Emperor of Destruction [EDITING]

xv.

XV

It's the weekend.

Normally I'd be ecstatic to enjoy my two days off. But this time was different because I woke up to a text message from my Mother.

Evelyn:
You're coming home this week. Your father misses you.

She's not asking me to come, she's demanding that I come.

I almost want to respond and curse her for referring to Stephan as my father. That man doesn't deserve the title, he doesn't even deserve to live the life he's living.

Cam already left for home early this morning, said it was an emergency and that he had to be home this week.

Clem, on the other hand, left five minutes ago, leaving me all alone in our dorm room. I decided on not packing clothes since I'm only going to be there for two days at most.

Eve sent Devin to come pick me up. I'm waiting in the parking lot when I notice a stunning woman dressed head to toe in designer. I figure the man next to her was her driver considering his attire and nervous stance. From the looks of her fur coat and Dior sunglasses, she comes from wealth.

From the corner of my eye, Mia approaches. I watch the interaction go down in front of me. Is that her mom?

"I can't believe how shameless you've become, Mia. And to think I thought of you as my daughter." The blonde woman slapped a hand over her forehead. "Mi ucciderai uno di questi giorni."

Thought of you as my daughter. Does this mean this unknown woman is her Step-mom?

The elegant woman entered the car in a huff, followed by Mia. I watched until the car was no longer in my view.

As much as I resent Mia, I felt bad for her. I know what it's like to have a mom who constantly belittles everything you do.

A black car pulled up in front of me. Jumping out of the car was Devin. I thanked him, sliding inside. He shuts the door behind me, returning to the driver's seat before pulling out of the parking lot, outside of the gate and onto the road.

I peer out the window, watching as we pass Darlington and the many designer stores and restaurants. The streets of Manhattan were busy, as always. The only thing good about the drive home is the incredible view I get.

New York was gorgeous. Most people probably won't agree with me on this one, but I didn't care. I prefer Vietnam over the big Apple any day. I want to live there, and maybe one day I will.

My eyes teared up a little recalling the old days when Dad and Evelyn would hold both my hands as we ventured down the streets of Vietnam. I remembered boasting to a couple friends of mine, and telling them how happy and loving my parents were. You could say karma really bit my ass in the butt with that one.