trigger warning: verbal abuse
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"I have to go. I'm gonna be late for work," the middle-aged man quickly wiped the corners of his mouth as he stood up to leave.
"By the way, Zaxton, we'll talk more about your grades tonight when I come home from the office," the man added before finally going out of the front door and leaving his son alone in the dining area.
Zaxton, who was lazily eating his breakfast, couldn't help but groan out loud as he heard his father's words.
The young man had thought that he'd be able to take a breather after his mother left last night for a business trip, but no. It seemed as if his father is stricter than his mother.
Much to his dismay.
Finally finished with his food, he stood up as well to leave for school. He was already by the foyer, picking out the shoes he'll be wearing for the day, when he noticed his father hadn't left yet.
Peeking through the glass pane, he saw his father standing by the gate and is engage in a conversation with someone who looks of the same age as him.
His eyes narrowed, confused yet curious. He knew his father was never the type to cheat on his mother. He's too righteous for that.
He could hear their voices as they talk.
"Dad... I-I came to ask for money. It's for my treatment," the girl said, her eyes were glistening as her cheeks were tinted pink. She looked embarrassed but desperate at the same time.
Zaxton's eyes widened when he heard her words. Dad?!, he thought. What surprised him more was the next scene that happened in front of his own eyes.
His father chuckled at the younger woman, a look of disbelief gracing his features. "You shameless, little bitch. How dare you come here in my home and ask for money?"
"Haven't I already told you to stay away from me and my family?"
"You are just like your mother, hungry for nothing but money. No wonder she died that early," he continued as he took out a few bills from his wallet and threw it to her face causing the girl to flinch as the tears in her eyes poured like rainwater.
Zaxton held his breath. It was his first time seeing his own father acting so ruthless. He felt anger swell deep inside him. But for what and for whom? He didn't know.
The girl was left alone after he saw his father leaving. She paused, as if thinking of something, then she picked up the money that had scattered all over the pavement.
Zaxton couldn't move from his position. He hated everything that he had witnessed and heard.
He had never once thought his father to be a lying and cheating husband to his loving mother. What's more — an illegitimate daughter? And she looks of the same age as him, nonetheless.
He felt even more disgusted by the man he once used to look up to.
"What a shitty morning to wake up to..." Zaxton trailed off as he noticed the girl from earlier coming up to their porch with the bills she had collected in her hand.
She took out the pin from her hair, clipped it to the bills and slipped it inside his house through the gap under the front door before ringing the doorbell and left with tear-stained cheeks.
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✏️ note:
— the whole chapter is a flashback, hence the italicization.
