Chapter 91 - A Chance (2/2)

” Mr. and Mrs. Carlton? What brings you here?” I tried to act normal and calm. As I was observing their expressions Mr. Carlton seemed displeased.

” Sorry for intruding like that.” Even his voice sounded weightless. No wonder he would feel that after slandering someone.

” Why are you saying like this? It's your home too.” I maintained my politeness.

” Mom? .... Dad? ” I moved my head when I heard Stella's voice. She was standing still, looking puzzled and surprised.

” I have something to discuss with you, Theo.” Mr. Carlton payed no attention to his daughter. Mrs. Carlton stayed quite too. None of them spoke to their daughter.

” Me? Is there any problem?” I was angry at them for their behaviour. Deep down I prayed that Stella will overcome her lack of self confidence and speak her mind.

” Is everything okay dad? And why are you carrying luggage?” Sure enough she noticed those bags. Her suspicions grew further seeing the silence of their parents.

” Neil threw us out from the house. Well, he only told me to leave but your mom tagged alone.” He didn't sounded surprised or totally heartbroken as if he expected this to occur someday. Maybe he knew that this is the work of Karma.

He is getting paid for what he has done.

” What are you saying!? Neil? He did that to you? But why?”

” I have no idea about that. He somehow managed to get my sign on the papers. That being said, I came here to talk with Theo.”

” ..... To ask for help.” Stella said bluntly. Her eyes were becoming serious.

” Don't worry, we won't bother you.” My father-in-law replied arrogantly.

” That's not what I meant. You can ask him for help but not your own daughter?” She growled angrily. Her state of mind was not calm any longer.

” You don't have to pay attentio-” He was cut off before he could spout more nonsense.

” Why don't you understand! Why can't you trust my capabilities? I'm also your child. If you're in trouble, I can take care of you. All these years you have provided us with our needs and I know I can never repay you for that. But at least let me return some of them. Let me take responsibility of you. The money I earned at my work, it's enough to feed two stomachs.” Emotion and rage piled up in her words as she roared like a lion. She finally decided to speak her heart out. I was proud of her progress.

She didn't stopped there, she continued with her strong will, ” I don't want to be known as someone's daughter or someone's wife. I want my own identity, my own individuality. Please dad.... have faith in me...” Before her sentence came to an end, tears begun to flooded down her eyes.

” Don't let her lock up in a small room. She can fly higher than you imagine. If a stranger like me can believe in her, then you can too, after all you guys are family.” I stepped forward and grabbed her body gently, supporting her back. Pushing her face on my ċhėst, she tried to hide her feelings, her tears from my in-laws. Her weeping voice was so quite almost like non existent.

” Fine then, if that's what you really feel.” Mr. Carlton replied with a bit of hesitance. The hard shell broke with lots of efforts. They didn't argue any longer. Perhaps they're out of options or they felt bad after seeing their daughter cry. I can't really tell what's on their minds.

This is a messed up situation but I'm willing to do everything for Stella. I want to see her happy. She already overcame half of her fear. The lever of her confidence has risen up. She is not that timid girl anymore. This is her fight. Now it's all up to Stella.

~ to be continued