Page 131 of The Dark Obsession

A woman who had two sons with the man I called dad before he discarded them like they meant nothing, moving on without looking back.

That’s how Tyson’s father found her. All alone with young boys, taking advantage of her vulnerability.

And Tyson blames my dad for her cruel fate. Rightfully so.

You’re the greatest gift life ever gave me, my little girl.

The words my father told me over and over since I was a baby, filling me with promises of love that made me bow down to my parent’s will, echo in my mind.

He never cared for my mother either. They barely had a relationship since he only dropped by to check up on me.Only stuck around for me.

An even worse realization starts dawning on me…

What if it was literarilymewho’s been his goal this whole time.

“When did he leave them?” I ask quietly, dreading the answer that would confirm my growing suspicion.

“Soon after Raffaele was born.”

My body stiffens, making Tyson pulls back to look at my mortified expression with concern.

“He wanted a daughter.” I croak, sounding numb. Feeling numb at what I discovered.

What kind of person leaves his family because the mother of his children keeps giving him male offspring.

Tyson’s jaw flexes and I see his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows.

“It would make sense. A daughter is the best bargaining chip.” He spits out, making me look up at him with furrowed brows.

“I grew up in those circles, Malory. Even if your father is just a businessman, an outsider essentially, he has built ties to the Bratva.” Tyson cradles my cheek in his large palm. “And arranged marriages close those deals.”

I feel like I’m going to throw up.

“When my mother didn’t give him a daughter to marry into the Camorra and get himself a seat at the table, he switched sides, trying again elsewhere.”

The controlling upbringing, the introductions to my father’s business partners, him being barely around only to stop by and see whether I’m doing well.

I have been groomed.

My whole life has been dictated, meticulously planned to mold me into a perfectly docile wife for offer.

“He’s deserving of your wrath, Tyson.” I lean into his strong, comforting body. Suddenly feeling much better about letting my father believe that the daughter he planned on selling is dead.

Tyson kisses the top of my head, breathing in my scent.

“I fucked with your life enough by bringing you here, Malory.” He shakes his head, the inner conflict tearing at his features. “I didn’t want to wreak you any further.”

Damn him when he says things like this, constantly blurring the line between right and wrong.

Tyson wanted to preserve my perception of my father a little longer despite his own hatred towards the man. How can I fault him for that?

What he did was wrong, but now I understand why he did it.

And here I thought the only reason for his deception was the territorial possessiveness threatening any male who comes close.

This is different though. Those are my brothers.

Ourbrothers.

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