Page 131 of Dr. Damaged Protector

“Fuck you too, James,” Mother spat out.

“You know…you two are the worst parents ever,” I said before getting to my feet. “But sometimes, I think about it and maybe in your own way, you aren't completely bad. You made your children be the best out of spite. You would scold us and teach us underhanded methods all for the sake of our own survival.”

Both of them remained quiet, but there was not an atom of remorse in their eyes.

“I lived my life, hating both of you. Although it was for her own selfish interest, Mom still helped me when I needed her. That's good motherhood in my books,” I added, “so thank you.”

“Stop triggering my maternal instincts. Shoo, shoo.” Mother looked away as she motioned for me to leave.

“Don't go praising that wench. What about me?” he asked. “Technically, I was the reason your lover came to Richmond.”

“As for you, Dad, I want to thank you for showing me the exact thing to do if I ever wanted to become a shitty father,” I responded. “I would like you to know that I would do the opposite of whatever you've done, except the good parts. In this case, I can't even count how many good parts there are.”

“Oh, piss off.” Father rolled his eyes. “Stupid bastard.”

I didn't say anything in response, so I left both of them.

****

As I drove to the hospital, my phone started to ring.

“Hello? Tabitha?” I answered.

“What exactly was the reason you needed Mom?” she asked.

“Olivia was kidnapped, and I had no one else to turn to,” I explained. “The situation seemed dangerous, so I called someone even more dangerous.”

“Your secretary? Is she okay now?” she asked.

“Yeah, she is. I forgot to tell you, but she and I are officially a couple,” I answered.

“In other words, my blackmail is now useless,” she said.

“Yes, something like that,” I replied. “Thanks for trying, though.”

“Don't flatter me, big brother,” she sighed. “How did you convince her?”

“I gave her every incriminating evidence I had against her and offered her the man she wanted to kill…who also happened to be the person who kidnapped Olivia,” I explained.

“Why are you telling me everything?” she asked. “Aren't we supposed to be cautious with each other?”

“I don't think so,” I answered. “I'm sorry for not being a good brother all these years. But I want you to know if you ever run into a problem, I will be there to help.”

“If you wanted to help, then maybe you should have held onto the evidence you had against Mom a little longer,” she scolded me, “but I'll take the offer. Thank you Lucas.”

“You're welcome, Tabby,” I said before hanging up.

I wanted to change, and I already started taking the steps necessary.

****

As I got to the hospital, I went straight to my office and settled down. I didn't have anything else to do, so I chose to wait for Olivia to arrive with my schedule for the day. I was still upset with her, and she knew it; but I had made up my mind to forgive her.

There was a knock on the door and she entered.

“Hey, handsome,” she greeted and wiggled her brows at me.

“Go away,” I said and looked away.

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