Page 145 of Until We Burn
Bàba glances up from his papers. He grins, all of him perking up in glee. “You’re remarkably resilient. You always have been no matter what challenges come your way. That’s why you’re my greatest pride.”
Shock pierces the denial I’ve been hiding under.
“So, you knew,” I push out. “Before I exposed the truth, there wassome part of you that suspected I had nothing to do with outing Gregory’s relationship?”
“Of course I did,” Bàba snorts. “You’re smart and gifted enough to get ahead without rousing up some petty scandal.”
He was testing me this whole time.
Bàba has done it before, but it’s never been on this scale. His tests are always a brief probe into our endurance and our skill. This, however? I was publicly disgraced and torn apart over something I didn’t even do.
“Then why did you put me through all of this if you knew I had nothing to do with it?” My voice cracks, as I struggle to keep my breath steady. “You could have believed me.”
Bàba drops his papers down and arches his brow. “And then what? Hm? Gregory and Jonathan would’ve been punished. You would’ve continued right as rain. What would that have served you?”
I flinch as he bangs his fist against the table.
“Look at you now! You clawed your way back up, using everything you had to take down those who tried to usurp you. You’ve becomestrongerthan you know.”
“Through being your experiment.”
For so long, winning bàba’s pride and his approval felt rewarding. Now, after seeing what he does to those he’s proud of, I’ve never been more terrified of winning his respect.
My words provoke that vicious, despotic side of him that makes him rise to his feet.
“These tests are important for molding who we are, Diana. Do you know what they used to think of people like us before the HMG started? They thought we were beneath them!” Bàba thunders. “I helped build this company to prove to the others that we are just as good, perhaps even better because we can withstand anything!”
I swallow hard, fighting to keep the tremor out of my voice.
“I know you want to be seen and respected, bàba. But this…” I shake my head. “This isn’t the way.”
“And you know the way?” Fury warps every inch of his face. “After everything, you’re still bold enough to challenge me?”
“No, I swear!”
“Don’t forget Imadeyou, Diana! Every single piece that people applaud and admire was shaped byme.Those awards lining your walls were because ofmeand whatI’vetaught you. You are sitting in the graduating class in one of the most esteemed universities in the country because of me. You would be nothing without what I’ve given you!”
My hand flexes in my lap, reaching for a coin that isn’t there. I just need something—anything—to hold onto that’s sturdier and stronger than what I feel inside.
“I-I’m…I’m sorry, bàba,” I whisper. “I won’t talk back to you again.”
Bàba recomposes himself. I try to stay still as he rounds the desk and approaches me, his shadow drowning out the light. My fingers dig into my dress. I steel myself for the impact, the blinding sting of his hand.
He kisses the top of my head.
I carefully unwind as bàba’s hands wrap around my face.
“No one accepts their mistakes better than you do. You’re my brilliant daughter and I’m proud of you.”
My breath unhitches. Relief unravels inside of me when bàba smiles and pats my cheek.
My head isdizzy with nausea as I numbly trudge towards the foyer to take my coat.
Mama hurries behind me. Her voice echoes across the marble floors. “You’re leaving already?”
I don’t bother turning around. “I have a long day tomorrow.”
The maids help me into my coat. The wool slumps over me, weighing heavier than it did before.
