Cruel King (Royal Elite 0)

Maybe he’s had enough and will finally adopt Nicole and throw me away.

As I walk out of the school, my chest tightens until it’s painful.

All this time, I convinced myself that I don’t care if Dad adopts Nicole. It’s not like I want to be Clifford’s princess anyway. But now that it’s becoming a reality, I feel like crying.

He’s my dad, not hers. Mine.

Deep inside, there’s a part that still longs for the father who used to carry me on his shoulders when I was a little girl.

The sound of rain fills the car park. Since it’s close to the afternoon, almost all students’ and teachers’ cars are gone.

I open my umbrella and step into the wet pavement.

It’s dark and humid and so freaking wet. If I weren’t anxious out of my mind, I would’ve removed the umbrella and stood in the rain.

I walk into the car park, searching for Dad’s Mercedes. It’s becoming so dark and no light is turned on, so I can’t see in the long distance.

My phone vibrates.

Levi: Practice was cancelled. Come to the locker room.

Just reading his text lifts something heavy and crushing off my chest. The thought of him always puts me in a special mood. It’s like I become invincible knowing he’ll always be there for me.

Since Mum’s death, I’ve been a living dead until Levi breathed life into me.

I open the text to type back when strong lights blind me. I freeze and a tremor shoots through my limbs.

I continue staring ahead, but I can’t see anything due to the light. Just like that day at the party.

My heartbeat speeds up and my hands tremble so hard, the phone clutters to the ground.

Move. Move. Freaking move.

Everything around me disappears except for the sound of the downpour. The smell of the earth after the rain and blinding white light.

* * *

“Honey, give me the phone.”

“Is it Dad again?” I can’t help the disregard in my tone.

Mum smiles. “We have big news for you, honey.”

“Is it about Grandpa’s death?”

Her brows furrow. “Well, yes, but this means something more for us. For our family.”

“Family? What family, Mum? He’s married and happy with his blondie aristocrat and daughter. He’s not a part of our family.”

“Star…” her voice softens. “Everything isn’t what it seems.”

“Yeah, sure thing, Mum. Dad didn’t leave us for another freaking family.”

“Didn’t you say you wanted to live with him?”

I rummage in her bag for the phone. “That was eons ago. I’m never living with him without you.”

She draws in a deep breath. “I’m done running, hon. I’m ready now.”