Page 43 of The Stranger
I see the first tear leak from her eye as she bows her head, so I gently place my finger under her chin and lift her face to meet mine. The pad of my thumb skims across her cheek.
“I know what it feels like to be belittled and pushed aside your entire life … my father is a horrible man, and his poor behaviour towards not only me, but my mother affected me a lot growing up. When I took over his company, I didn’t see it as revenge … to me, it was a chance to balance the power, to undo all the wrongs that were committed against me. To show him, despite what he believed, that I was worthy. And I am … so are you. I will not claim it was easy in the beginning, but it took a lot of courage to take a stance, to stand up for myself, and in the end, I came out so much stronger for it. For the first time in a long time, I felt free from all the burdens that had weighed me down growing up.” When a few more tears cascade down her face, I gather her in my arms and hold her tight. “You deserve so much more than what you’ve been given, Delilah.”
“I’m sorry for everything he did to you,” she says, sniffling.
“Don’t be. It made me the man I am today. It taught me to stop judging myself by the actions of others. Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It simplymeans the harm that was inflicted on you no longer defines or controls your life.”
A small smile tugs at the corners of her lips. “I guess what they say is true … with age comes wisdom.”
“I’m only ten years older than you,” I grumble.
This time she lets out a small laugh, and it’s like music to my ears.
Her phone hasn’t stopped pinging since she entered my office, so I hold out my hand. “Give me that.”
“Why?”
“I’ll deal with it.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to block him so he can no longer contact you.”
I’m expecting some resistance, so I’m surprised when she hands her phone over without another word.
I move back behind my desk and take a seat before opening the thread of messages. I want to see what I’m dealing with here. I use the tip of my finger to scroll to the first message she received today.
Kayne: I can’t believe you would stoop so low. What has my family ever done to you? My father gave you a job, and this is how you repay him? Your true colours are showing now Li.
Delilah: I don’t know what you’re talking about, so please leave me alone.
Kayne: Fuck you, Delilah. My father got your cease-and-desist letter from your lawyer. Maybe your sister has been right all along.
Delilah: I don’t care what you or my sister think of me. As far as I’m concerned, you can both go to hell.
Kayne: She said this sweet act you put on is just that … an act. That deep down, you’re a manipulative cunt. I think she may be right.
Delilah: It sounds like she was describing herself. Good luck with that one. I think you’re going to need it!
I can’t hold back the chuckle when I read her last response. She hit the nail right on the head.
My eyes continue down the page to see Abigail’s name added to the thread. Did the two of them plan to gang up on her?
Abigail: Kayne told me what you did to his dad. You’re such a nasty bitch!
Delilah’s response is gold.
Delilah: Eat a dick, Abigail!!!!
Abigail: I might just do that … Kayne loves it when I take him down my throat. He said your inexperience was a turnoff. Isn’t that right, babe?
Wow, her sister is a real piece of work.
Kayne: No contest there. Abs is a way better lay than you ever were.
And that message wipes the smile right off my face. Someone needs to teach this fucker some manners.
Abigail: Aww. Thanks babe.
