“Uncle Fred is in trouble! You need to come home right now!”
After getting Suzy’s call, I hurriedly requested leave from my boss and bought the earliest train ticket home
But when I arrived home, I was greeted by the sight of my father lounging on the couch watching TV while my mother sipped her tea beside him. Suzy was sitting by her side, wearing a beautiful dress.
When they saw me, my father spat, “So you’ll only come home when I’m dying!”
IT
+
I was furious when I realized that I’d been deceived. “Fine, then I’ll leave right now.”
Livid, my father picked up the ashtray and throw it at me. I wasn’t quick enough to dodge. The ashtray hit me in the forehead. Blood streamed down my face.
“What are you doing? What if she ends up scarred?” To my surprise, my mother chided my father.
Shocked and overwhelmed, tears welled up in my eyes. It had been such a long time since I felt care from my mother.
However, just as her words moved me, a knock sounded on the door.
The person who entered was a familiar face. He was a family friend whose wife had run away due to his infidelity and abuse.
He sat down on the couch, his gaze scanning me all over. It made me uncomfortable. “Good, good,” he said, jeering. His teeth were yellowed and rotting, reeking faintly of decay.
My mother greeted him warmly and pulled me over, turning me around in front of him. ” My daughter may look skinny, but she’s healthy and strong. You’ll have kids in no time.”
I widened my eyes. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
All the resentment I’d suppressed for the past few years surged up in that moment. I lost it. “Are you insane?” I screamed. “I’m your daughter! How could you do this to me?”
My father’s face darkened. “You’re getting too bold for your own good.”
My mother tugged at my arm and lectured, “You’re uneducated and have no looks to speak of. I know Zachary might not be much to look at, but he’s honest and rich. You’ll have a good life with him. Why would we ever hurt you?”
I was trembling, feeling cold all over.
They understood that a lack of education would hurt my future, so why did they force me to drop out of school then?
Seeing my strong reaction, Zachary Smith’s face darkened. “Why did you call me over if it’s not properly discussed?” he said impatiently. “Look, I’ve already given you 200,000 dollars. I’m leaving with a wife today, no matter what.”
Today
