Chapter 4

I stared at my mother shock and confusion etched on my face as different thoughts swirled in my mind. There were too many things I didn't know about, too many questions I needed answers to. What does my mom mean? How did dad threaten her?

I ran my hand through my hair in frustration. "What do you mean by that, Mom? How did Dad threaten you?" I asked voicing out my thoughts.

My mom bit her lips averting her gaze she didn't want to look at me and I did not know why but she looked scared.

"Answer me, Mom," I said my voice coming out in a cracked whisper.

"Your father told me that if I can't get you to come back and agree to the arranged marriage that he will have no need for me again and I don't need to go back to that house" my mom replied still not looking at me.

"I'm really sorry Jeremy, I know this request sounds selfish but I really don't know what to do I have no place to go and if your father kicks me out my family would not accept me back your father only gave me two weeks to bring you back " my mother continued.

I stared at her in disbelief, "So the only reason you even reached out to me was because of my father's threat? What kind of a mother are you?

All these years you never contacted me but yet here you are just because of a threat from my father you're really insane mom don't even think I'm going back to that house my life is fine just the way it is " I yelled feeling betrayed.

My mother started laughing but it wasn't the type that made me feel warm, It was low and brief similar to a chuckle, and hearing it made me feel uneasy

"What made you think that your father would leave you alone just because you asked? If he kicked you out you should know that he could easily ruin your life without feeling anything. If you refuse to go back with me Jeremy your father is going to make sure you get fired and that no other place will agree to hire you "

I stared at my mother in disbelief not expecting that she would say something like that to me but that didn't bother me I could always make money by selling my paintings if I did it once I could do it again "Sure, mom. Let him know that I don’t care about that. There are always other ways to earn money other than working under people."

My mother’s lips tightened, her eyes narrowing the way they always did when I tested her patience. "You think your father did not do his research before sending me he knows that you sell paintings and he's also aware of that account you created before you were kicked out " my mom said a smirk appearing on her face.

"also that your coworker Mira" She continued. "You know her mom receives treatment as one of the charity patients in that hospital that your father sponsors if you refuse to come home he's going to have her kicked out and also makes sure that Mira will never get hired anywhere.

Those words were like a slap to my face. I clenched my fists tightly, my nails digging into my palm, but I ignored the pain. I wasn't bothered by whatever happened to me but I couldn't drag an innocent person into this.

Memories flooded my mind. I thought back to the time I had spent with Mira. We had met four years ago when I applied for a position at that cafe. Mira was already working there. She had taught me how to make coffee and even bake, and she was really kind to me. Mira was five years older than me, and she had taken care of me like her younger brother. She had a daughter, whose name was Lily. She told me that she named her daughter after her favorite flower. Lily is currently ten years old, and she has never known her father.

Mira had gotten pregnant when she was still a teen, and the person who got her pregnant was her boyfriend, who was a year older than her. Back then, they were in the same class and had dated for a while, but after he found out she was pregnant, he disappeared and Mira raised Lily herself.

Mira had worked hard to take care of her daughter with the help of her mother but a year ago Mira's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer which had cost her a lot of money until, thankfully, she managed to secure her mother’s place as a charity case, ensuring free medical care".

I honestly couldn't bear to...

"Jeremy!" My mother's sharp voice brought me out of my thoughts I looked at her she wore a smug smile on her face

"Are you done thinking things through? She asked the smile still on her face.

I started at mom not believing that she was the same person who gave birth to me, the one who had read me bedtime stories when I was little, held me when I had nightmares, and cradled me when I got hurt. Could it be that six years apart can change a person so much or was she always like this? From someone kind and caring to someone so evil and manipulative.

I strode towards the door leading out of my apartment opening it then turned back to look at her. My mom was already looking at me her head tilted a little to the right with a raised eyebrow. "What are you doing Jeremy?" she asked sounding curious.

"I need you to leave. Right now" I answer her question my voice sounding low and defeated.

She let out a low and brief chuckle "you're kicking me out Jeremy?" My mom asked her voice laced with amusement, like she couldn't believe what I had just said.

I looked at her, my face emotionless "I believe you heard me right, get out" I replied while pointing outside the door.

For a moment, she just stood there staring at me like she was waiting for me to take back my words but I remained by the door my hand trembling beside me.

She eventually picked up her purse which was on the couch and walked out the door the sound of her heels clicking on the tiles echoed through the distance.

I slammed the door and my legs gave way beneath me, I slid down the wall beside the door until I hit the ground. I brought my knees up to my chest and weaved my hands through my hair tugging tightly at its roots.

I ignored the pain that action brought to me. It didn't hurt as much as my parents words have hurt me. I honestly don't understand why they treated me the way they did.

I wasn't kicked out because I was gay and now that they have found a way to make money out of me they are forcing me to come back and if I refused they were going to harm an innocent person. I couldn't bear to let that happen especially after how nice Mira has been to me. I just couldn't.