I am not at fault but I still feel guilty for not being around when he was sick…
When Joy finally leaves, I say, “I am sorry.. I didn’t know.”
“We had to suppress the news Sophie… When you left, so many board members were
not happy. I was sick already.. I am sorry I didn’t tell you or anyone. So when you left…” he
looks embarrassed.
“I didn’t realize you were gone for 2 weeks. Nobody told me. Nobody…When you didn’t come for the family dinner that month… I finally noticed.” He has regret in his eyes.
Ever since I moved out, Dad made sure we catch up at least once a month. Although
Nikki gets a chance to dine with him every week. I ignore the resentment.
“Didn’t anybody report me missing at work? Are you saying if I would have been
kidnapped or murdered for good, No one would have noticed me?”
He looks at me with anger in his eye. But his anger is not directed at me.
“My exact thoughts…” He says bitterly. “Nikkie had taken over your work. She and Caleb
said they were looking for you and didn’t want to stress me out.”
He sighs.
“They were right about one thing. I couldn’t take the stress and had a stroke that day.”
“What Caleb and Nikkie did to you is not fair. And believe me, I will find a way to punish them.”
I don’t believe him, but I don’t say anything.
What can he do? He has a soft heart. There is a reason Joy and Nikkie wrap him
around their fingers so easily. He is in love with both of them.
“I want you around, Sophie and this party. It’s important for you to attend.”
It’s not fair. I blink and press my lips.
“Okay Dad, I will attend the party. Although I cannot stay in this city. It’s a cursed place for me. Please do not expect more from me.”
Dad opens his mouth and I stop him.
“Please Dad! Please,” I plead.
“Just give it a thought. Don’t outright deny my child.”
“Okay,” I say.
Whatever I decide, I have to be da7mn careful about what I do. Because once again my heart is on the line. To be broken all over again by my own family.
It’s not fair. I think to myself and leave the Brown mansion with a heavy heart.
