𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐎𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 [𝟏𝟖+] ✓

20*

I had a super busy week with my birthday so sorry for the late. And I really, really appreciate everyone who is voting and commenting even if its just a single word or an emoji.

There is something I want to clarify first because I got some *interesting* messages. My updates are only once a week. And if you guys reach the voting/comments target, then I'll write the chapter and publish an extra chapter. So please don't leave entitled messages in my dms.  BTW I'm not forcing anyone to comment. The reason I ask for your comments is because I read them, try to understand readers' perspective and navigate the story. So please, I repeat please, don't leave single alphabet comments just to get an update from me. It is so disheartening. Finally, someone messaged me 450 comments are too much. Oh hell nah, look at the reads count. If at least twenty readers make twenty comments then 450 isn't a big deal because a few readers actually leave 50+ comments. I hate making lengthy rants lmao. Thanks for reading if you read all that.

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Katrina Diaz

Lunch with my father was the epitome of awkwardness. It was never like that in the past, mostly because I was the only one who had a sense of humour like him. And naturally, we would jester about anything, but now neither I nor he could cross the barriers that were between us. After my talk to Hayden about releasing Juniper, I had agreed to meet my dad in a restaurant for lunch. If I could talk to my mum and still keep some sanity, then I could handle my dad.

Silence pulsed between us. As the waitress noted down our order and left, I reached for the pint of wine and took a sip. The clinking sound of the knives and forks did their business in the background.

My father was the first to break the ice. "You look unhappy—"

"Oh, I'll get bored with staying unhappy soon," I quipped, voice laced with accusation. I half expected him to retort, but the sound of his laughter filled my ears.

"Ever the sarcastic one." He smiled, eyes studying my face, and I gave him a bewildered look.

"We are here to talk," I grunted, left hand clutching the knife in anger and knuckles turning white.

"I apologise for what I said. I was quick to judge." He sighed, casting his gaze on my ring finger. "You know Kendra. You know her reputation with men. After her engagement to Hayden, she faked happiness, she lied that she went out on dates with him — I didn't know all these back then. I was glad that she was finally settling down instead of sleeping around. But on the day of her wedding, all I could see in the letter was a heartbroken Kendra who was cheated on. I lost it all, Kate."

His words made sense, I could understand how he felt as a parent. For him, I broke Kendra's trust and ruined relationships for her, but it was a game Hayden and Kendra played. Hayden didn't want to marry my sister, but he didn't voice it. Kendra only pretended like a happy bride and made me the villain in her story. If there was anyone who had nothing to do with any of this, that was me. I was shoved into this mess, and I became a whore in my father's sight.