3
642words
"Lydia, leave it."
He looked at me, a smirk playing on his lips he couldn't quite hide.
"Why bother arguing with someone like him?"
"Besides... Vincent's so pitiful."
Lydia sighed dramatically, sounding put-upon.
"You, Miles, always too soft-hearted."
"Fine, if you say so."
She turned her glare back to me, impatient.
"Tch. Vincent, shouldn't you thank Miles for speaking up for you?"
"It's only because Miles is so good-natured."
"He didn't hold it against you, even came to see you in the hospital."
I lifted my head, meeting her gaze squarely.
"Why should I thank him?"
"Hah!" Lydia scoffed. "No wonder people say you’ve got no upbringing. "
"Can't even manage a simple 'thank you'."
Hearing Lydia, in front of Miles, use the deepest wound I carried against me, snapped something inside.
I grabbed my pillow and hurled it at her.
"Get out! Both of you!"
Lydia's face contorted with fury.
"Vincent Foster! You're beyond redemption!"
"Miles, let's go!"
She grabbed Miles's arm and practically dragged him from the room.
Luna stood to leave too.
"The hospital fees are covered, Vincent."
"Don't make things difficult."
The room fell silent.
I clenched my fist so tightly my nails dug deep into my palm, drawing blood.
Hot tears welled up and spilled over—not out of self-pity, but rage.
There was a time, not so long ago, when I'd treated Luna and Lydia like family, like my closest friends.
We'd protected each other.
Seen each other at our absolute worst.
I believed our bond was unbreakable.
How foolish.
But people change. Everything changed the moment that accident shattered my mind three years ago.
Now I was whole again.
I knew it was time to leave. But before I did, I would take back what was rightfully mine..
I wiped my tears, composed myself, and began making calls—to my lawyer, my former assistant Wesley Clarke, and a few trusted contacts I’d placed within the company long ago.
After checking myself out, I had Wesley Clarke rent a small apartment for me.
Next, I returned to the Manor House to collect my belongings.
The day Luna and Lydia threw me out, they'd packed only a pitiful few items of clothing.
Those clothes were ruined now anyway.
Clothes were the least of it.
The real prize was in the Manor House study – a wall safe.
It held securities, vital documents, the keys to rebuilding my life.
During my lost years, Luna and Lydia had tried more than once to trick the safe's combination out of the fool I was.
Fortunately, the idiot had genuinely forgotten it.
Now, its contents were my lifeline, my foundation for reclaiming my position.
Standing once more before the imposing Manor House door, my grip tightened on the handle of my small suitcase.
I will be back,I vowed silently.
This place belongs to me.
The door opened. Lydia appeared, her expression relaxed until she saw it was me.
Instantly, it twisted into pure hatred.
The look pierced me.
"What are you doing back here?"
"I came to get the rest of my things."
The door opened wider.
"Oh? Finally realized you’re not welcome?"
I managed a weak, strained smile.
"Yes."
She finally stepped aside, letting me pass.
I walked straight towards the master bedroom suite, mentally calculating how to slip into the study unnoticed.
When a phone rang downstairs and she went to answer it, I seized the chance. I hurried into the study, emptied the safe, and tucked everything securely into my bag.
As I turned to leave, Luna stepped into the hallway, blocking my path.
Her expression was complex as she looked at me.
"Vincent... are you sure about this?"
Lydia called out from the foyer.
"Luna! Forget about the idiot! Miles will be here any minute! Did you finish baking his cupcakes?"
My mind stuttered.
