If Only

Chapter Twenty-One: Chained

"Why didn't Dad tell me this?" I managed to hold back tears, oddly satisfied for not letting them flow. I'd shed too many, even before summer began...

I stared at my clenched fist on the countertop, determined to keep my cool and avoid another shouting match with my mother. She'd endured enough of those, even though she'd concealed this secret my whole life.

"We wanted to tell you... I wanted to tell you, but your father insisted on keeping it a secret until you turned 18. We argued about it all the time... I wanted to end that pact with the Robertsons... I wanted you to be free to choose, not bound by your father's decisions."

I raised my eyes to meet hers.

"You should have... I'm your daughter, a human being... I deserve more than being a pawn to make you and Dad wealthier," I said with conviction, storming out of the kitchen. My mother called after me, but I couldn't face her right then.

I stomped upstairs, practically sprinting to my room. I didn't care if I slammed the door too loudly.

Jared stood near the door, his face showing deep concern as I turned to face him. I didn't need to ask if he had heard everything. His expression said it all.

"I guess I don't need to explain, do I?" I lost control, my voice cracked. Tears welled up, and this time, I let them flow freely.

For eighteen years, my life had been hidden in an old chest, beneath layers of lies that had smothered me. Now, I was thrust back into reality.

I didn't know if I could handle it. Realizing that my father, all this time, hadn't cared about me but only saw me as a means to fulfill a sick promise to another wealthy man's desire for more money.

All for the sake of continuing the legacy...

I cursed this sick joke that was my life.

Jared nodded in understanding, confirming my thoughts.

My mind struggled to process all the information flooding in. I felt like I was on the brink of a mental breakdown.

Jared extended his arms, inviting me into a warm embrace. But I had had enough of my parents' nonsense, especially my father's.

I didn't know what to do. Fueled by frustration and an intense attraction to the way Jared looked at me with concern, I followed my body's urging. Without hesitation, I moved quickly and grabbed Jared's face with my hands, pulling our faces together. Our lips met, and I tried to reach his height by standing on my tiptoes.

Jared was taken by surprise, letting out a sudden grunt. But as he processed what was happening, he responded swiftly, kissing me back. His kiss was a contrast of his rough, slightly aggressive movements with the softness of my lips.

Our lips moved in perfect sync, and Jared wasted no time slipping his tongue into my mouth, initiating a gentle battle. We pulled away briefly to catch our breath before crashing into each other once more.

I took a step back, somewhat reluctantly, intending to walk away. To my surprise, Jared stopped me but didn't release my lips.

I groaned into our kiss, but he gently cupped my cheeks and pulled away.

"Shhhh, I understand how you're feeling, but you should take it easy. Fucking mw won't help," he said, his use of profanity still taking some getting used to, but his wink reassured me and made me feel safe.

He pulled me into a warm hug, and I rested my head on his chest, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart, which had a calming effect.

At this moment, my mind was still racing with questions about what exactly was happening between us. I wanted to ask Jared, but given everything going on, I wasn't sure my brain could handle any more information.