After a few seconds, Arlo snapped back to reality and, in a fit of rage, threw his phone. He let out a loud scream.
“No!” he shouted angrily. Arlo began breaking everything in sight, his strength making it impossible for anyone to stop him—even his friends were hurt in the process.
Meanwhile, Lily locked herself in the bathroom, releasing her bitter tears. She cried and cried, unable to stop.
LILY
Mom held my hands tightly, kissing them gently. She wiped away the tears on my cheeks.
“Why did you do this, my child? You’re only hurting yourself,” Mom said to me.
“If I don’t follow Grandpa’s orders, I’m afraid of what he might do to you and Arlo,” I said sadly, lowering my head.
“It’s not too late, my child. If you’re worried about me, don’t be. Nothing will happen to me. Your grandfather wouldn’t dare do the things he threatens, and I wouldn’t allow him to carry out his plans either,” Mom said with determination in her eyes. I smiled faintly at her.
“You, Mom, maybe. But with Arlo, it’s different. I can’t let Grandpa harm him. Most of all, I’ve already hurt the man who made me happy and gave me a sense of freedom—something I never felt here at Davis Mansion,” I said tearfully.
Mom hugged me tightly. I couldn’t blame her because she always gave her best as a mother.
“Don’t cry, my child. No matter what happens, I will always be by your side. I promise you, there will be no wedding. If your father can’t stand up for you, I will. Just give me some time,” Mom assured me.
“What will you do, Mom?” I asked. She gently caressed my cheek.
After a year of being apart from Mom, she never left my side, even in my room. She missed me so much that she even wanted to bathe me herself. She asked countless questions about the Bonde family. I wanted to ask her if she knew the Bonde family because something about her reaction whenever I mentioned Mrs. Ella and Mr. Philip felt odd. When I told her how kind they were to me, I saw a genuine smile on her lips.
When Dad entered the room, he smiled at us. Mom stood up, kissed my forehead, and excused herself without a word to Dad.
In my situation, I had everything—anything money could buy. But I never felt the happiness of having a real family like others do. I couldn’t say I came from a broken family because my parents were together, but they were far from happy.
Dad sat beside me and lifted my face. I could see in his eyes that he wanted to say something, but he couldn’t bring himself to speak.
“Are you happy now, Dad? Seeing me suffer? You and Grandpa are slowly killing me. You’re selfish, Dad. All you and Grandpa think about is the Davis name and your reputation. You don’t care about the feelings of others or who you hurt. Look at yourself, Dad. Are you happy? Do you have a happy family? No, we don’t. You have money, but you can’t buy true happiness,” I said, tears welling in my eyes.
Poor people have something we don’t—a happy family.
Dad remained silent. My words were true, and he couldn’t deny them. He and Grandpa were ruining my life.
“We need to follow your grandfather’s wishes,” Dad finally said.
“All you ever say is Grandpa!” I shouted in frustration. At that moment, Mom returned to my room.
“David, if you have nothing good to say to my child, leave her room!” Mom yelled at Dad.
Dad was about to speak, but I stopped him.
“Sir Davis is calling for you in his office. You as well, Ma’am Isabella,” a household staff member said. Mom and Dad left together.
—
The next morning, I woke up as usual, everything seemingly back to normal. Everyone was busy preparing for tonight’s engagement party with Nick. I wished it was Arlo instead—Grandpa’s friend’s grandson. But all I could do was wish.
After a while, I left the mansion and saw Grandpa in the living room reading a newspaper. I didn’t pay him any attention. I could feel his eyes following me as I moved.
Grandpa no longer forbade me from using a cell phone because he knew I wouldn’t disobey his wishes, but I was already using a different number.
“Miss, how was your vacation in Paris? We thought you didn’t plan on returning to the Mansion. We’ve all missed your beautiful face here at the mansion. We’re all excited about your upcoming wedding, Miss. We’re also eager to meet the man you’re marrying,” said Rose.
