knock knock!

Abigail's POV

***

My fury was beyond words, and all I could do was clench my jaw and bite back the urge to rip into the witch's neck. I knew that violence wouldn't solve anything, but it was hard to keep my emotions in check.

Though I would have preferred to look away but i forced myself to turn and face her. I caught sight of the tray in her hands, trying to ignore the smell of fresh, warm food.

"Ah, it's wonderful to see your daughter here, isn't it? I'm glad we've moved past our differences. It was quite a difficult time, but we've come out stronger." She flashed a feigned surprise and approached me with an angelic smile.

Her smile was so sickeningly sweet, it made me want to gag.

Despite the cheerful expression on her face, I could see the malice and hatred behind her eyes. It was clear that she despised us, and we felt the same way about her. The act she was putting on was so transparent, it was almost laughable.

This woman, with her saccharine smile and forced kindness, was the same person who had schemed to destroy my life five years ago. She hadn't changed a bit, and I knew that she would never stop trying to bring me down. No matter how much time passed or how different our circumstances became, her hatred for me remained unchanged.

I chose to stay silent, not wanting to give the woman the satisfaction of seeing me riled up. I turned my attention back to my father, "Goodbye dad, I will always love you." I leaned in close, gently pressing my lips to my father's cheek.

My father didn't respond but his eyes said it all, that was all the validation I needed.

Clutching my purse tightly, I strode past my stepmother, shooting her a cold stare before leaving the room.

***

I raised my hand and waved down a taxi, opening the door and sliding inside. As the car pulled away from the curb, I gave the driver directions to Allen Garden, where my friend Joyce lived. I leaned back and closed my eyes.

The drive was over all too soon, and the car pulled up to the wrought iron gates of the estate. I took a moment to collect myself before stepping out of the car.

I handed the driver his fare, along with a generous tip, and he smiled at me in thanks.

Knock knock!

Joyce teased, "Wow, you sure took your sweet time getting back from the airport! We were practically holding our breath waiting for your return."

I chuckled softly and proceeded to make my way indoors.

"Mummy mummy, you are back!"

Audrey's excitement bubbled over as he hurriedly made his way towards me, his arms outstretched in anticipation of a heartfelt hug.

With a soft chuckle escaping my lips, I couldn't resist teasingly remarking, "Well, how could I possibly decline the embrace of an angelic being such as yourself?"

After our embrace, he turned and shuffled back to the couch, never taking his eyes off the television. It was clear that he was engrossed in the program, and I was happy to let him enjoy it.

"Did you find your purse?"

"Oh yes! Here it is" I brought it closer for her to see.

"Hmmm "

She was scrutinizing me with such intensity that could make me wish for the ground to swallow me.

"You lied, didn't you?" she blurted out, causing me to bow my head, avoiding her gaze in embarrassment.

"I...i" I stammered and could not find the right words to say.

Joyce was my closest friend, and the guilt of deceiving her weighed heavily on me. I couldn't bear the thought of lying to her again.

"I met him," I said, looking up to finally meet her burning gaze.

"Who?" she inquired, raising her eyebrows with a touch of curiosity.

Breathing down deeply, I whispered, "My father "

Joyce placed her hands on my shoulders, as if offering comfort, and uttered, "After all he did."

In a fit of anger, I retorted, "It wasn't him, it was them," before quickly realizing my mistake and regretting my sharp tone.

"I deeply regret deceiving you; it wasn't my intention. But my father is innocent and loves me as much as I love him."

She looked at me with a mix of compassion and concern. I guessed she knew that I was struggling with my emotions, and didn't want to push me to talk if I wasn't ready.

"It's okay. You can stay as long as you want, I don't mind."

I nodded my head, "no no, I don't want to be a burden."

Joyce stood up and made her way to the dining area, her footsteps echoing in the quiet room. I followed close behind, my steps uncertain.

"You can never be a burden"

I finally heard her say after a minute of silence.

"I found an apartment online, and we're moving in tomorrow. You've already done so much for me, please." My lips curved into a bittersweet smile.

Joyce gestured for me to take a seat on the table, and I complied.

The tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked spaghetti and meatballs enveloped me, instantly igniting my senses. Even the savory scent wafted through the air and swirled around me like a comforting embrace. My mouth watered involuntarily.

"This is yummy" I said with a mouthful of spaghetti in my mouth, and she smiled warmly.

"You know I'm a good cook."

As she boasted, I couldn't help but shake my head. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, I suddenly remembered something, but she beat me to it, speaking before I could utter a word.

"Don't worry, he's already eaten."

"Oh," I muttered quietly, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.

After dinner, I showered and retired to a spare room for the night.

Audrey lay sleeping beside me, his eyelashes gently resting on his closed eyes.

"Goodnight, love," I whispered, planting a tender kiss on his adorable little face before making my way over to the computer.