The subtle implication hung in the air. You were immature when you left. Hopefully you’ve grown up.
“I learned quite a bit, actually.”
“I’m sure you did.” Victoria’s smile never wavered. “Your father missed you terribly, you know. There were so many nights he couldn’t sleep, worrying about you out there all alone.”
“If be was really worried,” I started, but swallowed the words back down. Arguing with her was pointless. If he was really worried, he wouldn’t have betrayed
Mum
“You were saying? Victoria’s tone sharpened with interest.
“Hothing important
Victoria moved closer, her expression shifting to one of wounded confusion. “Sable, I hope you don’t harbor any resentment toward our family. Your father married me so you’d have someone to take care of you Daisy has always wanted a big sister to look up to.”
Our family. The possessive pronoun made my skin crawl
“And we are family now, Victoria continued All of us together.
I stared at her Family Right
Im so glad you understand Family is everything, isn’t it?
Before I could respond the delivered the killing blow.
“Oh, speaking of family spares we redecorated your mother’s study It’s Daisy’s playroom now Victoria’s tone was casual, conversational the brstately hows all the natural light in there!
“What?”
Mam’s study. The sanctuary where she d spend quiet afternoons reading while I did homework at the small desk by the window
Victoria blinked “The study, dear We converted it for Daisy. Children need space to play, and that room was just… sitting there.”
Song there. Like Mom’s memory was just taking up space. Like her sanctuary didn’t matter anymore.
“How dare you My voice came out deadly quiet.
“Now, Bable-
How dare you touch her study!
Victoria stepped backward, one hand flying to her throat in apparent shock. “Sable, there’s no need to shout. I simply thought-
“You thought what? That you could erase her from this house completely?”
“Of course not? Victoria’s voice took on a hurt, martyred tone, I would never disrespect your mother’s memory. I simply believed she would want that space to bring joy to her family.”
The casual way she said her family-like Victoria belonged in that category-made my vision blur with rage.
“Sable, please-
You have no right to speak for her! You have no right to change her space!
“I was only trying to help. To make this house a home for all of us.”
‘This was already our home! My voice cracked on the words. ‘It was perfect before you-*
The front door opened with a heavy thud.
Dad walked through the entrance, still wearing his Alpha formal jacket from pack business. His silver hair was slightly mussed from the wind.
But when his gaze found me standing in the foyer, everything else fell away.
For a moment, neither of us moved.
“Sable.”
He took a step forward, arms lifting slightly like he wanted to embrace me. But then he noticed the tension crackling through the room. Victoria’s tear-filled eyes.
Dad’s expression shifted from joy to concern to something harder.
“What’s going on here?”
“Rodrigo, thank goodness you’re home.” Victoria’s voice trembled. “I’m afraid there’s been a misunderstanding.”
Dad’s gaze moved between us, taking in the obvious conflict. When he looked back at me, there was a new wariness in his amber eyes.
“Sable, what did you say to Victoria?”
The question hit like a slap. Not what happened?’ or ‘are you okay?’ but an immediate assumption that I was the problem.
“Hi Dad,” I said with mock brightness. “Good to see you too. How have you been? Oh wait-you didn’t ask me that, did you? You went straight to defending Victoria instead.”
Dad’s brow furrowed, and he stepped forward with his arms outstretched, wanting to embrace me.
I took a step back,
Dad’s arms froze mid-reach. He looked down at his outstretched hands, then slowly let them fall to his sides.
I’m fine,’ I said flatly. “No thanks to anyone in this house.”
‘Sable, you should have told us you were coming home today,” he said. “We could have prepared properly.”
The olive branch was small, but it was there. For a moment, I almost wanted to take it.
“I thought about surprising you,’ I said with a razor-sharp smile. “But it looks like you’ve been quite busy replacing everything Mom left behind.”
“Sable Crawford! Where is your manner? Dad shouted.
Victoria dabbed at her eyes with a tissue that seemed to appear from nowhere. I simply mentioned that we’d converted the space for Daisy. I thought… | hoped Sable would be happy that the room was being used for something positive.”
Dad’s expression darkened. Sable, Victoria has done nothing but care for this family while you were gone. She doesn’t deserve to be attacked the moment you walk through the door.”
Attacked. Like I was some feral animal lashing out without cause.
“And your attitude hasn’t improved at all, Dad continued, his tone growing colder. “Three years away, and you’re still the same spoiled and stubborn child.”
Each word felt like a knife between my ribs.
“Same as you. Three years and you still haven’t divorced her?”
Dad went silent, his face cycling through shock and anger. He turned away from me.
“Rodrigo, please.” Victoria placed a gentle hand on his arm. “She’s just had a long journey. Perhaps we should all take some time to adjust.”
Playing peacemaker now. How fucking convenient.
“You’re right, as always.” Dad’s voice softened when he addressed Victoria. “Why don’t you go upstairs while I talk to Sable?”
“Of course.”
Victoria paused beside me as she moved. Her voice dropped to a whisper meant only for my ears.
“I hope this little tantrum got whatever was bothering you out of your system.”
Then louder, for Dad’s benefit: “Welcome home, dear.”
Dad moved to the living room, settling onto the leather sofa with a heavy sigh.
“Daddy!” Daisy came running into the living room, her small arms outstretched. Dad’s entire demeanor transformed the moment he saw her. His face softened, the harsh lines of anger melting away as he opened his arms.
Daisy launched herself into his embrace, chattering excitedly. Dad listened with genuine interest, asking questions, stroking her hair with gentle fingers.
This was how a father should look at his child-with pure, uncomplicated love.
I watched, my chest tightening. Before Mom died, Dad used to look at me this way too. Then everything changed.
I’m the outsider here.
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