Chapter 4
900 Words
Rhea’s POV
“I had to jump a few buses to get here,” I said.
Kelvin snapped right away, “Didn’t I ask you to take a cab? Why the hell did you decide on buses instead?”
I met his glare. “I didn’t have much money with me.”
Dad’s expression goes cold. “For twenty-one years, you’ve been born with a silver spoon in your mouth, Rhea. And now you’re telling us you couldn’t afford a simple transportation fee?”
Then Kelvin piped up again, with that same emotionless tone, pointing at my hoodie. “That hoodie you’re wearing costs about thirty bucks. Why didn’t you sell it and use the money for a cab?”
He was being ridiculous. If I sold it, it meant I’d come home naked. Is that what he wanted? But I didn’t say that out loud. Instead, I just stood there, my hands loose at my sides, not giving him the reaction he probably wanted.
Mom stayed quiet, her arms wrapped around Sophia still, her face turned away from me like I wasn’t worth the glance as her attention was all on Sophia and Ethan just stared. No one jumped in to defend me.
I reminded Mr. Marcus , my father, told him straight. “When you dropped me off at the academy three years ago, you took everything from me.” My eyes met Kelvin’s then, locking on his without blinking. “You were the one who snatched my phones, my laptop, and every single expensive thing I owned. Remember that?”
The room went dead silent. They all remembered, alright.
After a long beat, I broke the quiet. “Can I go rest now..”
Ethan pushed off the wall. “I’ll take you upstairs.”
We started up the wide staircase,. Once we were out of sight from the others, Ethan broke the silence, his voice calm this time. “No one hates you, Rhea, if that’s what you’re thinking. We did what we had to for your own good. You pushed the only daughter we had down those stairs. It almost took her life. That’s why.”
I said nothing. I was already tired of hearing the same words over and over again. My wolf paced inside me, a quiet rumble in my mind, urging me to snap back, but I kept my mouth shut.
From downstairs, Sophia’s voice floated up, breaking the tension in the living room. “We shouldn’t blame her for being late. She might not be used to jumping buses like that. All her life, she had drivers taking her around. Unlike me, I used to jump buses every day back then.”
Mom’s response came sweet and soft. “Oh, don’t worry about it, my sweet girl. You’re safe now. I promise to give you the best life from here on out.”
Sophia’s voice lit up. “Thank you, Mommy.” I could picture Mom leaning in, pecking her cheeks gently.
We reached my old room. I pushed the door open, and there it was, cluttered with boxes stacked high against the walls, shoes spilling out in colorful pairs, dresses draped over chairs and hanging from makeshift racks. The bed was barely visible under piles of folded clothes, my room different from how I’d known it.
I stood there, memories flooding back. This room used to be mine, a special place just for me. Mom would buy the latest dresses, beautiful colors, nice trending dresses including customized wears, that made me feel like a princess. She’d hang them neatly in this closet, fold them with care on the shelves, and say, “This is for you, my girl. You deserve the best.” Each new dress was a hug from her, a way she showed her love without many words. I’d twirl in front of the mirror, smiling and feeling so cherished.
She promised to make it even more beautiful and I dreamed about it every night. But life got unfair and she never got to fulfill those promises. Now, seeing the mess, my heart aches a little. The room has changed, but those memories of her love stay with me forever.
Ethan stepped in after me, his hands in his pockets, surveying the mess without a hint of apology. “You know Sophia loves expensive things. Mom turned your room into a second closet for her, to make her happy.” He takes a step closer.
“And you shouldn’t feel bad about it. Because she’s getting used to this wealthy life, and you’ve been so deep in it all along.”
“She came from nothing, Rhea. You’ve had it your whole life, drivers, gadgets, the pack’s best treatment. Don’t make a fuss about it.”
I scanned the room again, my jaw tight. “Am I permitted to sleep here tonight? I don’t mind leaving if it’s a problem.”
He tilted his head slightly, considering me with those cold eyes. “I’ll go ask Mom.”
He left without another word, his footsteps fading down the hall.
Finally, he returned. “There are lots of guest rooms. You have to stay in one for now. By tomorrow, the maid will arrange a guest room for you but better not blame Sophia for this. Because this time, if you do, there will be no second chance.”
- Writer
