Page 163 of Lust & Lies

He knew that was a sore spot for me.

“She died simply because she was at your parents' house, wanting to play with the babies. Your favorite person, Gertrude, lost her daughter because of you.”

“Don’t say that!” I yelled, shaking my head. “What happened was horribly unfortunate. But it wasn’t my fault. How could it be? I was just a baby.”

But this bastard knew that I blamed myself. I always blamed myself when something went wrong. And though Gertrude and Sam never treated me like I was at fault, I often wondered if deep down, they felt that way.

I knew I couldn’t replace their daughter, and they couldn’t replace my parents, but I tried my best to always be there for them, to care for them, and treat them like family. Partly, because I felt guilty that Layla died at my house.

But also because they were like family to me. The only family I had. Grandpa Park knew of my feelings of guilt. He knew because he’d instilled that guilt in me and encouraged it over the years.

It was subtle, but as I got older, I began to see his actions for what they were. I began to realize that he was manipulating me. He often told me not to rely so much on the Hatfields, and to try not to be a constant reminder of what they’d lost.

And when I’d ask if I could wear a dress or something pink when I visited them, he’d disagree, claiming it could make them feel sad since their own daughter wasn’t around to help them out at the orchard.

Over time, I’d felt guilty almost every time I was around them. I’d shouldered the blame that wasn’t mine. If anyone wasto blame, it was the man in front of me. The man who sent my sister to my fiancé’s bed. I was done with this... done with him.

“I want out of my contract,” I told him. “If you really think of me as family, you’d allow it. As for me and Aiden, that’s our business. Not yours.”

He sighed. “It pains me that you really think you have a choice. It hurts me to see you suffering because you won’t give in.”

I’d never wanted to stab him before. Not the way I wanted to right this minute.

“I’m done talking to you.”

I turned to leave. His next words stopped me.

“People will die if you don’t agree to let Aiden go. People you love. You nearly buckle under the guilt you carry for Layla every time I mention her. And she’s someone you've never met. Imagine how much heavier the burden would be if you caused the death of someone you know and love.”

Ice-cold fear flowed through my veins.

“Sit down, Noe. Let’s talk about Gertrude and Sam and how their lives are now in your hands.”

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. It was official. I hated this man. I hated Aiden’s grandfather.

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

NOELANI

I NEVER WANTED IT TOget to this point. To the point where I no longer respected the man who raised me after my father died. To the point where I was no longer thankful for the things he’d done for me.

Yet, here we were. I was once again losing the people closest to me. Grandpa Park was no longer like family to me. Neither was Ellie. Family didn’t treat you this way. Friends didn’t either. This was enemy territory.

The little girl in me, the one who’d never gotten a chance to have what was considered a normal family, cried at the loss of them. I couldn’t lose Gertrude and Sam, too. And Aiden, he was the love of my life. How could I let him go?

I would love to say the Old Man was just bluffing. But he never bluffed. I slowly slid my phone into my pocket while glaring at the man who’d helped me become the person I was today, while hindering me from being who I was truly meant to be.

“You wouldn’t dare hurt Gertrude and Samuel,” I challenged.

“Of course, I wouldn’t. And I hope you wouldn’t also.”

“Stop beating around the bush and just say what you want to say,” I yelled.

“It’s up to you whether Gertrude and Sam are safe or not. If you continue to be rebellious and disobedient,” Grandpa Park stated. “I’ll have no choice but to reinstate Samuel Hatfield’s contract, forcing him to return to duty.”

“What? You can’t do that. You already released him early because of his bad knee.”

“I did not let him go because of his knee. I released him early because you agreed to extend your term. Now, look at you, trying to break your contract. Someone must fulfil that term, Mist. If you’re unwilling to do it, I’ll send Sam out on a mission.”