billion book
A serial cheat
Chapter 26 A serial cheat
MILLER’S HOME, LOS ANGELES
Abigail dumped herself into the couch feeling exhausted, she hates college so much and can’t wait to be done with it. If she knew just how much toll it would take on her she wouldn’t have taken an entire year off after high school to think carefully on what she would like to do later on after college. But it was a sheer waste of time as she is still confused as to which path to take. All of her friends from high school seem to have a real life except her. But on a second thought, she feels better off than other people.
Stretching herself, her eyes caught a glimpse of her dad’s magazine on the center table. He acts very disorganized and would drop anything anywhere. For some reason she got curious about the magazine, because of how much time her father spends on them to read through, it made Abigail develop some sort of phobia against it. Since everything he reads are all in relation to write-ups concerning business.
However, the one she caught sight of seems like a fashion magazine. Forcing herself to get up, she picked up the magazine and gasped loudly at the picture staring back at her flushed face. The front door clicked open letting Emma in.
“Did you know about this?” Abigail accosted her without greeting her.
Emma snorted. “Is that how you welcome your mother?”
Abigail scoffed in disbelief. “From your reaction it shows you know about it. How did this happen?”
Her mother shrugged, walking to the kitchen to get herself water. “She ran away and got a life for herself. I guess that explained how it happened.”
A sudden surge of rage enveloped Abigail as she read the words underneath her stepsister’s picture on the magazine front cover. “Darby Miller, a shining star in the buzzing world of fashion.” She didn’t want to believe Darby got a life before she did. And to think FORBES featured her, it feels so surreal. Squeezing the magazine in her hand she threw it to the floor and stepped on it countless times like it would wipe Darby’s face away.
Emma watched in amusement as she drank her water. “Is that how much you hate her?” She asked raising her voice.
Abigail gritted her teeth turning to her mother. “Of course, I hate her. It’s not like she is worthy of love in the first place. And you cheated on my father to birth her, don’t you think a product from such show of shame should be detested?”
Shaking her head in disappointment, Emma dropped the bottle water in the sink before walking to the sitting room. “For how long will you keep it up? Even if she doesn’t belong to your father, at least I birthed you both.”
“Oh, so you are defending her now that she seems rich and can take care of you. Haven’t you been fending off dad for years? Moreover you never spared her a glance all through the time she was here. So what’s with the sudden change of attitude?” Abigail had a mocking tone underlying her words.
“Because I regret taking sides with your father and trying too hard to please him. What I feel shameful the most about is how you turned out in the process. Why did you grow up to be so bitter and vengeful when you were raised with so much love?” Emma had tears in her eyes.
Abigail scoffed in irritation, mumbling some colorful profanities under her breath. “You must really think your sympathy means anything to me. I didn’t get enough, Darby’s presence made me almost invincible.”
The older woman couldn’t believe her ears, it seems like Abigail is delusional. Darby is the only one who has the right to admit she wasn’t loved right or enough. But Abigail got every desired attention a parent would give a child while growing up.
Staring at her daughter, Emma felt her heart clench painfully, the bitterness and hatred that oozed out of Abigail’s face was too much to contend with. There was no doubt karma had gotten back at her for treating Darby like trash. What other explanation is there to give for a child that was sincerely loved to grow up a bitter adult.
“You need to squash that illusion you have in your head as regards your sister. What else do you want now? She already left the house for you and you have everything to yourself.” She said.
Rolling her eyes, Abigail kissed her teeth. “Hearing you talk now feels so sad, it’s obvious you already chose the child you love the most. What has Darby ever done for you? I am the one who looks after you when sick and even console your pathetic self after dad finds a better way to make himself happy.” She retorted. “I really hate that you my mother is so weak and had to bring a misfortune like Darby upon this family.”
Grabbing a fistful of her hair, Emma felt the urge to rip it out. Everything Abigail seem to be saying holds no ground. “Are you making fun of me? So you would go ahead to support your father who is a serial cheat? Do you even know about the sons he has outside this marriage?” She growled.
“What?” Abigail blurted stumbling to the back.
Emma laughed hysterically. “Oh, you thought the rest of the property will be solely yours? You must be dreaming. I’m sure if you were vigilant enough you would have wondered why everyone claims you and Jordan next door look so much alike. You both favor your father.”
She couldn’t hold back anymore, over the years to prevent Abigail from hating her father or losing focus in her study. Emma had made Noah promise to keep his infidelities away from her. Emma knew how much her daughter despises her mistake, she blames Emma for the unbalanced family life she has with a stepsister. It’s obvious Abigail hates to share. It would have been kept under the wraps for a longer while. However, Abigail doesn’t deserve such privilege, her spite needs to be brought to the lowest ground. Even though Noah would definitely have Emma’s neck ripped, she couldn’t care less. Their daughter is an adult now.
“Mom, what are you saying?” Her voice shook. “Are you trying to be spiteful towards dad?”
“You are so pathetic and I feel disappointed that I birthed you. Not everyone will be like you, not everyone will lie against someone else to feel good. I’m nothing like you, but you are everything like your father.”
“Dad has other children?” Abigail inquired again, her face suddenly losing it color. She never would have imagined her mother being more innocent than her father. He has always been her mentor and the only one she trusts the most. It’s hard for her to believe that her father has been fooling her all along. And knowing her mother she wouldn’t say anything just to chase clout.
Emma kissed her teeth. “You should focus on your life now and try to be better. I am going to leave eventually. You are old enough to take care of yourself, I hope you will be fine. Leave Darby out of your mouth, it’s not her fault that she was conceived. You and your father are just delusional. Please excuse me, I have had quite a long day.” She muttered, heading to the room without sparing her sobbing daughter a glance.