TRINA POV

"You wouldn't have turned my father against us if you had any manners," I yelled, abruptly getting to my feet.

Dad didn't treat me like his daughter for years.

Instead, he gazed at me as if I were a stranger.

I turned to him for assistance when I was younger because my mother was unable to cover my tuition. However, he rejected me.

Knowing that Annabelle, who isn't even his biological daughter, got to live a comfortable life made the pain even worse.

I've cut him off as much as he did me.

Long ago, he ceased to be my father.

How can she speak to me in such a manner, Renato? Clarissa sobbed.

Dad leapt to his feet. "Be courteous to my wife now! He slapped me hard across the cheek and thundered.

I fell to the ground because it was so abrupt.

Uncle Winston yelled, "This can't happen, Renato," and hurried over to join me.

"You have no right to touch my daughter. Mum! shouted.

Annabelle laughed and sneered, "She deserved it."

I was blinded by anger.

I lost control, snatched up some plates, and hurled them at Renato, Clarissa, and Annabelle—but not at Dad.

Renato gave me a dagger-like glare, and I smiled as their clothes became discoloured.

Uncle Winston stopped Renato before he could hit me again. "You little—"

"Enough!"

"What a terrible daughter you are. What sort of daughter would assault her father? Clarissa shouted.

Mum and Elvira drew me to their side.

"You initiated this. Is it not possible for you to survive the night without creating any trouble? Mum questioned Clarissa.

Renato spat out, "I can't believe I have a daughter like you."

I silently rolled my eyes.

I also find it hard to believe that he's my father.

Given how filthy Renato and his family currently appeared, I was pleased.

But when I saw Darius still sitting there, taking in the entire drama, my heart fell.

I hoped he wasn't present.

I hoped he wouldn't have to witness my family's dysfunction.

I whispered to Mum, embarrassed, "I...I have to go."

I rushed out of the hall without waiting for an answer.

I crossed my arms in an attempt to stay warm as the chilly wind outside hit me.

I started walking in the hopes of catching a cab as it passed, but I wasn't lucky.

Tears threatened to fall from my burning cheek.

I blinked quickly while trying not to cry.

I have no regrets about what I did tonight.

Renato's family won't intimidate me.

Although I'm pleased that I put them in their proper place, I still feel a sense of sadness.

I wish things were different in my family.

I wish I had a different life.

Then the tears started to fall.

My feet began to hurt from walking, and I sniffed.

How long will it take for me to accomplish my life goals?

A car abruptly pulled up next to me.

I looked over and saw Darius as the window rolled down.

I scowled.

"Come on in," he said.

Enter?

We're not with him. He doesn't have to give me orders.

In addition, after everything that happened tonight, I didn't want to confront him.

He reiterated, "Finding a taxi here is difficult."

I continued to walk, ignoring him.

He began to follow me at a slow pace.

Really?

What's wrong with him?

He remarked, "I don't think you're up to date with the news." If you were, you would be aware that this street has recently seen several rape and murder cases. What's the worst? The killer has not been apprehended.

I was terrified.

After saying, "Enjoy your walk home," he drove away.

Oh no.

I should have let go of my pride.

I ought to have climbed into his vehicle.

Too afraid to move, I looked around.

I don't want to die, despite how difficult life has been.

Despite how difficult it may seem, life is beautiful.

God, please.

Then I noticed his vehicle stopped in front of me.

He turned around and came to a stop next to me once more.

He remained silent this time.

I sprinted around the vehicle and hurriedly opened the passenger door.

I climbed in and fastened my seatbelt.

I kept my eyes off him. I was certain he was sporting that arrogant look once more.

He input my address into the GPS after I gave it to him.

There was silence during the ride.

I pressed my hand to my cheek, wondering why the pain was still so intense.

I was shocked to learn that he had slapped me merely at his wife's request.

The car soon came to a stop in front of my apartment.

I unbuckled my seatbelt and said, "Thank you, Mr. Hernandez."

It isn't anything. "I simply couldn't let my employee die when I had the opportunity to save her," he said.

I tightly clenched my jaw.

Are you saying death so casually?

"You need not be concerned. I intend to live to be old and grey.

I exited and slammed the door.

Then he drove off.

If you're so cruel, what good is having a lovely face?

However, I couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the end, even after entering.

What was it that Darius truly desired from me?