Chapter 7

Dalma's POV

"Yes?"

"Let's keep our past encounters strictly in the past. Understood?"

"Understood," I replied, turning to leave. As I walked out of his office, I could feel his eyes fixed on my skin. It got on my nerves but I better keep my temper in check or I'll be on the streets with my child.

I hurried home to get my things set to move out since I was no longer welcomed.

"You bastard, you can't even do anything right," I heard my mom's voice from the door. She wouldn't call her husband or precious daughter a bastard. So it had to be my son being tortured.

I ran into the house like I was being chased by a wild animal.

"Damian! Mom!" I yelled at the sight I just beheld.

"Why are you being so wicked? I know you hate me so much but my son did nothing to you. Why torture Him too?" I lashed out at my mom, dragging the stick she held.

"We don't have space for non-entities. I was just trying to make him useful," she said without remorse.

"By making him do the dishes at 4?" Damian ran behind me and sobbed. "Sorry baby, Mommy is here now," I turned to him and wiped his face clean. I never should have left him here last night.

"Well, the Osbornes will be joining us for dinner in 2 hours," she slowly approached me. "Get yourself cleaned up," she said, raising my chin aggressively before heading out of the kitchen.

"Cassie is your child too and she's not a kid anymore. She should get married to Alex since you and dad are so desperate for a son inlaw," I responded.

She halted, but I didn't want to waste any more time on her. I took Damian by the arm and walked past her, my shoulder brushing hers aggressively.

Sometimes I wonder what I did that was so bad that made my mom dislike me. My existence alone irritated her.

It was 7pm and I heard cars screeching. Seems the Osbornes have arrived. It didn't really concern me. I'm all packed and ready to leave.

Jack is leaving the city to visit his Aunt so Damian and I would be staying at his apartment till he returns. Hopefully we should have moved out before he returns.

"Dalma!" my sister cassie called out while knocking aggressively at my door. "Alex and his parents are here. Dad wants you down for dinner immediately."

She kept knocking but I ignored her. After some time she stopped, guess she got tired.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. Tonight, my priority was getting Damian and I out of here, not entertaining the Osbornes.

I finished packing our things, making sure we had everything we came with.

"Alright, Damian," I said softly, turning to my son who was sitting on the bed, eyes wide with worry. "We're leaving now. Stay close to me, okay?"

He nodded, clutching his small backpack. I opened the bedroom door cautiously, peering into the hallway to ensure it was clear.

The last thing I needed was another confrontation with my family. Quietly, we slipped out, making our way down the stairs and for the back door.

Just as I reached for the door handle, I heard a voice from behind me. "And where do you think you're going to?"

Shit.

I almost made it out.

I turned, my father's stern face glared back at me. "The Osbornes are here and they expect to see the entire family."

"I don't care about the Osbornes or this marriage," I snapped. " You said I shouldn't come home if I didn't talk to them so why call them for dinner."

His eyes narrowed, and he took a step toward me. "You will do as you're told, Dalma. I'm still your father and I can tell you what to do."

"No you can't," I retorted. "I'm not your child anymore. I'm leaving this house. You can get your beloved daughter Cassie married to Alex. I don't care."

He grabbed my arm, his grip painfully tight. "You ungrateful little…"

He was hurting me, but I can't show it. My father thrives on pain, he loves seeing just how weak I am. I won't let him win this time.

Mustering a false bravado, I said. "Imagine dad, just imagine your dear friend, Mr Osborne finds you treating your own daughter this way. Do you think he'll want to partner with you then?"

I could see the gears turning in his head, I saw his eyes get darker, and I knew I just incensed him the more.

"Let go of me," I demanded, trying to pull free. "You're hurting me."

His face was twisted with rage, his grip tightening. "If you step out of this door, you're on your own now."

"That's the idea," I muttered.

"I said, let go!" I shouted, finally yanking my arm free.

"You're making a big mistake, Dalma," he said through gritted teeth. "You'll regret this."

"Maybe…" I started, turning to open the door. "But it's my mistake to make."

I pushed the door open and just as we stepped out, my mom walked in.

"Where are you..." I slammed the door in her face, interrupting whatever she wanted to say.

I'll leave them to formulate whatever lies they'll paint of me to the Osbornes.

It wouldn't be the first time they told lies against me to save their faces.

We moved swiftly towards the street where Jack's car was parked. I had borrowed it earlier in the day, knowing tonight was the night we had to leave.

"Get in, Damian," I said, helping him into the back seat before sliding into the driver's seat.

My hands shook slightly as I started the car, the engine's rumble masked my nervous breaths.

I glanced back at the house watching my parents watch me leave, memories of countless painful moments flashing through my mind.