Echoes of Fame

Chapter 28: Family Confrontation and Final Independence

The request came suddenly—a carefully worded message from his father, asking for a private family meeting. Babe felt a familiar pang of discomfort, memories flooding back of the years he'd spent trying to earn his family's approval, only to be met with conditions and expectations.

But this time was different. This time, he was meeting them on his own terms.

They met in a sleek, understated lounge room in a high-end hotel his family often used for formal gatherings. Babe's father was already seated, his mother beside him, with Ivy nowhere in sight. He glanced at Babe with a carefully measured expression as he entered.

"Thank you for coming," his father said, a thin smile on his lips. "It's good to see you again. We've been following your... success." He said the word as though it tasted strange in his mouth.

Babe took a seat, keeping his expression calm. "You asked to meet. What's this about?"

His mother exchanged a glance with his father before speaking, her tone laced with a false warmth. "We're proud of you, Babe. You've come far in the industry. And we were thinking... now that you've achieved a level of fame, it could be beneficial for the family if you... shared some of that influence."

She smiled, but the implication was clear. They wanted to use him, again, just as they had always planned.

Babe looked at his mother, then his father, feeling a calm clarity settle over him. "So that's what this is about. You want me to use my connections, maybe even my relationship with Billy, to help you expand your business."

His father gave a short nod, his expression shifting to something more serious. "It's only fair, after all we've done for you. You have a responsibility to the family."

Babe's jaw tightened, but he kept his tone measured. "A responsibility? For years, I wasn't even part of this family—unless you needed something from me. You took me back only when it suited you, and now, you're here to do it all over again."

His father's face darkened. "Careful with your words, Babe. We've always had your best interests at heart."

Babe shook his head, feeling a surge of determination. "No, you had your best interests at heart. You only saw me as a pawn in whatever schemes you were building. But I'm not that pawn anymore. I've built my own life, and I won't let you use me for anything."

His mother's face twisted into a mask of frustration, but his father remained impassive, studying Babe with a cold, calculating gaze.

"Listen, Babe," his father said finally, his tone soft but laced with a subtle threat. "You're family. That doesn't change. You owe us this, and you know it. If you refuse, you'll only make things harder for yourself. Your career... your reputation..."

But Babe's resolve didn't waver. "I'm done letting you control me. My career, my reputation—it's all mine now. You've had your chance to be my family, and you threw it away every time you chose power over love."

His father's expression hardened, but Babe kept going, his voice strong and steady. "I'm not afraid of your threats anymore. Whatever happens, I'll handle it. But I won't be your puppet."

A tense silence filled the room, and for the first time, Babe saw a flicker of defeat in his father's eyes. His mother's gaze dropped to the table, her composure crumbling.

"Then this is your decision?" his father asked quietly, his voice laced with the finality of a last attempt.

Babe nodded. "Yes. This is my decision. I'm walking away—for good."

He stood up, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders as he took a final look at his parents. Their faces were a mixture of anger, disappointment, and, for the first time, something like regret.

Without another word, Babe turned and walked away, leaving them—and the last ties to his past—behind.

System Notification: Final Family Confrontation Resolved. Independence Secured.

Later that evening, Babe met with Billy, who had been waiting with quiet support. As they sat together in Babe's apartment, Billy offered him a glass of wine, his gaze steady and reassuring.

"So, how did it go?" Billy asked, his tone gentle.

Babe took a sip, leaning back as he gathered his thoughts. "It went... exactly how I thought it would. They wanted control, and I told them no. For the first time, I didn't let them sway me. I walked away."

Billy gave a small nod, his gaze warm. "You did what you needed to do. And now?"

Babe looked at him, feeling a deep sense of peace. "Now, I'm finally free. I'm done living by their rules, and I'm ready to start on my own terms."

Billy's hand rested on Babe's shoulder, a subtle but grounding gesture. "And whatever you decide, you won't be facing it alone."

Babe's heart swelled with gratitude, and for the first time in a long time, he felt a genuine sense of relief. His past no longer held him captive, and his future felt bright and limitless.

With Billy by his side and his own path ahead, Babe knew he was finally where he was meant to be.