Chapter 3

The moment Priscilla got home the next day, my mom rushed over and asked, "Well? Did he confess his feelings?"

"Calm down. Samson's a steady man. He'll take care of his father's funeral first, that's for sure," my dad said from the side, trying to sound wise.

But almost immediately, he rubbed his hands together and blurted, "Did you spend the night together?"

Priscilla set her bag down before answering, "I didn't see him at all yesterday, but his assistants were really nice. They asked me a bunch of questions. And after that, I don't remember much."

She paused, trying hard to recall.

"Well, I wandered through a cold garden at the Carroll residence and ended up falling asleep on the patio. By the time I woke up, I was already in the car."

Then, something unreadable gleamed in her eyes. She continued, "Samson probably didn't want me getting too tired, so he had them send me home to rest. Don't worry. He'll definitely call."

My mom, however, grew anxious and started pacing. "You need to think harder. What exactly happened? Come on. Let's do a test."

The two of them chattered away in the bedroom for a while. When they finally came out, my mom nodded at my dad and smiled.

In an instant, his eyes lit up. "So it did happen? If she ends up pregnant, that would be perfect! Fiona, take her to the hospital for a test now!"

My mom grinned from ear to ear as she said, "Don't be silly! Even if she's pregnant, it's way too early to tell. We've got to wait a few more days."

"Oh, right! I'm so excited to the point I'm not thinking straight. Please, let her be pregnant."

With that, my dad rushed out to the yard and got down on his knees to pray. Meanwhile, Priscilla looked a little shy as she remarked, "Once I have his baby, I'll be Mrs. Carroll for real."

"Now that's what I call good news!" my mom declared.

Then, she turned to me with a glare. "What are you standing around for? Go make some eggs for your sister. She needs double the nutrients now!"

I didn't move an inch. Instead, I stared at this absurd family in disbelief. Upon seeing that, my dad stormed over and slapped me twice.

"Are you deaf? Go on!" he snapped.

Right then, Pricilla's phone chimed. She practically jumped to her feet and shot me a smug look. "It's a text from Samson."

My parents rushed over to look.

His message read, "You're not getting away. I'll come find you once my father's funeral is over."

Priscilla immediately switched to a syrupy voice and recorded a reply. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll wait for you."

A glow spread across her face after sending it.

"See? He's worried I'll disappear. I told you! He's more eager than I am!"

My mom clapped her hands hard. "It's a done deal! If you're carrying his child, it's locked in. Now, we just wait for him to come and ask for your hand."

"I knew it," she added. "With your looks and figure, how could he not fall for you? Look how fast it happened. He couldn't wait to sleep with you!"

My dad chimed in, "Exactly. He's in a rush to marry her. He's probably terrified she'll bolt."

While the two of them kept whispering gleefully, Priscilla stripped off her clothes, threw them at me, and ordered, "Wash these. Delilah Jensen, treat me well, and maybe you won't have to keep being the family maid."

Out of nowhere, my dad grabbed the ashtray and slammed it onto my head, sending ashes down my face.

"From now on, when Priscilla tells you to do something, you do it. Understood?"

I quietly picked up Priscilla's clothes, planning to take them for testing. Finally, I spoke. "Mom, Dad, I'm out of money. Can you lend me a little—"

Before I could finish, my dad barked, "You piss me off just by standing there. Get lost! I don't have a daughter like you. Don't come back here just to embarrass us."

"But when you bought this house, I lent you 200 thousand dollars. Can you pay me back?" I asked again.

My words hit a nerve. Without a second thought, my dad raised a hand and struck me hard across the back.

"You ungrateful brat! I've spent so much raising you all these years, and now you want to nickel-and-dime me? Don't expect a cent when your sister marries into money!"

Still, I didn't get angry. I simply rubbed my arm and said, "Then, let's settle it right now. Either give me back my money or cut me off from this family. Pick one."

I had barely finished speaking when a folder came flying at my face. Inside was a letter stating they were officially disowning me.

I was overjoyed. That same night, I cut ties with them for good and walked away, ignoring every insult they screamed behind me.