Xo Novel
64
New York, Mia
The sun’s gentle morning rays streamed into the room, awakening me with their warmth. I rose from bed, determined to face the new day, although the events of the previous day continued to weigh on my mind.
After a refreshing shower and my daily skincare routine, I made my way to my closet to select an outfit for the day. Today was a day off from work; I needed some time to process and recover from the recent turmoil.
With my outfit decided, I moved on to doing my hair. The simple routine helped ground me and prepare for the day ahead. As I descended the stairs, the irresistible aroma of freshly made pancakes and waffles greeted me. My stomach couldn’t help but rumble in response.
Bella was in the kitchen, busy at the stove, flipping pancakes with expert precision. The delicious smells tantalized my senses, and I couldn’t help but express my delight. “Yum,” I exclaimed, relishing the mouthwatering scent.
I headed to the coffee maker to prepare my morning brew. The comforting gurgling of the coffee maker echoed in the kitchen as it worked its magic. Bella’s question broke through my thoughts.
“Did you have a good sleep?” she inquired, concern evident in her eyes.
I nodded, still somewhat preoccupied with the events of the previous day. “It was good,” I replied, though not as sound as some other nights. The strain of recent revelations still lingered in my mind.
“You’re not going to work today, right?” Bella asked, glancing over at me as she flipped a pancake.
I shook my head and leaned against the counter. “No, I think it’s best if I take the day off,” I admitted. I needed some space and time to absorb everything that had happened.
Bella seemed to understand the need for a break. “Good,” she said, focusing on her pancake flipping. “The paparazzi will definitely be on your case. It’s better to lay low for a while.”
My coffee was finally ready, and I poured us each a cup. Bella, now finished with the pancakes, brought them over to the table. I took our plates, set them down, and we began to serve ourselves. The stack of fluffy pancakes and crispy waffles was the kind of comfort food that we both needed.
As we began to eat, the taste of Bella’s homemade breakfast filled my senses. The sweetness of maple syrup and the warm, buttery notes of the pancakes offered a moment of serenity amid the chaos that had recently gripped our lives.
While Bella and I were savoring our meal, the atmosphere was pleasant, and the kitchen cozy ambiance enveloped us. However, our peaceful moment was abruptly interrupted by the sudden, jarring ring of my phone. Glancing at the screen, I noticed “No Caller ID” flashing ominously. I couldn’t help but furrow my brows in confusion.
I showed Bella the screen, her eyebrows mirroring my concern. “Should I pick it up?” I hesitated, seeking her advice. She responded with a nonchalant shrug, leaving the decision entirely up to me.
My curiosity gnawed at me. Who on earth would call without revealing their caller ID? It was an unsettling mystery, and I debated whether to answer. After a moment’s contemplation, I decided to go ahead and pick up the call, my curiosity outweighing my apprehension. “Hello,” I answered, my voice tinged with uncertainty.
The voice that greeted me on the other end was all too familiar, and my heart plummeted as I recognized it to be my father’s. “You little whore!” His words sliced through the air, laden with anger and disdain. “You put Campbell in jail!” The accusation hung heavy in the line.This is from NôvelDrama.Org.
A shiver ran down my spine. I hadn’t expected this venomous reaction from my own father. Struggling to maintain my composure, I tried to explain, “He harassed me, Father.” It was hard to believe he would side with Gavin, given everything that had happened.
My father’s response was a torrent of rage. “You cheated on him, you whore! You’re carrying another man’s child! You divorced Gavin and still think you’re better?! And now you’ve put him in jail! Wasn’t breaking his heart bad enough?” His words were like a cascade of cruelty, each sentence more cutting than the last.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened to his tirade. “You are such a worthless piece of shit!” He continued, his voice escalating to a deafening crescendo. “If I see you… I will kill you!!” With that ominous threat, he abruptly ended the call, leaving me trembling and distraught.
My head spun, and my heart raced in my chest. The intensity of my father’s anger was overwhelming, and I couldn’t believe that he had taken Gavin’s side after everything that had transpired. It was a betrayal that cut deeply, leaving me feeling isolated and vulnerable.
Bella, who had been a silent witness to the entire conversation, rushed to my side and took my hand in hers. Her touch was a comforting anchor in the midst of this storm. “Hey, Mia… don’t listen to him. He’s just talking, alright?” She whispered, her voice soothing.
I closed my eyes, trying to regain my composure. My mind was filled with a whirlwind of emotions, and I couldn’t help but wonder what I had done to deserve such a bully for a father. The tears I had been holding back began to flow, and I let Bella’s support wash over me.
I couldn’t believe the depth of animosity that had developed between my father and me. It was a bitterness that had festered for years, gradually eroding what little connection we once had. The very idea of a father’s love seemed like an elusive dream, a concept I had never truly known.
My father had transformed from a parental figure, a source of protection and guidance, into my biggest adversary. I couldn’t fathom how it had come to this, how a familial bond had fractured to such an extent. It was as if we were on opposing sides of an irreparable divide.
The mere thought of him filled me with dread, and I would flinch at the sound of his voice or the prospect of another heated exchange. It was a continuous battle, one that had become a part of my everyday life. No matter how many times I replayed our conversations and encounters, I couldn’t comprehend how things had deteriorated to this point.
The most bewildering aspect of it all was that, in my mind, I was the victim. Gavin, my ex-husband, had put me through a tumultuous relationship, filled with betrayal, emotional abuse, and heartache. It was the kind of relationship that left scars, not only on my heart but on my very identity.
Yet, against all reason, my father had chosen to side with Gavin. He had ignored my suffering, the tears I had shed, and the emotional turmoil I had endured. Instead, he had embraced Gavin, treating him as if he were the wronged party. It was a harsh and inexplicable betrayal, one that had left me feeling isolated and betrayed in my own family.
Rubbing my tummy gently, I sought solace in the presence of my unborn child. At least my baby would never have to experience this twisted dynamic. My child would grow up in an environment filled with love, warmth, and understanding, far removed from the hostility that had taken root in my relationship with my father.
As I contemplated the future, I made a solemn vow to myself. I would never be anything like my father. I would break the cycle of animosity, ensuring that my child knew love, support, and acceptance. I wanted to be the parent I had never had, one who provided unwavering care and a safe haven in a world that could often be harsh and unforgiving.