Page 108 of Until I Have You

Then I look at Sonia.“I would think of all people to trust me and know that I’m smart and competent, it would be you, Sonia.”

She frowns.“I never said you–”

“You didn’t have to.You told on me.Like I’m still a child.”I chew on the inside of my lip.“You all still think I’m a child.”

Nate steps forward, holding out a hand to me.“That’s not true.”

I ignore his hand, taking a step back.“He doesn’t treat me like a child.He never has.”

Dad curses to himself and leans against the railing.

Sonia whispers something to him.

Their little married language that brings them so much closer to one another.That pushes that much further apart.

I take another step back.“I can be my whole self with him.And he sees it.Unlike the rest of you.I’m not just a daughter, and I’m not just a glorified babysitter or a little sister or the kid who lives at home or–” I take a big gulp of air.“I’m Abigail, and that’s everything to him.”

Jack comes toward me.“Abigail, let’s just sit and think this through.”

I avoid him, backing away further until I’m close to the open door.“I don’t want to.I’m done here, I think.”I grab the doorframe, tap my finger against it, and nod as I make an executive decision.“I’m going to leave.Now, actually.”

I turn and head back into the house, up the stairs to my room.

“No, you are not!”my father roars after me, feet clomping through the house.

Emma and Liam let out matching shrill cries, stunned awake by the noise.

“And you tell me you don’t treat me like a little girl,” I say with a sad laugh over my shoulder.

I duck into my room.I don’t need to pack.All I need are the essentials, purse, wallet, and phone.I just need to get back to New York.

Once I have my phone, I start arranging for a car.

Dad fills the doorway.“You are not leaving, Abigail, absolutely not.”

“Move out of the way, Dad.”I don’t look up from my phone.

“He took advantage of you, Abigail.”

I grit my teeth.“Get out of my way.”

Ride booked.

“He should never, ever have touched you.Ever.”

Gathering up all my courage, I go toe to toe with my dad.“This might surprise you, but I’m a grown fucking woman.I make my own choices.I don’t make them for you or your comfort, especially since when it mattered, you ignored mine.So, I’m going back to New York.Now.Because that’s whatIwant.”

Dad’s neck chords with effort as he tamps down whatever anger is brewing inside him.

“Let me through, please,” I say with a calmness that terrifies me.

For a moment, I’m not sure he’s going to let me.

But Dad musters up whatever strength he has remaining to regard my wishes.Thank god for that.

The second he’s out of my way, I bolt down the stairs and out of the house, away from my family, away from the people who don’t understand me, who don’t choose me.

I have to choose myself now.

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