to him, but never showed him love.

"I will not be apologizing to him in this world or the next. He should be happy I didn't get the cops involved, he'd have been in jail now. The fucking pedophile" he grounded out, anger making his voice thunderous.

His mother moved closer, ignoring the way he trembled. "You will do as your father says. By gods, Mr. Francisco was just fooling around with you, but you went ahead to give him a broken nose just because he touched you a little. that's how you ruin everything by blowing it out of proportion".

"You know that's not what happened". He bit out, his muscles bunching as he fought between roaring out his words or grabbing the woman before him and shaking some sense Into her.

"So, you're going to be okay with telling everyone in the world, that another man sexually assaulted you. Grow up Lennox, it's been years already".

Lennox saw red. "Yes it's been years already and I wouldn't have to talk about it if you didn't show up here. You already made me feel guilty enough for Lena's death and that's why I agreed to help with your business, and now you're going to start with this Francisco nonsense. You need to leave before I forget that you are my mother" he said in a warning and his mother stared at him incredulously.

"Are you speaking to me in that way Lennox... When did you start being so rude to me, or disregarding your father. Lena was never like this".

"Yes she wasn't and I'm sure you'd have sold her off to someone like Francisco If she was still alive because that's the type of parents you were and still are. I never wanted Lena to die, I did everything to save her life, I tried so hard" he choked out, tears slipping out the corner of his eyes even when he told himself not to show weakness in front of his mother. "I couldn't save her".

The woman frowned, crossing her arms. "We would never have sold her off if she was alive. We loved Lena" she said, and Lennox knew what was left unspoken, they'd never loved him. "We shouldn't have been talking about her in past tense and She wouldn't have had to fight for her life if she'd been born healthy. She was your twin, but you took everything healthy for yourself, she had to suffer just to breathe and you dared to be happy" she accused, her voice thick. "If you really feel sorry, then do as your father said, apologies to Mr. Francisco, and once that's out of the way, you can do whatever it is you want."

Lennox dragged his hand through his hair in frustration. "Tell father that I won't be doing that, and if he pushes me, I'll pull out all my shares from the company" he threatened coldly, and finally got a reaction out of her. He knew they only cared about money and their businesses.

"You...you wouldn't dare" she spluttered out.

"Don't test me, mother. You and your father have pushed me far enough. If you're not willing to accept what I already offered, then be prepared to lose it all." He said, then walked past her while she gaped with a slack jaw at his retreating figure.

"You're making a big mistake Lennox" she shouted after him.

Lennox paused In his steps. "I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, but this is not one of them. Tell father, that if he comes after me, he's going to lose everything. Everything" he emphasized, pushed open the door, walked in, and left her outside.

Lennox felt drained as he walked toward his bedroom. He got in and headed straight for the closet. He rested his head against the sliding door, forcing his fingers to stay rooted at his side.

"Forgive me Lena. Melissa, for having to deal with the baggage that came with loving me. I'm sorry I let you both down... So damn sorry".