Chapter 1 : Forced to Leave
LUNA
I'm feeling really sad and unhappy because of my mother's unnecessary
involvement in things that are important to me. It is sad to accept that her
actions are not entirely surprising, knowing that she is not my real mother.
Since then, she has revealed her genuine motives, which include starting
a romantic relationship as soon as she receives my father's inheritance. Her
actions indicate that her priorities are money and personal gain over my
general well-being.
I don't care about her personal life as long as she respects my
independence, especially when it comes to selecting a college that meets
my own interests and desires.
I am hesitant about heading out because my father's house has special
meaning for me being the only memory I have left of him.
Her boyfriend's unpleasant behaviour—always lingering stares and
unwanted gestures—might have made me appreciate the chance to leave
this place in a different circumstance, but not in this one.
I understand the value of a degree, but couldn't she at least allow me to
select a college according to my preferences? She may have inherited my
father's wealth, but she is denying his own daughter the chance to choose
her own direction in life.
I can see why she abruptly changed her mind last week; I tried to let her
know about her boyfriend's inappropriate behaviour. I can't understand
why she would have trusted him rather than me. To make matters worse,
she informed me that I had wooed him.
Impossible.
She decided to send me off to college right away out of fear that I would
start making attempts towards her filthy boyfriend again.
My goodness!
It is really uncomfortable for me to think of liking him. Even if he were
the last guy on Earth, I wouldn't entertain the idea.
I immediately protested; I would not enrol at the chosen university. In
response, she gave an incredibly harsh ultimatum: either do what she says
or I risk having my financial support withdrawn, leaving me on my own.
Her activities were so daring and bold that it is unbelievable.
I unwillingly decided to go to the college she chose because I had no
other option. If that wasn't enough, she then mentioned that we were
heading to the airport that evening and told me to pack my bags. Does she
really want to throw me out of my own house this badly?
The fact that this gold digger was attempting to kick me out of my dad's
house annoyed me. The house was legally mine because my late father had
left it to me, but she was making my life a living hell.
I rushed out of her room and grabbed all of my things. I felt a little
pleased that her annoying boyfriend would not be there anymore, even
though I was sad to leave my cosy home.
When I was finally done packing, I was standing by the window of my
room. Every evening, I eagerly await the sunset because, even on my bad
days, it always lifts my spirits.
It's strange to think that even as an adult, I still can't decide how I want
my life to unfold. I had been grieving my dad's loss since he passed away
last year, but tonight I felt more in need of him than ever.
I was jolted out of my dream by her harsh voice. "Come downstairs, you
lazy girl. We haven't got the whole day," she growled.
I wiped away the tears with the back of my hand, then grabbed my bags
and went downstairs to meet my stepmother Silvia and her boyfriend,
Nolan, who was waiting for me. He scrutinised me from head to toe, and
as he did so, a sensation of loathing passed over me. He was grinning more
and more as he strode near me.
"Sweetheart, let me help you with your luggage." He said in a
patronising way, "They must be heavy," with an unwavering smirk.
I felt the tip of his fingers brushing against mine before he removed the
bags. His familiar touch, which I despised, gave me even more discomfort.
I wanted to slap him, but I forced myself to resist the urge and gave him
a sneer instead. My stepmother would not hesitate to throw me out of the
house without considering who was at fault, so making a scene would only
make things worse for me.
I took a deep breath and steeled myself, knowing that I would never
again experience this kind of treatment. After today, I vowed that I would
never return.
While I slipped into the back seat, my stepmother took up residence in
the car's passenger seat. I was lost in my own thoughts, staring out the
window at the passing landscape as Nolan turned on the ignition and took
off.
After almost two hours, we arrived at the airport. My stepmother was
ready to send me away so she could spend more time with her lover as she
was growing increasingly agitated.
At the end, they gave me one last hug, but it was more like a
performance to maintain their good parenting image in public.
"I've paid a good amount of money, so don't mess anything up, or I
won't be taking you back inside the house," she whispered in my ear,
speaking threateningly. If only she knew that I would never return.
Nolan also inserted his filthy remarks into my ear and wrapped his
crushing arms around me.
"I'll miss you, love," he muttered in a low, uneasy voice. I ensured that
it's an exclusively women's college, so proceed with caution and avoid
getting touched by guys. "You are only mine.”
I felt my body tensing up and pulling him away as his breath touched
my neck.
I turned and walked away, without caring what anyone thought or said.
I'll live my life as I see fit, no matter what other people say or do. It is
mine, after all.
Once I was settled into my seat, I turned to face the window and started
crying uncontrollably. I vowed sincerely to myself that I would never turn
back. I'm an adult now, so I can choose my own path. I'm going to study a
lot, graduate, find employment, and lead the kind of life I deserve.
With these thoughts racing through my mind, I closed my eyes as the
plane took off, beginning a new chapter in my life.