That's the way I love you

18

Freen stood in her apartment, the phone still in her hand, as she listened to her father's angry voice on the other end. He was insisting that she come home for a family gathering, but Freen knew it was more than just a simple get-together. It was a reminder of her past, a past filled with hurt and feelings of abandonment.

"Look, Dad, I'm really busy with work and other commitments. I don't think I can make it," Freen replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Her father's anger escalated. "You're always too busy! You never make time for your family. You need to prioritize your family, Freen!"

Freen felt a pang of guilt, but she couldn't shake the memories of her childhood, the times when her parents seemed more interested in their own lives than in being there for her. She had felt abandoned and unimportant, and those wounds still lingered.

"I know, Dad, and I'm sorry, but it's not that simple," Freen tried to explain.

Her father's voice softened slightly. "Please, Freen. It's been so long since we all gathered as a family. Your stepmother and brother miss you."

Freen's heart tightened at the mention of her step brother, Nop. Their relationship had always been strained, and she couldn't forget the hurtful words and actions that had occurred between them.

"Okay, I'll come," Freen finally relented, knowing that she couldn't keep avoiding her family forever.

The day of the family gathering arrived, and Freen reluctantly made her way to her childhood home. As she stepped inside, memories of her past flooded her mind. She could feel the weight of her family's expectations and the pain of feeling like an outsider in her own home.

Her stepmother greeted her warmly, but Freen noticed the tension in her step brother's eyes. Nop had always been distant and dismissive towards her, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of resentment and hurt.

Becky POV

I could feel the nervousness bubbling inside me as we pulled up to Nop's family gathering. Nop noticed my anxious expression and gently squeezed my hand, offering me reassurance. "Don't worry, everything will be fine. My family is really nice, and they're excited to meet you," he said with a smile.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the car with Nop by my side. As we entered the house, Nop's parents warmly greeted us, making me feel welcomed and at ease. They were genuinely happy to meet me and seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me better.

As the evening went on, I couldn't help but notice a change in Nop's demeanor. He seemed more relaxed and at ease, which in turn helped to calm my nerves. His parents were lovely, and I felt grateful for their warmth and acceptance.

However, my attention was drawn elsewhere when I saw someone familiar across the room – it was Freen. She looked different from the person I knew – serious and uninterested in the gathering. I couldn't help but wonder why she seemed so distant.

Nop's dad noticed my curiosity and decided to introduce me to Freen, whom he referred to as his daughter, Nop's step sister. I was taken aback by the revelation.Freen and I locked eyes, and for a moment, I could see disbelief and surprise in her expression. It was like seeing a different side of her – one that I hadn't witnessed before. I tried to smile politely, but I could tell she was trying to control her emotions as well.