Chapter 4%
The slap came fast and hard. My father’s hand connected with my cheek. My skin burned, but I didn’t flinch.
“How dare you humiliate this family like that!” he roared. “Do you even comprehend what you’ve done?“}
“I know exactly what I’ve done,” I said, keeping my voice steady despite the sting in my cheek.
“Do you?” he bellowed. “Because of you, Mikael has pulled out of our deal. The contracts are falling apart. Our entire business is at risk!”
I straightened my shoulders. “You shouldn’t be dealing with Mikael in the first place. He’s fooling you, Dad. I was just trying to save us.”
His eyes narrowed. “You think you know everything, don’t you? Mikael has been nothing but loyal to this family. You have been in love with him ever since and wanted to marry him. He would’ve given you a stable life, secured our future. And you threw it away–for Rafael of all people! What did I do wrong for you to ruin our family like this?“}
I held my ground. “I know, Dad, and it has been my mistake to fall for Mikael when Mikael doesn’t care about this family or me. All he wants is control. He just wants our money so he can use for his mafia group. Can’t you see that?“}
His laugh was bitter, harsh. “Control? Don’t talk to me about control, Sofia. You’ve done enough damage already.” His voice lowered, “If you go through with this–if you marry Rafael–you’re no daughter of mine. You’ll be banished from this family.”
The words stung, but I didn’t let it show. “Dad, please, if you could believe in me. Mikael is not someone you know–he’s going to kill
Before I could finish, the door swung open, Sarah strode in, her eyes scanning the room with false concern.
“Sofia,” Sarah said, “what have you done? Mikael was so devastated? And Rafael? What did he do to you? Did he blackmail you? You hurt Mikael and you didn’t even tell me about this.”
You really need to rethink this.“}
I crossed my arms, glaring at her. “And why exactly should I?”
“Because Mikael is perfect for you,” she said, stepping closer. “He’s the right fit–for you and you were so in love with him. What happened-”
I turned to face her fully. “I was so in love with him. And you, aren’t you also so in love with him that you should be happy now?”
Her lips parted, “W–what…”
“Oh, don’t play a fool with me, Sarah! I had done enough with you and Mikael. You should be thrilled. After all, I didn’t accept Mikael’s proposal because of you.“>
Her eyes widened, feigning innocence. “What are you talking about?”
“You heard me. Mikael has been cheating on me–with you. Do you really think I was stupid?“}
The room fell into stunned silence. My father froze, his face pale with shock.@
“That’s ridiculous,” Sarah stammered. “You’re imagining things.“}
I laughed bitterly. “Am I? I overheard the two of you plotting. You think I don’t know? The plan was simple, wasn’t it? Marry me, take control of the estate, then get rid of me. That way, you two can be together. Am I wrong?“}
“Sofia!” my father shouted. “Enough! What are you saying?“}
I turned to him, my chest heaving. “No, it’s not enough! You want me to marry Mikael, a man who has lied to you, to all of us? A man who would betray his fiancée with her own best friend?“!
My father’s hand clutched at his chest, his face contorting with pain.
“Dad?” I said, my voice breaking as he stumbled backward.
His breathing grew shallow. “Dad!” I shouted, rushing to his side as he collapsed into a nearby chair.}
“Someone call for help!” I screamed, panic seizing me as his face turned ashen.
