Beyond the Spotlight | MikhAiah au

chapter 2

Amethyst Dorothein's POV

chapter 2

I took a deep breath, standing just outside the threshold of my parents' grand living room. The opulence of our home, with its high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and antique furniture, felt almost stifling. I knew this moment was crucial.

"Mom, dad, can we talk po?" I asked, stepping into the room. My voice was steady, but my heart raced.

My father looked up from his newspaper, folding it neatly and setting it aside. My mother paused her scrolling on the phone, her eyes meeting mine with curiosity.

"What is it, Dorothein?" my mother asked, her tone gentle but wary.

"Uhm, naisip ko po kasi," I began, choosing my words carefully. "I feel like I'm independent enough to live on my own. I-i would like to have my own penthouse po."

The room fell silent. I could almost hear the ticking of the antique clock on the mantel. My father's face was a mask of surprise, while my mother looked more concerned than shocked.

"Dorothein, masyado ka pang bata to have your own place," my mother finally said, her voice filled with concern.

"And besides," my father added, his tone stern, "Living alone in a penthouse is a big responsibility."

"But mom, I'm already twenty-one," I said earnestly. "And I'm not asking to move out without a plan. Pinag isipan ko na po ito dati pa. I need my own space to grow, to learn how to be independent. I promise I'll be responsible po."

My parents exchanged glances, their silent conversation playing out in front of me. My father's face hardened slightly.

"Amethyst," he began, his voice more critical now, "Pinag usapan na namin 'to ng mom mo. We know you want independence, but we also need to be realistic. You're not as independent as Dorothy."

My heart sank at the mention of ate Sapphire. It was always the same comparison. "Alam ko naman po 'yon," I said, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice. "But I need to find my own way."

My mother sighed, her expression softening just a bit. "Fine, but atleast get an assistant, yaya, or whatever."

I felt a wave of mixed emotions—relief, frustration, and determination. This was better than outright rejection. "Thank you, ma," I said, my voice filled with gratitude.

My father leaned back, a small, somewhat forced smile on his lips. "We'll start looking for a suitable assistant," he said. "Remember Amethyst, we're trusting you to be responsible."

My mother reached out, taking my hand in hers. "We're just a little worried about your safety," she said softly.

Oh come on ma, you don't have to be fake. You were just talking about wanting me to move out of our house the other day!

I gave a warm smile, squeezing her hand. "I'll be responsible po."

As I left the room, a mix of excitement and determination bubbled within me. This was the beginning of a new chapter, one where I could carve out my own path while still having the support of my family. The thought of having my own penthouse, my own space, was exhilarating.

I practically ran up the stairs to ate Sapph's room, eager to share the news with her. I knocked on her door and waited until I heard her voice, inviting me in.

"Ate Sapph! Guess what?" I said, bursting into her room. She was sitting at her desk, surrounded by law books and paperwork, but she looked up with a smile when she saw me.