Page 47 of Bittersweet Legacy

Archie’s head snapped up with surprise

The slap was as forceful as it was expected, I tried to keep my face blank as I could taste the blood in the back of my throat, the slap has been so hard I cut the inside of my cheek on my teeth.

“How did you even damage it?”

“I was very upset and rushed away from the party. Caleb is cheating on me, father.” I tried, maybe that could get me some sympathy points.

“Is he?”

I nodded. “I caught him in the act. I want to break the engagement.”

My father scoffed. “It’s not even official yet.” He turned to Archie. “Could you leave us?”

Archie stood up but hesitated for a minute, keeping his eyes on me.

“Is there anything else you need, Archibald?” my father asked threateningly.

Archie shook his head “No.” He threw me a last look before exiting the room.

“You were saying?”

I shrugged. “As you said our engagement is not official, nothing’s preventing us from breaking it. He cheated on me.”

“You will marry Caleb Astor, Esmeralda. Cheating is not a reason to break things off.”

“It is to me! You’re supposed to be my father, take my side.”

He raised his hand, and I flinched. This small gesture of fear made him smile, and it was enough for him to drop his hand back to his side. He enjoyed seeing the fear, sick bastard.

“Nobody is expecting him to be faithful to you. You’re here to carry his heir, to present nicely and keep the house in working order. You’re here to please him and be what he expects you to be. Do you understand me? Don't make me teach you this the hard way, Esmeralda. Just don’t.”

I looked at him with so much hate that I almost expected him to drop dead at my feet. I was going to run and never look back; I was going to bring him shame at being the runaway daughter and I would enjoy it.

“Yes father, please forgive my mistaken ways.”

He looked at me through narrow eyes. “I’m not sure if you mean that or not but you better be careful.”

I nodded, looking down. “You’re much too powerful for me. I can’t win against you. What’s the point of fighting?”

He sighed as if relieved. “Finally, this is probably one of the most intelligent things you’ve said since you came here. Do not even mention your wish to break this engagement, are we clear?”

I nodded.

“You’re dismissed”

Fuck you.I smiled and exited the room.

I was surprised to find Archie waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs. “Your cheek is red, maybe you should put some ice on it to stop it from bruising and swelling,” he said.

I sent him a scathing look and passed him without a word, I was done trying to connect, I was done pretending I didn’t mind.

“Why did you do it? What did you take the fault and the slap?” he insisted, following me up the stairs.

I shrugged. “It doesn't matter anymore, does it, brother? It seems I need to atone for the sins I didn’t know I’d committed. The sins of the fathers shall be visited upon the sons, right? In this case it’s mothers and daughters,” I replied as I stopped in front of my room.

Archie frowned down at me.

“Give it all you have, torture me as much as you want to. If it makes you feel better, I won’t fight it.”

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