Chapter 158
ASHAL
"Maddie! Oh God." Trembling, I rush to undo the ropes binding her when father’s voice thunders behind me.
"Careful, Ashal. I brought you here to make a point, not to be her knight in shining armor." He sneers as a thought flash through his mind. "As disturbing as your newly found love interest in your ex-wife’s kid sister is, I will let it slide but if you annoy me further by freeing her, you’ll also be expunged from my will"
"Oh, for goodness’ sake, do your worst father!" I threaten him right back, surging to my feet. "DO YOUR WORST!" We are nose to nose now. My fists are tightened by my side. "I have had enough! Frankly, you can’t shock me anymore. I don’t think there’s a limit to your wickedness so go right ahead and cast me out if you please. However, you’re not going to keep her bound, you hear me??? I am untying those ropes and she is going back to her family."
"ASHAL!"
"Or you wouldn’t have to worry about the Dunns giving evidence against me; I’ll gladly do so myself."
"You buffoon! What’s come over you and Ashton?"
"Love, father. LOVE. And because of it, we’ve seen the error of our ways. We’ve learnt that there are other ways to deal with our problems."
"Oh, really? Like what?"
"For starters? How about not living our lives like no one else’s matter, like we’re untouchable. We have to live accountable lives, father. Most of our problems today stem from actions that resulted from us trying to dodge accountability and I am so sick of that! I AM DONE. I won’t sit idly by and watch you hurt anyone else on my account. Olivia’s family has been through enough. It’s time to let them be!"
Tearing my eyes from his leering ones, I return to crouch by Maddi’s side and unbind her. The red welts on her wrists and ankles make my eyes glaze over with remorse and shame.