CHAPTER FIVE
861 Words
The week dragged by in a blur of hunger, but eventually, the weekend arrived—not that it ever meant peace or mattered anyways. I was lying on my bed, staring into the ceiling’s familiar emptiness, when my phone buzzed for the second time.
I almost ignored it—until I saw the caller ID.
My back straightened on instinct.
Lucian?
Why was he calling now?
I picked up, my voice quite hoarse and a little bit groggy.
He didn’t even bother with greetings or pleasantries.
“The coffee shop across Marr Enterprises. 2pm. Don’t be late.”
Then he hung up.
I blinked at the dark screen.
Just like that?
It was already past one.
I washed up, threw on something decent, and rushed out.
When I arrived, he was already there—looking impossibly sharp even in casual silence. His long hair was let loose today, falling in soft waves that softened his facial features.
“Thought you wouldn’t come,” he said.
I wasn’t sure if it was teasing or mild annoyance.
I gave him a small smile, and he placed an order for both of us.
My eyes widened when the server placed matcha tea in front of me.
“How did you—”
He leaned back, a small playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
“The two times we met, you had matcha tea. I’ve made it a point to remember what my little wife likes.”
Heat shot up my face.
Little wife.
He said it like it was the most natural thing in the world.
I lowered my head, suddenly shy.
Was this the same man who cornered me? The same infuriating stranger who kissed me senseless?
Why did he feel…warm now?
I was still processing when he slid a thick file across the table.
I froze.
“What is this?”
His tone was calm, almost businesslike.
“I acquired more than half of the Reynolds family’s shares. They’re in your name. That’s the transfer agreement. They won’t be able to force you into those offensive blind dates anymore.”
My breath caught.
My throat tightened.
Tears stung my eyes before I could stop them.
He frowned slightly.
“You don’t like it? If it makes you upset, you can just give it back.”
“Uncle…” I whispered, voice shaking.
He stiffened at the title—but he didn’t correct me.
Maybe he understood it was the only respectful way I knew to express my gratitude.
“Thank you…”
The words broke apart as tears spilled down my cheeks.
Without hesitation, he leaned forward and brushed them away gently with his thumb.
“You’re my little wife,” he said softly. “It’s my responsibility to take care of you.”
That only made me cry harder.
He didn’t flinch.
Instead, his hand slid to the back of my head, patting it lightly as if coaxing a child.
After I cried out weeks’ worth of pain, I excused myself to the restroom. One look in the mirror and I saw it:
the swollen eyes, the trembling lips, the girl who had been left behind by everyone—
finally being seen by someone.
We ate lunch afterward, quiet but comfortable.
Then he insisted on driving me home.
The warmth evaporated the moment I stepped into the house.
My mother’s cold glare and Victoria’s tear-stained face greeted me like a nightmare.
“What now?” I muttered, already exhausted.
Victoria stuck out her leg, tripping me deliberately.
I hit the floor hard.
Pain shot up my elbow.
My mother stormed toward me and forced my chin up.
Then—
SLAP.
The world rang.
“What did I do this time?” I whispered, barely audible.
“You little wretch!” she screamed. “Can’t you let us live in peace? You’re just like your mother—always trying to steal what doesn’t belong to you!”
My tears froze.
What?
“…Just like my mother?” I repeated. “Isn’t she my mother?”
Her face twisted with hatred.
“Don’t call me that! After everything I’ve done—feeding you, clothing you—you repay me by stealing my daughter’s future? After letting a sleazy old man buy out the company shares in your name?”
The room spun.
I felt dizzy.
Motherless.
Hated.
An intruder in my own home.
Somewhere along the hallway, my father appeared.
Confusion and worry lined his face.
“How could you afford it?” he demanded.
That was it.
The breaking point.
A coldness settled in me.
Not sadness.
Not fear.
Silence.
The final string snapped inside my chest.
I straightened up slowly, wiping my tears with the back of my hand.
A bitter smile curled on my lips.
“I see,” I whispered. “No matter what I do… it will never be enough.”
My voice deepened, steadier than ever.
“I’m done trying to earn a place in a family that never wanted me.”
I turned around.
Back straight.
Hands steady.
Heart numb.
I didn’t look back.
It was time to leave—
and never return.
- Writer
