by Beck, J. L.
Turning to face him I bare my teeth. How dare he!
“Ashton is not and never will be a disappointment,” I speak through my teeth finally having reached my limit with his bullshit. You are the fuck up, I add in my head.
He takes a deafening step towards me, and I try not to react to the closeness, he is after all my father. I shouldn’t be afraid of him, but I’m not that naive. He’s not only rich, but also powerful, even without all the friends he lost over the last two year. If I get in his way, he’ll squish me like a bug, daughter or not.
“Your sister cost me everything. She is more than a disappointment, and if you don’t fall into line with how I want things to be, then I’ll have no reason to keep supporting Ashton. I’m doing this for you, and only you.”
Tears sting my eyes, threatening to spill over. “She’s your daughter too,” I croak. How can he be so heartless towards his own child?
Darkness glitters his eyes, there is no remorse, not a single shred of humility there. If I didn’t know it before, I am certain now that my father is nothing more than a heartless monster.
“She’s nothing, and you will be nothing if you don’t learn to follow my orders. Do as you’re told, Willow. Don’t ask questions. Obey me, and you and your disappointment of a sister will be just fine.”
Swallowing around the lump of fear that’s lodged in my throat, I nod. There isn’t any point in speaking anyway. Not to him, not to a person who doesn't care about anything besides himself. I was so naive to think that by coming here I would be safe. I should have known that his corruption and power would be able to reach me anywhere… I should’ve known better.
“Make a mockery out of me a second time and I’ll make sure you never see or hear from your sister again.” He turns, letting the threat linger in the air between us as I stand there. I’m in a sea of people, but couldn’t feel any more alone.