Chapter 818 - Moving Out (1/2)

As expected, her decision to move out to live by herself was met with opposition from her parents. It was bad enough that Kyle was moving out, now she was, too?

At least, Kyle had a reason whereas all she could say was that she 'needed space'.

Not a good thing to say to your parents who doted on you endlessly.

Kay felt like a headache was coming on as she watched her mother cry, sniffling away, ”But … so … you're saying that you feel stifled here? That I control you, is it? You can't be free to be yourself?”

Kay g.r.o.a.n.e.d inwardly.

Emotional blackmail.

Mothers are so good at that.

Worse, sons seem to be able to get past that and coax them while daughters are left with the short end of the stick.

I mean, come on - Kyle could disappear to another country for two years and their mother wasn't this emotional at trying to keep him by her side.

Kay wondered whether this was just her family, or whether it was a common thing throughout. Kyle was, after all, extremely charming and knew how to get under the skin of a mother - him having been one before, after all.

Taking a deep breath and trying to remain calm, Kay said, ”It's nothing that you did, Mum. It's just that no matter what, this is your house. I just want a place of my own …”

”This is your home!” Delilah cut in, hurt apparent in her eyes.

”Yes, it is,” Kay said, still keeping to her patience and sanity, ”This is the place I grew up in and it will always be my home but it is not the same. And may I point out that this isn't the house you were born in either.”

”That's different,” Delilah sniffed, ”I got married. Are you getting married? No, right? As long as you're still single, you are our responsibility and should live under my roof.”

”But don't you see, Mum?” Kay pleaded, ”That's the whole point. You say this is my home, and it is, but you also say that it is 'your' roof. Your rules, your decisions. I am an a.d.u.l.t now, Mum. It's not like I'm leaving the family. I just want my own space. Where I can do whatever I want, decorate however I like … and not just my room.”

”You're a girl!” Delilah began and Kay looked at her in exasperation.

”Mum, really? You, of all people, would say that?”

Delilah waved her hands in front of her, her face stern, ”No, you know that is not what I meant! It's more dangerous for a woman to be living alone. You know that. No matter how capable you are, a lone woman living by herself will be a constant target. Especially one as striking as you.”

Kay took several deep breaths to calm herself down before answering, ”I know that, Mum. I wouldn't be silly enough to think that the world is a safe place. I will be careful.”

She took her mother's hand and looked up at her with sincere eyes, ”If I am to be bundled up in cotton all the time, how am I supposed to grow? I've come to realise that I've lived my life as Kyle's shadow, and as your daughter. I'm the Smith Princess and Kyle's twin. I just need my own space, Mum.”

It took a bit more persuasion but finally, her mother relented. Kay felt immense relief over that, and she compromised by discussing the place that she would be getting. At least, her mother could be assured about the security and location, so her heart would be better at peace.

It was in a prime area, of course, and near the Smith Industries HQ. As such, it was deemed to be in a 'safe' zone. In addition, one needed a security key card to enter and there was a receptionist / doorman near the entrance towards the elevator.

Kay couldn't move in immediately though, as she not only needed to get furniture that was more suited to her taste, she wanted to renovate it a bit to suit her needs. Plus, she would require a good security system and a peephole on the door.

Another compromise Kay did with her mother was that the door had triple security. The door was changed to a heavier set one that would not easily be smashed into.

There was the normal deadbolt, a sash jammer, and a strike plate lock.

A strike plate lock had a similar concept to a chain lock that one normally sees at hotel room doors. However, it was sturdier and safer than the former. Its bolt was more secure and its design created a sort of locking mechanism from the doorframe to the door (like the way a Tupperware locks its lids) and it has a chain that ended in a huge ring to loop over the doorknob.

It would take a normal person about 20 minutes or so to smash through and even using a sandbag weighing 90 pounds wouldn't smash the door down (unlike if one used a normal chain lock).

In addition, even though she was on the 20th floor, Kay had all her windows fitted with the sash jammer.

After all, Kyle would be able to get in if he wanted to from the window, so Kay wasn't going to take things for granted. Better be safe than sorry.