I paused, clarity washing over me like a cold splash of water. “I’m not going back,” I stated firmly, feeling the strength in my voice. The Larsens, the Donovans—those lavish worlds never truly belonged to me and I had no desire to meddle in their affairs any longer.
The moment my words left my mouth, I heard my father’s feigned angry tone cut through the silence, a cruel reminder of my place.
“How long are you going to cause trouble? You’ve turned all our lives upside down and still being selfish as ever. Do you want Leta to die? Will that makes you happy?” He shouted, his frustration boiling over and just as he finished, I heard a different voice take over the call.
“I'm warning you, Bronwyn, if anything happens to Leta tonight, I won't let you off the hook,” It was Shawn's voice, cold and unyielding, a stark reminder of the anguish that had already begun to consume me. A rush of sadness washed over me, a dull ache settling deep in my heart, as I felt the weight of his words sink in. Suddenly, the world around me fell silent.
The world around me spun and on the other end of the phone, Shawn's anxious voice continued to blare, but I could no longer grasp his words. Maybe it was for the best. Any form of escape was welcome if it meant I could stop bearing this unbearable burden.
“You better pay attention. I’m a man of my word, Bronwyn. I will find out who hurt Leta. I don’t care if you are the real daughter of the Larsens!” His voice was filled with a simmering anger that cut through the haze of my thoughts.
He won’t let me off the hook? Whatever. Let him come. Then, my head crashed heavily against the ground. I felt no pain, only a strange sense of relief washing over me. Finally, some peace and quiet.
