𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐦

Chapter 47

Trigger Warning: Mentions of verbal and physical abuse; grief and loss of a loved one. Reader's discretion is advised.

“You’re a disgrace to our family, Haru.”

I stared at the floor as I was standing still. My stepfather was scolding me again. He found out what happened last night from where I ran away from the hospital. Mom was very worried and called him, that's why he also called someone to find me.

He's not worried about me. If Mom wouldn't call and ask him for help, he wouldn't do anything at all. He would just let me roam around the streets and not come back. In that way, it would make him live happily. No more stress in his life.

“What will people say on the internet if they found out you are my stepson who screamed on the side of the street and cried like an idiot?” he asked worriedly. “It will ruin my image, Haru.”

Oh, yeah, it would ruin his good image and popularity. He and his brother with their parents are well-known as one of the richest Asians. Since his brother died, he wouldn't share his popularity and image with anyone but only to himself. He wanted to be the top of the world. He's an attention seeker and greedy about power.

“You're very disrespectful!”

I curved my hands into a fist when he suddenly threw his coffee on my face down to my chest. Fortunately, the coffee wasn't that hot anymore, but I could still feel its warmth.

That's not only it, I almost wanted to curse, but I just fought myself not to do it. I was shocked by what he did.

“Why, Dad..?” I asked, wiping off the coffee stain on my face.

His expression was angrier. “Why? You do not know?”

I shook my head bewilderedly. “It's because of what happened last night..?”

He stood up. He's taller than me, so I looked inferior to him. His darkened eyes were tantalizing, like if that became an action, for sure I'm already dead. The murder in his eyes; the creases on his brows; the redness of his ears. He was definitely planning to salvage me.

“Stupid motherfucker!” he shouted before he slapped me hard on my cheek.

I'm still young and delicate, so I dropped down to the floor and whimpered in pain. Hawak hawak ko ang pisngeng sinampal niya. Tumulo ang mga luha ko, hindi dahil sa naiiyak ako, kundi dahil sa sobrang sakit. His hand was huge and calloused… Parang pinagpatong ‘yon ng halos mahigit sampung semento.

He was about to slap me again but Mom interrupted. She held Dad's arm, stopping him. “Don't hurt my son, Kaito.”

“How would he learn if I'm not going to hurt him?”

“Learn?” My mom's face was sarcastic but she was angry. “You hurt my son because he did not come from your own blood.”

“Yes, darling!” he shouted annoyingly as he pointed at me with his forefinger. “He's not my son. He's your poor ex-boyfriend’s son.”

She nodded at him… There's a strong emotion on her face right after Dad said I came from her poor ex-boyfriend. “You're right… He's my poor ex-boyfriend’s son… but he also came from me. He's also my son.”

“You're mad at him without any reason, so what are you talking about you only want him to learn?” she asked. “He's not ugly, ludicrous, and disrespectful, Kaito… He's not even a disgrace in our family.”

“So what are you trying to say?” Dad's face was written calmly. “That I'm the disgrace in our family?”

Mom cried and shook her head. “No, you're not! No one, Kaito! Just please, don't hurt my son! He doesn't deserve it.”