Page 161 of The Loathing

“They’ll survive without me, it’s time I take my life into my own hands and do what I want. I need to spread my wings and find my freedom,” I shrug and Titus laughs, embracing me on the busy pavement as he kisses me.

We’ve not been home long when my father seeks us out in the library. I was lost in a book and Titus was on his phone trying to rebook his flight after he missed it.

None of his friends know we got married.

None of his friends know that I am pregnant, and anxiety cripples me at them finding out.

“Amora can you and Titty join us in the dining room for dinner?” he asks softly as he leans up against the door frame. My eyes float to Titus who gives me a soft nod. I haven’t spoken to my father once since he walked me down the aisle but I know we have to talk at some point so he can tell me what the fuck had happened over the last few weeks.

“Okay,” I stand, holding my hand out for Titus to take and a rush of love explodes through me as he links his fingers through mine.

“Fucking hell,” my father grunts under his breath and I can’t help the giggle that escapes me.

Nerves rattle inside of me when I walk into the dining room and see my mother, Xander, Ezekiel and Betty all sitting there. I’m not mad at Betty. I could never be mad at her. I give her a small smile as I take my seat next to her and her frail hand lifts and cups over the top of mine when I rest it on the table.

“I missed you,” she just about manages, and I can see the tears dancing in her eyes.

“I missed you too.”

“Did you miss me?” my father asks as he takes his seat at the head of table.

“No,” I turn to face him and smile, Titus shuffles next to me and I see his shoulders move as he laughs quietly.

“Charming.”

“We’re glad you’re back,” Xander pipes up and I can see the guilt masking his face and my heart constricts in my chest.

I throw my brothers a tight smile. I wasn’t quite ready to forgive Xander yet. Ezekiel I was never mad at. I honestly think he was in the dark, much like me.

My mother’s eyes are glued to me, and I give her a soft nod.

“I think there are a few things that need to be addressed,” my father clears his throat.

“Do you?” my mother snaps at my father and I roll my lips.

“Royal, please…” my father drops his head, closing his eyes.

“What?” she acts confused.

“I fucked up, I know. I’ve apologised…” he pauses, looking round the room, “god knows I’ve apologised,” he growls, and I look down into my lap.

Titus’ hand sneaks into my lap and rests on my thigh.

“Words mean nothing, you’ve got to prove it which you still haven’t,” she shakes her head from side to side and reaches for her red wine and shakes her head from side to side.

“Red…” my father’s jaw tightens, and his fists clutch at the white table sheet.

“Temper temper,” she tuts in disgust, and I don’t miss the way her lip slightly curls at the corner of her mouth. She’s playing him.

“Right,” his voice booms as he claps his hands together loudly. “All shut the fuck up and let me explain.”

Xander puffs his cheeks out and Ezekiel just sits and listens, his eyes fixed on my father. Titus’ grip tightens on my thigh, and I let out a deep exhale.

“Do you all really think I would have just given Amora, my daughter, my baby girl away to that fuck wit?”

“Well... you did,” Ezekiel pipes up and my dad shoots him a death stare.

“Not out of choice!” he pushes his hand through his hair in frustration.

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