- 13.
It was late when I got home, but the house
was ablaze with lights, the staff moving
silently.
I walked into the living room to report to my
father.
The elegant cane lay beside him, within easy
reach. He waved me off, his eyes, so similar
to mine, fixed on me with an icy stare.
“Chelsea, what did I tell you before you left?”
I recited his words verbatim, mimicking his
tone. “If you lose the Thornton engagement,
you will face the consequences.”
“What was that painting doing there? A
painting by Seth?”
He remembered Seth.
He shook his head, his disappointment palpable. “Chelsea, we’ve invested so much in you. You’re our pride and joy. Why do you keep disappointing us? Don’t resent my strictness. Only rigorous discipline creates a
worthy, lovable child.
He stared, waiting for my response.
I nodded obediently. “I know. You only want
what’s best for me.”
But this time, he didn’t reach for the cane.
“You have a busy social calendar. Have Maria
take you to that room for the night.”
My head snapped up, my eyelashes fluttering.
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