@katrixrose thank you for the book cover ❤️

When I finished narrating the story, Adams rubs his hands on my back in a comforting manner.

I'm sorry you've to go through that.
Did they try to reach out to you?

We're in it together, no need to apologise.

He smiled at my silliness as he continues to pat my back.

To answer your question, I don't think so. I mean, if they did they would've found me.

I searched everywhere for you but it was in vain.
I stopped searching for a while thinking probably what you needed was space but I didn't see your greenlight until you mistakenly called.

Adams, it wasn't a mistake. I called because I wanted to talk to you but I didn't expect you to pick it at that hour so I wasn't prepared.

So you've to plan to talk to me.
Is that how it is now?

Don't get me wrong, I just don't know what to expect. I don't know whether you are still mad at me or maybe you understood why I left.

So now that we're together, what do you think?

If only you're not so expressionless right now, maybe I'd have guessed.

"Don't give me that attitude" he warned.
You're the one that left not the other way round.

Yes, I left, and it kills me every day. But if I were to go back in time, I would have done the same thing.
What is the essence of staying in a place where you're not wanted?
What could I possibly gain in staying other than more pains and heartbreak?
Because of our parent failed love life, I didn't give love a chance in my own life.
I'm afraid of living such a miserable life forever and dragging innocent kids into my mess.
Each time I heard someone has a happy family, the only thoughts that come to my head is "it's all a facade" it rings in my head every moment and am about to go crazy all thanks to my miserable parent.
Why do I have to suffer for their mistake?
Leaving home is already a scar. So just imagine me staying back, I would have lost my freaking mind by now.
So don't talk to me like you can't relate to what I am saying.
If it is a stranger, maybe I'll understand but it's you and you know exactly what am talking about so don't you give me that look.

So in your defence, hearing dad's conversation with mom made it okay to run away right?
If anything Sarah, that was selfish of you.
You left without uttering a single word to anybody.
No one knew where you went or has any information about your disappearance for that matter.
You didn't even bring anything with you not even your cloth or phone leaving us with a big headache.
You thought the family was a failure when you were there, then you should have seen what happened after you left.
We were worried sick. Yes, we never support each other like a family was supposed to, but if not because of your foolishness in disguise of naive, then you should have known everyone was going through a lot of difficulties at that moment.
You can't give what you don't have Sarah so if anything, you're the selfish one.
I tried as much as possible to be there for you, stand by you and support you all your life but what did you do?
You run away when things get difficult.
I'm not trying to justify what dad did at your birthday party but thanks to your stupid action, Mom has been living in guilt ever since. Not that I care, but recently I heard she has been going to rehab because of depression.
Mom was never in a good health but she tried to maintain herself as well as keep the family together.
But what did you do?
You left and destroy all the work that sick woman is trying to amend.
And here you are, seeking pity for shattering the family completely,
I must confess, I'm disappointed in you Sarah.

Why did you bring me here then?
To lash out at me and tell me how stupid I am for shattering our already damaged family?
Adams, are you listening to yourself?
Dad shattered my dreams right in front of me!
He knew I never did drugs yet he allowed the cops to take me away in the rain.
I slept on the cold floor shivering while I got bullied by the stupid gang in the jail.
So what was I supposed to do?
Run into his arms and kiss him, while I thank him for spoiling my reputation?
I had to fly across the country to a place where no one knows my story, Adams before I begin to walk freely.
Back home, I was a laughing stock.
Whatever little respect they had for me vanished in an instant.
So tell me Adams if it were you, would you have stayed back?

Honestly, I never knew you're this stupid.
Dad did that to save The Hardin's Empire. If he had supported you that night, then he would have lost his biggest investor and at that time, the company is at its lowest point and he needed support.

So you're saying his company is more important than his daughter life?

Sarah are you that clueless or you're the selfish one?
If the investor left angrily that night, then The Hardin's Empire would have been among the companies that went bankrupt.
At the moment, he did what any businessman would do so he saved his company.

You knew this all along and you kept it a secret?

It was no secret Sarah, you're just too blinded by self-pity to see what the family was going through.
You think Robbins didn't Care about you but in reality, he was trying his best to save his family name and in the process, he lost himself while trying to protect our image.
And as for Ruby, half of the time she slept out, she was doing a night shift because everyone was aware of our situation other than you.
And yes, Ruby find you annoying not because she hated you but because of your childishness.

So now it's my fault for being so clueless when it's y'all who hide our family issue from me.

If you're as smart as you claim, then you would have known it's no secret but you're too busy dwelling in self-pity to realize what others are going through.
You know what, I'm done having this conversation with you.

He said and Walk towards the exit.
If you know you need a ride then you better follow me now, if not I'll assume you don't.

I have no other choice than to follow him to his car since am not familiar with the neighbourhood and I didn't come along with my car.

The drive back to my office was silent and no one bothered to break it.
I am more than pissed right now. How can he blame me, when he should try to see things from my perspective.
Where is the sweet Adams I considered as my best friend a few years ago?
Just five years and they've brainwashed him.

I didn't know how long it took us to get back to starlight because am too pissed to keep track on time.

He stopped right outside the company and I stepped out without a goodbye, while I ensure to slam his car door for him to know how fury I am.

I walked into the reception angrily And I saw a pissed Nick at the front desk, shouting profanities at Maddie while everyone else watches in silence.

I tried to walk my way to my office as quick as I can to avoid Nick's wrath but it was too late.

Sarah?

Yes sir

Where are you coming from?

Hmm... I took a short break earlier to attend to something important sir.

On whose permission?

E e m... actually, I w...
He cut me short before I could continue my long stutter.

Let this be the last time I'll ever hear you're not in your office at working hour. Am I clear?

Yes sir

Go get ready, we're having a meeting with the Hardin's Empire in thirty minutes.

I sighed inwardly at the mention of Hardin's Empire but then, I'll have to behave myself to avoid Nick's wrath.

I prepared all the necessary documents and we Left for the meeting.
This time, the meeting will hold at The Hardin's Empire and not some restaurant or wherever.
I tried to remain calm as I brief Nick on the necessary matter at hand.

When we arrived, The receptionist said Mr Hardin is already waiting for us and I assume it's Robbins.

We entered the executive lobby and I see some of our family pictures which includes myself.

We were greeted by Robbin's secretary I think and she directs us into the place Robbins was waiting.
To my surprise, Mr Hardin wasn't Robbins, it was no other than my dad.

Dad?

Okay, that one is a long and emotional chapter.
I thought Adams will continue to go easy on her, who would have known that he felt that way of his beloved sister.
And what is wrong with Nick why is he shouting at poor Maddie in front of everyone?
Now that Mr Hardin has seen Sarah, do you think things will be different now?
What will Nick do when he finds out who Sarah is and why she left her family?
Will he feel sorry for her or would he mind his business?
Do you think Nick likes Sarah or is he just trying to create a cordial relationship between them?

Well, we wouldn't know unless we continue reading right?

Thanks for reading 💖
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