Chapter 33 – What You’re Owed
Stella
+25 BONUS
The fire that burns inside my chest and mind cools. It does not let up, though, and the flames that were once red and orange have turned blue and white. It is a cold fire that decimates any of the love and kindness I once held towards the tao of them, and by extension my foster father
“Do you truly believe that I owe you everything and more?” I calmly ask. I tilt my head to the side and my eyes slowly float between them.
Adamant in their claims, they both nod and even link arms to seal the deal. I can’t help but laugh at the sight.
A mother and daughter so enshrouded in their own minds and self importance. A mother and daughter who are so self absorbed and think that the world owes them everything for all of the hardship that they have been through.
Do they not realize that their hardships were there because of their own actions? Can they not see that they have captured Adrian and I in their destructive wake? They have destroyed my body and I will never be the same, will never be fully healthy again, and now they have sunken their claws into Adrian, ready to suck the life and money out of him.
“I do not owe either of you a god damn thing,” I calmly speak, each word flying out of my mouth like daggers into their skin.
“Excuse me?!” Clara’s mother gasps.
“You heard me,” I speak up before they can add anything else. “A life living with you was torture. It was nice in the beginning, sure, but all good things come to an end.”
I take a step forward and they retract away from me, now clinging onto each other for support. It’s laughable, really, the way they wear their emotions on their sleeves and faces. I turn my attention towards the mother.
“You were cruel. You made me a servant and enabled your daughter’s bratty behavior. I was told so many times that I would amount to nothing and would be useless for the rest of my life and yet you still used me, clung to me like a life preserver because I was the only person who was a match for your precious Clara.”
“Don’t talk to her like that-”
“Why not?” I turn to look at Clara, laughing from hysteria. After all, the two of you said that you deserved everything from me. Why not have my anger and resentment too while you’re at it?”
Their jaws drop. I shake my head, gnawing at the inside of my cheek, calculating what I should say next, what I have to say next.
“If anyone owes somebody something, you owe me, Clara, I sharpen my gaze onto her. “If it weren’t for me, you would be dead. Buried six feet under with a simple tombstone to mark your grave…your final resting spot.”
My anger envelops me in a warm hug, comforting me as my venomous words fly from my mouth.
“I have gone through countless surgeries and have destroyed my health and body all because of you. I was tricked into thinking that the surgeries was for research but really my body and blood went to you. After all of the pain I have gone through, I still can’t believe that you have the audacity to feel entitled to more!” I raise my voice, my words echoing down the vast corridor of the mall,
“Stella,” I can hear a hint of remorse in Clara’s mother’s voice but I don’t let it deter me. I shoot her a glare and her mouth immediately closes.
“Don’t. You have already done enough. Leave me the fuck alone.”
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#Chapter 33 – What You’re Owed
+25 BONUS
I turn on my heel and walk back inside the store, finding my mother exactly where I left her. an employee stands behind her, holding bags upon bags of all of the items we have bought today. Well, clothes that she has spoiled me with.
“Mom,” I breathe out, already feeling my body calm down. I’m sorry for that. They’re…”
“Assholes?” she finishes my sentence for me. I nod. She places a hand on my shoulder and looks down at me. “1 think I’m going to go home. This whole encounter has left me in a less than desirable mood.”
“I understand. Let me call Sebastian for you, okay?” I walk out of the store with her.
We walk in silence, the employees shuffling behind us with the bags. I sigh and watch as Sebastian pulls up in the
SUV.
Guilt overtakes my body. I can’t help but feel that I am bringing my family nothing but unnecessary drama and trouble. I watch as Sebastian helps my mother into the car, turning to me.
“Are you okay?” He asks. I weakly nod, keeping my arms crossed over my chest. “Do you need a ride?”
“I’d like to be alone for a bit, if that’s okay. I’ll call you when I need to be picked up,” I say.
Sebastian sucks in a breath and looks like he wants to say something else. He doesn’t. For that, I am thankful.
I watch as the car drives off. I bite my lip and turn to face the mall.
I have to do something to show them my appreciation. With a plan forming inside my head, I step inside the mall once again.
Adrian
As soon as I’m back in the office, my phone begins to ring. I sigh and sit down in my chair, bringing my phone to my ear without looking at the caller’s name.
“Hello?”
“Adrian! You need to get Stella under control!” Clara’s shrill voice sends ice through my veins. “She just screamed at my mom and I in the middle of the mall! Do something about it!”
The call immediately drops. I blink at nothing, taking the phone away and staring at my wallpaper. Sighing, I enter my phone’s password and move to Stella’s name.
My finger hovers over the phone icon. My mouth goes dry and I can’t help but feel a tinge of hesitation. With Clara and Stella’s history with each other, is Clara telling the truth?
I press the button and bring the phone to my ear. I listen to the dial tone but am quickly met with Stella’s voicemail.
I repeat this process a few more times. I am sent to voicemail every single time. A groan vibrates inside my throat as I move to our messages.
Adrian: Call me. It’s urgent.
No response.
Adrian: Stella, answer the damn phone!
No response.
Adrian: Why are you ignoring me? I’m your husband! Answer me!
#hapter 13 Wh
1 groan and swipe out of her contact, moving to a number
has become recently familiar to me. A new private
investigator after the other one quit without warning. The pick up as soon at feall
“How can I help?” they ask
“Follow Stella. I need to know what she’s doing,” I order into the phone
“Of course. Do you know where she is, sit?”
“She’s at the Lakefield Mall,” 1 pinch the bridge of my nose send me pictures of her. I need to know estly what she is planning, okay? Do you understand?”
“Yes sir. I will send them as soon as I can,” they end the call right after.
I stand from my desk and approach the window of my office My eyes overlook the city and I can’t help best sigh to myself, imagining that I can see Stella on the streets below
