Chapter 3

Their planned conversation when she returned home did not happen because there was an emergency at Julian's office. Because of this, Kya had the opportunity to talk extensively with her parents while they were having dinner.

“Telling you I told you so won’t do anything. You rushed into a decision and didn’t want to listen to your mom and me,” Patrick said coldly while speaking to her.

“I know, and I’m sorry. I made a mistake.”

“It’s good that you know you made a mistake, Kya. Has your divorce been finalized?”

“I’m not sure, but I signed it.”

“I’ll have someone check. Don’t worry about it.” Patrick cleared his throat while his wife Rose remained silent beside him. “Did they treat you well?”

She hesitated to tell her father the truth about her life with the Henry’s. If at home she had no chores, at the Henry’s house she did laundry by hand because there was no washing machine. There was also no dryer, so she hung everything out to dry. She washed the dishes manually because there was no dishwasher either. There was no maid or cook to clean the house or prepare their meals. She did all of them because Sebastian said Cecilia was old and sickly, even though she always just sat and watched TV. The woman didn't have shortness of breath or showed any signs of distress. 

“It’s not what I expected, but I survived.”

That was the most decent answer she could give her father. It would be awkward to list everything she had done. Her parents would be horrified if they heard about it.

“What are your plans now?” her mom asked.

“I plan to go back to work. If my position at the company is still open, that is.” She drank some water and waited for her parents to respond.

“You are the best at what you do, Kya. I have no doubt you can pick up where you left off. But because of what happened and your sudden departure, we have conditions for you. You can’t just drop everything just because you fell in love with some random guy you just met.” There was a tone of disdain in her father’s voice.

“What are the conditions?”

“Marry Julian and give us a grandchild.”

She didn’t know whether to stand up or stay seated. How could her parents expect her to just marry Julian after everything she went through with Sebastian?

But they didn’t know what had happened, so what was she expecting?

“When?”

Her father raised an eyebrow, and she could see his surprise, even though he was trying not to show it. He probably thought she would protest like she did two years ago.

“A month from now. Or we can have a civil wedding in a week.”

“Hmm. And just out of curiosity, if I don’t do what I’m told—what are the consequences?”

This time, it was her mother who replied. 

Rose said, “Should you deny our request, all your inheritance, including your shares in the company, will be given to charities effective immediately. You will no longer be a part of this family. Any connections you have will be dissolved. Whatever money you have in your personal account is yours. However, should you apply for a job in another company or borrow capital from the bank to build your own business, it will be denied.”

“But—”

It was too much of a punishment. Just because she didn’t want to marry Julian, her parents would make her life hell. How could her own mother say that to her?

“We did it your way, Kya. Even though we were upset with your decision, we accepted it. I’m your mother. I feel your pain even if I don’t see what’s happening to you everyday. There hasn’t been a night that I didn’t think of you. I worried about your situation and whether you had heavy burdens to bear. Your dad and I pampered you too much to the point that you grew horns and defied us. But still, it was your decision to be with that man, and we respected it. You were old enough to decide for yourself, so we didn’t stop you. It was hell not seeing you or being able to talk to you for the last two years, but we hoped your decision was the right one. Seeing you here now—” Rose shook her head. “I’m not going to ask tonight why you divorced him, but I will eventually know that your separation wasn’t amicable. That man didn’t even have the decency to face us and bring you back.”

“You were right, and I was wrong all along. I’m sorry for everything.”

Her parents fell silent. It was either she marry Julian or lose everything. It didn’t sound so bad at first because she could start over if that was what was needed. Even if she had no connections with banks or no one would hire her at another company. She was Kya Byrn—beautiful, intelligent, resourceful, and street-smart. There was nothing she couldn’t do as long as she focused on what is in front of her. But if she was going to be disowned by her parents, she would only add to their pain. She caused them so much misery with her stubborness. Kya missed her family so much. Moreover, when she heard in her mind the insults thrown at her by Sebastian, as well as Cecilia and Maya, it felt like her chest would explode with anger toward them. 

She needed to plan her revenge carefully and Kya needs the status and wealth to do that.

“I’ll marry Julian whenever you want. Just say when.”

Her parents looked relieved upon hearing what she said. Their dinner went smoothly, and even though it would take time to mend the gap she had created, she knew their relationship was on the road to recovery.

The next evening...

There were six of them in the library now. Julian’s parents, Joseph and Sofia, were there.

“Kya has agreed to the wedding, and it will take place next week.”

“Next week? But we don’t have enough time to prepare,” Sofia said.

“Don’t worry. It’s just a civil wedding so the kids can move in together and start their family,” Rose replied with a smile.

Sofia smiled back. “Sounds lovely. Then we’ll plan for the grand wedding three months from now. That should be enough. What do you think, Kya?”

Kya returned her smile. “Perfect timing, Mama.”

Sofia blushed when she heard how Kya addressed her, while Julian looked amused.