Chapter 3: Baby Doll

“I can’t believe you!” I looked angrily at my mother. Her expression didn’t even change. It remained apathetic and it was annoying.

“What are you ranting about, Beverly? Can’t you see? Everyone already moved on! Why can’t you just do the same and accept the fact that things will never be the same anymore?” She said in a calm tone. My lips parted because I found it ridiculous.

Just how could she say that?

This woman standing in front of me was once my anchor, my supporter in almost everything. She was my first best friend before Hailee, I actually idolized her more than my Daddy. But now, I just… I just couldn’t see her as that woman anymore. For me, she became nothing but a selfish woman who neglected her husband to be with her other man. All I know is, it was never my father’s fault that our family got ruined. It’s hers.

“You know what? Fuck your decisions! They are nothing but bullshits to me!” I hissed. Her eyes widened a little bit.

“Will you stop being a brat? Or can you at least open your mind to understand me?” She stepped forward. I remained on my stand. She was becoming impatient due to the attitude I kept on showing to her but I didn’t care.

“Accept everything and then, what? You can finally live happily ever after with your man? But what about Dad?” My question sent scowl to her face. That’s how much she despises dad.

“Your father is a big scumbag. He has nothing to offer and he’ll remain that broke pathetic man who doesn’t deserve us.” She said without even blinking. My hands balled into fists on the sides of my skirt.

“That’s why you divorced him, right?” I hinted with so much sarcasm. She sighed.

“Everything that I do, every decision I make… they are all for your own good. I care for you more than-“ 

“No! It’s for your own good! Everything that you do and every decision you make, they’re just making my life a lot miserable!” I shouted. I told myself I would do my best not to raise a tone but she’s just triggering it. 

Whenever it comes to their failed marriage, I’m becoming too emotional and I really fucking hate it.

Mom smiled bitterly. “I love Trevor more than I loved your father. Everybody has their rights to choose who to love, Bev. Please, give him a chance. Why do you keep on making me an exception?” Her voice sounded so calm and soft. Damn that voice!

“Great!” I walked out. 

“Beverly! Come back here! I’m still talking to you!” She called me but I refused to look back.

I feel like I’m the villain again in her dream love story. Unwanted guilt rushed over me. One moment I was so mad at her then the next, I was blaming myself for shouting at my beloved mother. Just fuck it.

The moment I stepped out of our gate, my phone rang. When I looked at the caller, it was no other than my jackass boyfriend. Pissed off, I accepted it.

“Oh hi, Duke! It’s been a long time, huh? I’m surprised you still remember your girlfriend.” I said sarcastically.

“Come on, Bev. I’m sorry, okay? I was just busy.” He reasoned out. It almost made me laugh hysterically.

“Busy for what? For cheating on me?” I asked frankly. Silence filled his background for a second that I almost thought the line has suddenly ended.

“Bev, look. I don’t know how can you think of me like that but I’ve been truly busy these past days. I’m not cheating on you-“ I cut him off. I’m just so tired of his sickening lies! Damn those excuses! He can never make me believe and make a fool of myself again.

“Oh, please! Shut it, Duke. I'm sick of your fucking lies. Besides, I have a bigger problem than your cheating ass so, what-the-fucking-ever! Just don’t call me again, moron!” 

“Wait, Bev-“

“Go to hell!” Extremely pissed, I ended the line. Just when I realized my hot tears were already at the verge of falling from my eyes.

I loved Duke since we were freshmen. He said he loved me too, and I believed him. He was my first boyfriend, my first in everything. We were one of those inseparable couple. Until he began to change. He started making excuses to cover up his multiple affairs with girls. I didn’t believe any rumor until Hailee showed me some proofs and that was the end of my stupid lover girl era.

He must not tell me he’s busy doing projects because I have my sources everywhere in the agency. He can’t manipulate me ever again.

The very own reason why I entered modeling industry has now become my sign to quit and leave everything we used to do together.

A honk pulled me back to my senses. I harshly turned my head to its direction and a flashy sports car welcomed me. It was a gray Lamborghini but it wasn’t the reason why I was suddenly intimidated, rather it’s because of the person driving it.

“The fuck is wrong with you?” I confronted Atlas and walked closely to his shiny car.

He removed his shades and hanged it on his shirt before he left his seat to go and face me. There's a reasonable gap between us that’s why I was thankful enough.

“Are you done packing your things? Dad’s been waiting to see you both.” He said sternly. My forehead creased.

“Mom’s done with her things, I didn’t do mine and never plan to.” I gave him a challenging gaze. Let’s see, Cameron.

His eyebrows furrowed but I couldn’t see any annoyance from his expression which was the kind of reaction I badly wanted to get from him.

“You will live under the same roof with us whether you like it or not.” He said lazily like a conversation with me is something that bores him the most. 

“Live with you? No thanks!” I hissed in distaste. Atlas’ lips curved. Amusement danced in his turquoise pairs.

No matter what he does and what expression he makes, he’s just so undeniably handsome. My ego couldn’t even deny that.

“I don’t get it. You were so flirty and happy go lucky when we met at Pentagon-“ 

“Shut up! Why the hell you keep on bringing that up?! You’re such an asshole!” I was about to hit him with my phone but his hand was fast enough to caught my wrist.

I gasped when he pressed his body against mine, making my back lean on his car. He stared at my eyes deeply as if he was searching for every corner of my soul. The feeling in touched with his body was too intense, I’ve got to remember the same tension I’ve felt the first time we had this close contact. It was making my head light, the effect never failed to confuse and make me crave at the same time.

“You act like I’m your most hated person when we can both clearly remember how you moaned, gasped and screamed underneath me last night like my fucking sex-deprived slut.” He smirked devilishly. My eyes were wide, cheeks burning red. “Did I hit it, baby doll?” He said in a mocking voice.