Golden Melody (Editing)

Chapter 114

Chapter 114 – Not Even Fiction
Miexha's Point of View

After class, I didn't feel like going home.
Or anywhere, really.

I wandered the campus—past the empty hallways, the bulletin board with Ofreigha's face on yet another poster, the music room I used to love before someone said I wasn't even good enough for backup vocals.

I wasn't searching for anything. Maybe a sign. Maybe a meteor.
Just something that screamed: You matter.

Instead, I got yanked by the wrist.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing?!"
Asha's voice stabbed through the quiet as she dragged me toward the parking lot.

I stumbled into the car, breath catching. Jayson was already inside, arms crossed, scowling out the window like it had personally betrayed him. The driver started the engine the second I landed on the seat.

Great.

"You're the reason we're late," Asha snapped beside me. "Think the world runs on Verra time?"

My hands were cold. Shaky.
"I... forgot," I whispered.

Asha scoffed. "Of course you did. You even forgot we moved you into the Dom Mansion after New Year's? Seriously?"

And it hit me.

Right.
I don't live at Wayne Mansion anymore.
I live here now.

Because apparently rich heiresses with broken ears and broken brains need constant supervision in their fiancé's house.

"I'm sorry," I murmured.

"That's all you say." Asha rolled her eyes. "You're slow-minded. And deaf. If you ever marry into this family, you'll turn the Dom legacy into a meme."

I flinched.

Then Jayson joined in.
"You should at least try to behave," he said coldly, still not looking at me. "Until I figure out how to end this engagement."

That word—engagement—still felt like a punchline no one laughed at.

"I never wanted to be stuck with someone like you," he added, his voice cutting. "You cry too much. You don't know anything beyond your family name. You're just a spoiled kid playing pretend."

And I felt it.

That ache. Deep. Ugly. Real.

I didn't reply. I couldn't. I just stared at my lap, trying not to fall apart in the backseat of a car I didn't belong in.

The silence was only broken by the sound of me trying not to make a sound.

When we got home—Dom Mansion—First Lady Jane stood at the door, sharp heels and sharper glare.

She looked me over. Paused at my puffy eyes.
"Stop crying," she snapped. "You're not a child anymore. Start acting like a proper lady or you won't survive this house."

I swallowed the sob in my throat.

Jayson scoffed. "Just kick her out already. Before she embarrasses us all."

But then—snap—his mom pinched his ear hard.
"Stop being rude. She's your fiancée. Start acting like it or At least pretend you care."

"Ow! Mom!" Jayson hissed.

Asha gagged. "Ugh, I'm gonna be sick."

And that was it.
My last string snapped.

"I—I'm sorry... excuse me," I stammered, bowing before running up the staircase.