Chapter 45 Get Out
Mia’s POV
+25 BONUS
Consciousness returned slowly, like swimming up through deep water. The first thing I noticed was the steady beeping of monitors not my own, I realized, but from the bed next to mine.
“What happened?” I asked, my voice rough from sleep.
A nurse appeared at my side, adjusting something on the monitor. You fainted, dear. The stress and exhaustion finally caught up with you.”
I pushed myself up carefully, my head spinning slightly. “How long was I out?”
“Just a couple of hours.” She helped arrange my pillows. “Dr. Pierce said it was pure exhaustion. When was the last time you ate anything?”
I tried to remember but couldn’t. The nurse clicked her tongue disapprovingly.
“That’s what I thought. You need to rest and eat something substantial.” She checked my vitals with efficient movements.” Your mother’s doing very well, by the way. The surgery was completely successful.”
At the mention of Mom, I turned to study her in the next bed. She lay peaceful in the post–surgical quiet, her face relaxed in genuine sleep rather than the frozen stillness of her coma. The private room was bathed in late afternoon sunlight, casting everything in a warm glow.
“All her numbers look perfect,” the nurse assured me, noting my concerned examination of the monitors. “Would you like to freshen up? There’s a private bathroom through that door.“The bathroom was more luxury hotel than hospital, complete with expensive toiletries and fluffy towels. I splashed cold water on my face, trying to wash away the lingering grogginess. The woman in the mirror looked tired but less haunted than she had in weeks.
A commotion outside made me hurry to finish. When I opened the bathroom door, my heart stopped.
“Where’s my daughter?” My father’s voice carried that familiar tone of entitled anger. “I have every right to see her!”
He stood in the doorway, filling it with his expensive suit and overwhelming presence. Twenty years of successful business deals had added silver to his temples but hadn’t softened his sharp edges.
“What are you doing here?” I looked at him.
He turned, his expression shifting to what others might mistake for fatherly concern. “Mia, darling. I came as soon as I heard about the surgery.”
“How thoughtful.” I moved to stand between him and Mom’s bed. After all this time, you suddenly care?”
“Don’t take that tone with me.” His eyes narrowed. “I’m still your father.”
“Are you?” The words escaped before I could stop them. “Funny, I don’t remember you acting like one these past fifte
ears.”
“You ungrateful-” He caught himself, smoothing his expression. “I’ve never treated you badly. Provided for you, gave you opportunities–”
“Opportunities?” A harsh laugh escaped me. “Like watching you destroy Mom? Like standing by while you moved your mistress and her daughter into our house before Mom’s things were even packed?”
“Your mother was weak.” His lip curled slightly. “Too emotional, too clingy. If she hadn’t been so demanding-”
“Stop.” My voice shook. “Don’t you dare blame her. She loved you, and you broke her.”
“Love?” He scoffed. “Speaking of which—” his tone turned calculating “-how is your dear husband? Kyle’s latest venture is quite impressive.”
The sudden shift made my stomach turn. “Leave Kyle out of this.”
Chapter 45 Get Out
+25 BONUS
“Why? Aren’t you proud of your successful marriage?” His smile din’t reach his eyes. “Though I must say, you could have mentioned the connection earlier. Think of the business opportunities-”
“Is that why you’re really here?” The pieces clicked into place. “Not to check on Mom, but to try to use my marriage for your gain?”
“Don’t be dramatic.” He waved a hand dismissively, “It’s just good business sense. Family helping family. I’m sure Kyle would understand-”
“Get out.” The words came out quiet but sharp.
“What did you say to me?”
“I said get out.” I stepped closer, all the years of hurt and anger crystallizing into steel in my spine. “You lost any right to call yourself family when you abandoned Mom. When you chose them over us.”
His face darkened. “You dare speak to me this way? After everything I’ve done for you?”
“Done for me?” Another laugh, this one edged with hysteria. “What exactly have you done, Dad? Besides teach me exactly what kind of man to never trust?”
0
“You spoiled little-” He grabbed my arm, fingers digging in painfully. “Is this how Kyle’s money has changed you? Made you forget your place?”
“Let go of me.” I met his eyes steadily. “And for your information, Kyle and I are getting divorced. So you can stop dreaming about using our marriage for your schemes.”
His grip tightened. “Divorced? You stupid girl. You had one job–to be a proper wife–and you couldn’t even manage that?”
“A proper wife?” I yanked my arm free. “Like Mom was? Devoted and loving while you cheated? Faithful while you lied?”
“Watch your mouth!”
“Or what?” I felt something break free inside me–years of silent compliance shattering like glass. “You’ll leave? Abandon me? Sorry, I think you have already done that. Go ahead. You’ve had plenty of practice.”
His hand raised, and for a moment I thought he might actually strike me. I stood my ground, refusing to flinch.
“You’re just like her,” he spat. “Weak. Emotional. Throwing away opportunities because you can’t control your feelings.” “No,” I said quietly. “I’m stronger than she was. Strong enough to tell you exactly what you are–a coward who destroyed his family for money and status. Now get out of my mother’s room before I call security.”
“You’ll regret this.” He straightened his tie, trying to recover his dignity. “When you’re alone, when you have nothing, remember this moment.”
“I already have nothing thanks to you.” My voice was ice. “The only thing I regret is letting you have power over me for so long. Goodbye, Dad. Don’t come back.”
He stormed out, nearly colliding with a nurse in the doorway. The sound of his expensive shoes echoed down the corridor, fading like the last traces of his influence over my life.
Tsank into the chair by Mom’s bed, my hands shaking with a mixture of adrenaline and relief. Fifteen years of fear and submission, ended in one explosive confrontation.
“I did it, Mom,” I whispered, taking her hand. “I finally stood up to him. You’d be proud.” I squeezed her fingers gently. “And when you wake up, I’ll be strong enough for both of us. No more letting him hurt us. No more being afraid.”
The monitors beeped steadily.
