Chapter 175: Free to leave me
"What game are you playing, Dad? Who is Calvin Fanwick, and why is he suddenly bothering me?" Orabela demanded, her voice sharp as she held the phone to her ear.
Darius sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I must have forgotten to mention him. Come home tomorrow. We’ll talk about it in person."
"I’m not coming home," Orabela replied firmly. "I’ve already been abandoned by the woman who raised me, and I refuse to face her again."
"Bella, don’t be like this," Darius pleaded, his tone softening. "Miriam’s harsh words stem from her pain, but she’s still struggling with everything. Even Layla hasn’t fully forgiven us, and honestly, I don’t blame her. We treated her terribly. But you... I don’t want to make the same mistakes with you."
Orabela’s resolve didn’t waver. "I’m not coming home. If Dad wants to talk, I’ll meet you at your office tomorrow."
There was a pause before she added gently, "Good night, Dad. Get some rest, and don’t worry about me."
Without waiting for a response, she ended the call and placed the phone on her bedside table. Sitting on the edge of the mattress, Orabela stared at the floor.
"I shouldn’t face Mom," she murmured. "She despises me because I’m the illegitimate daughter. Dad doesn’t get it, but I’ve seen it in her actions." Bitterness laced her words as she clenched her fists. In her heart, she had long rejected Seraphina as her mother—and she knew Miriam never would accept her as a daughter anymore.
With a sigh, Orabela rose and switched off the main lights, cloaking the room in a comforting darkness. As she prepared to slide under the covers, her phone buzzed on the bedside table. Picking it up, she saw a new message from Calvin.