AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I scoff. “You mean my father is worried about me.”
“Surprisingly, your mom has been calling, as well. She’s worried.”
“Hope you told them what I said.” I finally glance at Damien, and that’s when I notice his face is drawn and stressed out. “That I don't want to see them.”
“Yes. I told them that.”
“Good.” I turn away from him again. “You need a vacation. Where would you like to go?”
“My place is beside you, sir,” he answers without a thought.
“You’re so predictable, Damien. So boring.”
He laughs again, and I insist. “Think about it. That’s an order. I’ll ask you again, and you better have an answer for me.”
He hesitates slightly before responding. “Yes, sir.”
“Good.”
The sound of the doorbell echoes through the house, and I arch my brows. “You expecting anyone?”
“No.” Damien descends from the bed. “I’ll go check.”
As he exits the room, my heart begins an uptight beat in my chest. What if it's Jasmine? Could it be her? Gosh, I’ll be the happiest man on earth if it’s Jasmine.
I hear the sound of approaching footsteps, but my hope is dashed when I listen closely and realize that the footsteps are too many and too heavy for it to be Jasmine. My heart sinks at the realization that it’s my parents who are here to visit.
I’m canceling Damien’s vacation privileges because how dare he let them into my house without consulting me first?
“Good morning, son,” my father greets, walking into the room.
I purse my lips, meeting his smiling gaze with my blank one. A second passes, and the smile clears from his face. My mom walks in next, and I’m shocked that she isn’t in her usual colorful outfit. She’s wearing a simple dress, with her hair up in a basic bun. She suddenly looks younger than I’ve always seen her to be.
“What do you want?” I ask them, sliding a glare at Damien, who stands by the door. He lowers his head.
“It’s not Damien’s fault,” my mother speaks up. “We forced our way in. There was nothing he could do.”
“Force your way in?” I laugh. “Why am I not surprised?”
My parents exchange glances, and only my father steps forward to sit beside me on the bed. “It’s not our fault, son,” he says softly. “Do you know how worried we were? Damien told us you were ill, but you didn’t want us to see you. It’s been a week, Alec.”
“A week is too soon,” I answer bitterly. “I can take care of myself, so please leave.”
My father’s eyes flash with anger, and I reciprocate the energy. How dare he be upset!
“If this is because of Jasmine—”
“You’re damn right. It’s because of Jasmine!” I yell. “Are you both happy now that she’s gone? Hmm?” I look at my mom, who surprisingly has her head lowered. What is wrong with her this afternoon?
“Ever since Jasmine left, I’ve been miserable,” I cry. “She was the only one who made me happy and kept me sane. Now she’s gone! And whose fault is this—?”
“Mine,” my mother says, catching our attention.
“Yes, Mother,” I sneer. “It’s you!”
“No.” She shakes her head. “It’s me. It was my fault. I sent her away.”
“What do you mean, Lillian?” My father asks, his forehead wrinkling in a frown.
