MY MOON

CHAPTER 42:ALYA

I woke up early, the events of the previous night still fresh in my mind, and rushed to my room. As Alex had mentioned how Dad found out about us, and I didn't want to raise any more suspicions. After quickly freshening up, I made my way downstairs for breakfast. As I approached the dining room, I could hear the low murmur of voices – Alex, Elizabeth, and Dad were already there.

I walked in quietly, hoping to slip into my seat unnoticed. But as soon as I entered, all eyes turned towards me. I could sense the tension in the room, thick and suffocating. Alex's eyes met mine, filled with a mixture of worry and determination.

Dad was the first to speak. "Alya," he said, his tone stern, "I've been thinking. It's best for you to move back to Australia. This... situation here isn't good for you." Indicating Alex.

I felt my heart drop. "Dad, no," I protested, my voice shaking. "I can't leave. I love Alex."

The room fell silent, the air crackling with the weight of my words. Dad's face hardened, his eyes narrowing. "Love?" he shouted, his voice dripping with disdain. "This isn't love, Alya. This is madness. You're ruining your future for a man who isn't worth it."

I stood my ground, my voice steady despite the tremor in my hands. "You don't understand, Dad. Alex means everything to me. I'm not leaving him."

Without warning, Dad came across the table and his hand flew through the air, landing a sharp slap across my face. The sound echoed through the room, a harsh punctuation to his anger. "You will do as I say!" he roared.

I gasped, feeling the sting of the slap burn my cheek. Alex shot up from his chair, his eyes blazing with fury. "That's enough!" he shouted, stepping between Dad and me. "You have no right to hit her."

Elizabeth reached out, trying to calm Alex. "Please, Alex, don't make it a bigger issue," she said softly, her voice strained. "We can handle this without fighting."

But I had had enough. Seeing Alex stand up for me, even in the face of my father's wrath, fueled my own resolve. I couldn't stay silent any longer. I couldn't let Dad's anger and control dictate my life.

I took a deep breath and stood up. "Dad, you can't force me to leave," I said, my voice steady and loud. "And you can't control my life. I choose to be with Alex."

Dad turned his glare towards me, his face contorted with fury. "Alya, you have no idea what you're talking about," he snapped. "You're too young to understand. I care for you,Alya."

"No, Dad," I replied, feeling a surge of courage. "I understand perfectly and I know you care for me. But you have to understand that you're trying to dictate my life based on what you think is right and wrong. But you're wrong. I have the right to choose Alex and it doesn't matter he is older or my step uncle. I Choose Alex, dad. Being with him makes me happy."

I turned to Alex, taking his hand in mine. His touch grounded me, giving me the strength to continue. "I love Alex, Dad," I declared, my voice unwavering. "And I'm not going to let you or this society or anyone else keep us apart."

Elizabeth looked at me, her eyes filled with tears and fear. Alex squeezed my hand, his gaze softening as he looked at me with a mixture of pride and love.

Dad's face turned red with rage. "Alya, you will regret this," he warned, his voice low and dangerous. "You're making a huge mistake."

I shook my head, feeling the weight of my decision settle in my chest. "The only mistake would be let this stupid society rules control me," I said firmly. "I'm choosing my own path, and it's with Alex."

With that, I turned and walked out of the house, my heart pounding but my resolve firm. Alex followed close behind, his presence a comforting reassurance. As we stepped into the fresh morning air, I felt a sense of freedom and determination wash over me.