Grandma had always favored my aunt, and after my mom died, it only got worse. She worried I was “just” an adopted daughter and that my bond with my father wasn’t strong enough. She’d love nothing more than for my aunt to get pregnant by him right now.
My dad disliked them both, but he felt obliged to care for them out of loyalty to my mother.
Now that he saw how determined I was to sever our relationship, my aunt’s eyes practically gleamed, thinking this was her chance to finally “move up.”
Meanwhile, my dad didn’t stop me. Like always, he supported my decision.
“If you want to go, then go.”
Grateful, I nodded.
When I got to school, I discovered he’d even donated a building just so my teachers would look out for me.
But I, in turn, went straight to the papers and publicly announced that I was cutting ties with him.
Mirabelle's POV
My classmates were stunned.
“Man, the world of rich people is just too complicated,” one of them said, shaking his head. “I don’t get it at all.”
Another leaned closer, curious. “Mirabelle, why would you want to cut ties with your dad? Your mom practically changed your whole fate when she married that rich stepfather. And now you’re throwing it away? I don’t get it. If I had a stepdad that rich, I wouldn’t even bother going to college. I’d be living the high life already.”
I didn’t answer them. I just gave a faint, bitter smile.
My best friend, Pansy Bowen, looked more worried than judgmental. She pulled me aside and lowered her voice. “Mirabelle, I’ve heard that some rich guys have unusual hobbies. Your stepdad’s never had any other kids, only you. Did he ever do anything bad to you? You can tell me. My dad’s a cop. If you’ve been hurt, I can get him involved.”
I blinked, taken aback. “What? No. You’ve got it all wrong. He’s always treated me well.”
Her brows knitted together in confusion. “Then why? If he’s that good to you, why would you want to cut ties?”
Before I could answer, a familiar voice rang out from across the courtyard.
“Because Mirabelle’s just an ungrateful brat, that’s why!”
Heads turned toward the voice.
Strutting toward us was my aunt, wearing a fiery red dress that revealed more skin than fabric, both front and back. My classmates quickly averted their eyes as they felt uncomfortable. Clearly, she hadn’t been subtle about trying to seduce my father, and she didn’t care.