Page 99 of Obsessed Heir

Hush now, sweet girl. You’re home, and everything’s going to be just fine.

She sat me down at the kitchen table, just her and me. After going without food for so long, I ate ravenously, grateful for every delicious bite.

Once my tummy was full, she had me take a hot shower then put me to bed in the room where I’d stayed before. Feeling safe for the first time in forever, I slept soundly.

And I never went hungry again.

I shake my head, pulling myself from the vivid memory.

Up until today, I’d worried about Dad, thinking something horrible must have happened to him. Wondering if he’d come for me, if he’d think to check Miss Opal’s house. I spent months expecting him to show up, demanding to take me home.

But now I know the truth—that he took money from Barron and Miss Opal then disappeared, abandoning me. The realization makes me curl my fingers into a fist, my nails biting into my palm as anger surges through me.

That’s why we’d been sent away before because he was trying to get money from Miss Opal. Although I was too young tounderstand what he did back then. Once I did, I was ashamed for him, for what he tried doing to such a kind, wonderful lady.

A sharp knock at the door drags me from my spiraling thoughts. I’m not sure how long I’ve been sitting here, staring blankly out at the passing shoreline, but I’m past the urge to throw up. Still, I’m not ready to face anyone.

“Please,” I call out in a hoarse voice, shaking my head, as if the person can see me. “I just want to be alone.”

“Abby?” Holly’s concerned voice filters into the room. “Is everything okay in there?”

Oh no. Holly.With a sinking sense of dread, I squeeze my eyes shut. I’m supposed to go down to the dining area tonight. She wants me to mingle with the guests for a couple of hours.

Clearing my throat, I call out again, trying to sound normal. “I’ll be right there.”

“All right,” she replies, hesitantly.

I run my knuckle under my eyes then push up from the bed. There’s no way to hide how much of a mess I am. I push a stray curl behind my ear as I reach the door.

“Holly,” I say, crossing my arms in front of me, “I’m not going to make it tonight.”

There’s a brief pause, but I know she’s not one to give up so easily. “What happened? Are you okay?”

Okay? I don’t know if I’ll ever be okay again. I take a deep, fortifying breath, knowing I have to keep my emotions under control.

“Yes, I’m fine,” I manage with a remarkably even tone.

“Open the door, Abby,” she says in that insistent way of hers.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes. “Um, can-can we do this another time?” I plead.

“Abby, open the door,” she says with determination, as if sheer willpower will get her what she wants. That’s probably why she and Barron get on so well.

Damn it.This will only lead to more questions and pushing if I refuse. I take a deep breath then turn the lock, opening the door.

She takes one look at me and exhales heavily.

“Whatdid he do now?” she asks with certainty.

An unexpected chuckle bursts out, along with some tears. I bring the folded tissues to my nose, shaking my head slowly.

“It’s nothing, really,” I mumble, my voice muffled by congestion as much as from the tissue.

“I highly doubt that.” Arching a brow, she presses her lips together into a flat line.

“Really, I’ll be okay.” I keep my tone as smooth and measured as possible. “I just need a little downtime.”

“Is there anything I can do?” she asks, seeming to accept that I’m not sharing details of what has me in tears.

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