Chapter 1: The Disappointment Returns
The fragrance of aged mahogany, lemon oil, and silent judgment pervaded the entire Vance family estate.
Since packing just one bag and running away in the middle of the night, desperate to get away from the oppressive weight of my father’s expectations, I hadn’t breathed that smell in five years.
I was back now.
As the “least important” person in the room, I took the seat at the far end of the long dining table. I had once sobbed over receiving a C-minus in algebra while my sister Claire made fun of me in that very chair.
At the head of the table was Arthur Vance, my father. He had not aged well. The veins in his nose were more noticeable, and his skin was ruddier—a road map of pricey scotch and unbridled rage. He avoided looking at me. Pouring a glass of 25-year-old single malt took up too much of his time.
Claire broke the silence by saying, “Elena, you shouldn’t have come.” She was seated in the heir’s seat, to Arthur’s right. Sophie, her six-year-old daughter, sat next her, looking bored, as she adjusted her silk outfit.
“The only reason we invited you was to demonstrate to you what a’successful’ family meal looks like,” Claire added, her voice brimming with that well-known, sweet poison. “Living in that small apartment while we breathe in this… history must be difficult.”
I glanced down at Lily, my own daughter. She was six too, but she didn’t resemble Sophie at all. Sophie was loud, preened, and well-groomed. Lily was little, silent, and shaky right now, trying to use both hands to hold her heavy crystal goblet of grape wine.
I whispered, fixing the sleeves of my tattered sweater, “I just wanted Lily to see where I grew up.” It was a deliberate decision. I had driven my rusting automobile and dressed in my oldest clothes. I wanted them to witness the “failure” they had anticipated. Before I told them the truth, I wanted to see if they felt sorry for me.
Arthur eventually acknowledged me with a grimace, “Well, she’s seeing it.” Now, don’t say anything. I’m making an effort to relish my legacy.
He waved his glass around the room. High ceilings, century-old oak wainscoting, and a chandelier that cost more than a teacher’s salary made the room truly spectacular.
The truth was unknown to them. They were unaware that the bank had foreclosed on Arthur’s “legacy” four months prior because of his gambling troubles. They were unaware that C.V. was a shell corporation. The deed had been purchased at auction by Enterprises.
Furthermore, they were unaware that C.V. stood for my middle name, Clarissa Vance. Or that fifty million dollars from a lottery ticket I had impulsively purchased six months prior were in the bank account supporting it.
They were saved by me. In addition to paying the past-due electricity bills and taxes, I also covered the “bonus” Arthur said he had received from a fictitious investment. I had done all of this in secret, hoping that perhaps, just possibly, if I rescued their house, they might ultimately allow me to return.
I was gullible.
With wide eyes, Lily muttered, “Mommy.” “Are we allowed to return home? This place bothers me.
I said back, “Soon, baby.”
“Don’t whisper!Arthur slammed his hand down on the table and snapped. The cutlery rattled. It’s impolite. You will either speak up or remain silent if you are seated at my table.
I refrained from speaking. I took out the bottle of champagne I had packed as a peace offering and a means of sharing my good news, reaching into my bag.
However, Lily recoiled at Arthur’s yell as I moved. Her hefty goblet was struck by her elbow.
It felt like time was slowing down. The crimson juice sloshed over the rim as I stared. I observed the glass tip. Then I saw the dark liquid fall down into the old Persian carpeting, blooming like a bruise on the immaculate white tablecloth.
There was a dead silence in the room.
Arthur’s eyes became a familiar, dark red.
The Breaking Point in Chapter Two
Arthur moved before the juice had even completed trickling down the rug.
He did not merely scream. He did more than reprimand. Despite his advanced age, he sprung to his feet and lunged over the table’s corner.
He reached out and caught Lily by the pigtails.
“No!I yelled and rushed to my feet.
However, I moved too slowly.
“You awkward little brat!Arthur let out a shout.
With a painful jerk, he pulled her tiny head back and pushed her forward. difficult.
Behind her, Lily’s forehead struck the wall’s dark wood wainscoting.
THUD.
The sound was terrible and empty. The rap of bone against wood.
Lily immediately fell to the ground. She let out a cry of sheer dread and agony. She had a gash on her forehead and her nose, and blood started to flow from them, brilliant crimson and frighteningly quickly. It mixed with the grape juice and spattered onto the rug.
“Lily!I screamed and fell on my knees next to her. In order to stop the bleeding, I pressed my sleeve on her head and brought her into my arms. Her eyes were rolling back in disbelief, and she was trembling badly.
I expected to see terror on their faces when I looked up. assuming they will head straight for the first aid kit. anticipating an ambulance.
I heard laughs instead.
With a sneer on her face, Claire was wiping her mouth with a handkerchief. To be honest, Elena needs to learn. You were too sensitive all the time. Sophie, stop staring at that mess and eat your peas.
As she watched her cousin bleed on the ground, Sophie laughed. “Mommy, she’s messy.”
Arthur took a seat again. He took a slice of steak and stabbed it with his fork. Despite his heavy breathing, he appeared content. As if he’d just swatted an insect.
He growled, “Useless,” as he peered down at my crying infant. similar to her mother. unable to even sit at a table without breaking things. Before she destroys the remaining rug, get her out of my line of sight.
In that instant, something inside of me died.
The daughter who desired acceptance? Dead. The sister who want a companion? Dead. The woman who believed that love could be purchased with money? Dead.
It felt as though ice had been placed in my throat. Before the tears could fall, the frost crept into my chest and frozen them.
I muttered, “You hurt her.”
Arthur corrected, munching his meat, “I disciplined her.” “An action you ought to have taken years ago.”
I noticed Lily’s blood seeping into my sleeve. As if nothing had happened, I saw the family enjoying their dinner.
There was no family here. This was a viper nest. I had also been giving them food.
I reached into my pocket and took out my phone. I had steady hands.
I made a 9-1-1 call.
“What are you doing?Claire inquired, her tone irritated. “Delete that. No cell phones at the table.
I spoke loudly and flatly into the phone, “I need an ambulance and the police at 1422 Oak Ridge Lane.” An assault on a minor has occurred. Additionally, I want to report a few trespassers.
With his fork halfway to his mouth, Arthur froze. “Police? In my home? Elena, you’ve truly gone insane. Before they even get to the driveway, I’ll have you committed.
With Lily in my arms, I stood up and said, “Arthur, they aren’t coming for me.” “The man who just assaulted a six-year-old girl is being pursued.”
I approached the table. I took out a big blue folder from my backpack after reaching past the champagne bottle.
On the table, I tossed it. It fell directly beside Arthur’s plate. My sleeve dropped a drop of blood onto the cover.
I said, “Read it.”
Chapter 3: The Action and the Termination Date
Arthur looked intently at the folder. He took a taste of his scotch and scoffed. “Elena, I don’t have time for your little art projects.”
Claire was intrigued, though. She extended her arm and opened the folder.
I observed her expression. I saw the grin disappear. She appeared to be a ghost as I watched the color go from her skin. Her hands started to shake.
“The bank,” she muttered. “The foreclosure notice was issued four months ago.”
Arthur scowled. “What are you discussing? I took care of that. I was granted an extension.
“Arthur, you disregarded the letters,” I remarked. “Like you did with my report cards, you tossed them in the trash.”
Claire flipped to the next page. She let out a gasp. “Sold? To Enterprises C.V.”
Confusion and terror clashed as she glanced up at me. “Who is C.V.? Businesses?”
“I am,” I said.
The room was completely silent. Sophie stopped chewing as well.
I declared, “I won fifty million dollars six months ago in the Powerball.” My serene voice reverberated over the lofty ceilings. “I established a holding business. This house’s taxes have been paid by me. The electricity bill you disregarded last month was paid by me. The credit card you used to purchase that scotch was settled by me.
Arthur got to his feet, his face going dangerously purple. “You’re lying! You work as a waiter! Your car is a piece of garbage!”
I remarked, “I kept the car to see if you had changed.” “To see if, in the absence of money, you would still love me.” However, you didn’t. Because you believed I was impoverished, you treated me like garbage. And because you believed that no one would defend my daughter, you treated her like an animal.
I leaned across the table and gave him a direct look.
“Arthur, I purchased this home to preserve your legacy. But I’ve simply come to the conclusion that you don’t merit a legacy. You are deserving of the street.
“This is a fake!Arthur waved his arm across the table and yelled. His plate fell to the ground. “This is where I live! This is what I built!”
I told him, “You inherited it.” And you lost it through gambling. I kept it. I’m evicting you right now.
I gestured toward the wall clock. The time was 8:00 p.m.
I said, “The police are coming.” “They are going to take you into custody for assault. You have until sunrise, though, Claire and Sophie. 6 a.m. The locksmiths show up at that point. I will have you removed from my property for criminal trespassing if you are still there at 6:01 AM.
Claire got to her feet, trembling. “You can’t be serious, Elena! Where should we go? There is nowhere for us!”
I remarked icily, “You have the jewelry you took from Mom’s safe.” You also have the Mercedes that I purchased for “estate” use. That ought to secure you a comfortable motel room.
“We are a family!With tears running down her cheeks, Claire let out a scream. “It was only an error! He had no intention of harming her!”
Lily was whimpering in my arms, blood still dripping from her nose, when I looked down at her.
I said, “He slammed her head into a wall.” “That wasn’t an error. He is that person. You also chuckled.
The sirens’ shriek became louder in the distance. The walls of the dining room were painted in wild bursts of color as blue and red lights flashed against the windows.
Arthur glanced at me and then back at the window. I saw terror in his eyes for the first time in my life.
“You wouldn’t,” he said in a whisper.
I said, “I already did.”
Chapter 4: The Patriarch’s Decline
When I was late for curfew, Arthur would lock the massive oak front doors to keep me out, but now they exploded open.
With their hands on their holsters, two police officers entered. They looked at the broken plate, the blood on the carpeting, the woman who was screaming, and the man who stood at the head of the table, looking like an animal in a corner.
“Police!The chief officer yelled. “A call regarding an assault on a minor was received.”
I took a step forward. “I called. “He did it,” I said, gesturing at Arthur.
Arthur attempted to enlarge his chest. He attempted to call forth the bluster that had dominated our existence for thirty years.
He bellowed, “Officers, there is a misunderstanding.” “This is my home.” My grandchild was being disciplined by me. The dramatization of my daughter—
The cop interrupted, saying, “Sir, turn around.” He noticed Lily’s face covered in blood. The cut on her forehead caught his attention. His expression stiffened.
“I won’t!Arthur yelled. “Are you aware of my identity? My name is Arthur Vance. This town is mine!”
The officer unclipped his handcuffs and stated, “Sir, turn around and place your hands behind your back, or we will force you to.”
Arthur made a lunge. The attempt to push the police away was pitiful and inebriated.
It was a quick response. The cop took Arthur by the arm, threw him around, and slammed him into his steak plate on the dining table, face-first.
“You have been arrested for resisting an officer and assault!”
The loudest sound in the world was the click of the metal cuffs closing.
Claire let out a cry. “Dad! No! Tell them to stop, Elena! The family name will be destroyed if he is arrested! At the club, we won’t be able to reveal our faces!”
I turned to face my sister. She was still concerned about her social status, even with her niece bleeding and her father in handcuffs.
I added, “The moment he touched my daughter, the family name was ruined.” “And you? Lily is not a concern for you. Your brunch dates are causing you anxiety.
Arthur was dragged up by the authorities. His cheek was coated with mashed potatoes. He appeared diminutive. old. Horrible.
He paused as they pulled him past me. He gave me a look of sheer, unmitigated hate.
Elena, do you believe you’ve won?He spat. “You’ll always be the inadequate girl. You can purchase the house, but you will never be able to purchase respect. You are worthless.
I gave him a look. Observe him closely. And I understood that his viewpoint was irrelevant. It didn’t.
“Arthur, I don’t want your respect,” I said. “I want you to be gone. Get him to go.
He was escorted out the door by them.
I looked over at the other cop. “I am the property’s owner, officer. I gave him the folder and said, “This is the deed.” “The surviving residents have been given until morning to leave. To make sure they obey, I would need a patrol car to come back at six in the morning.
After examining the deed, the officer turned to face Claire. “I understand, ma’am. We’ll be present.
The door shut.
The ensuing quiet was oppressive. Claire gave me a look. Sophie gave me a glance.
I said, “Start packing.”
Chapter 5: The Most Extended Evening
Lily was treated by the paramedics when they came. She would be alright despite having a broken nose and a concussion. They bandaged her head and administered a light sedative. I brought her upstairs to the smallest room in the house, my former bedroom, and placed her on the bed.
I watched from the chair in the hallway.
The house was in disarray downstairs. Claire was dragging suitcases over the wooden floors, and I could hear it. As she called her friends, her ex-husband, and anyone who might be able to take her in, I could hear her crying on the phone.
Nobody showed up.
Every bridge Arthur had ever crossed had been burnt. The free alcohol was the sole reason the “friends” attended his parties. They disappeared like smoke now that the money was gone and the scandal was exploding.
Claire came up the stairs at around two in the morning. Her eyes were puffy and red. She appeared worn out.
Standing at the top of the landing, she whispered, “Elena.” “Please. Be sensible. I don’t have any money. Arthur used it all up. I lost Mark months ago. We have nowhere to go if you throw us out. Sophie is only a child.
I said, not taking my eyes from my phone, “Sophie laughed while Lily bled.”
She is six years old! She has no better sense! She was only imitating me!”
“Exactly,” I replied. She was imitating you. You were also imitating Arthur. Claire, the cycle ends tonight.
She growled, “You’re a monster.” “How can you treat your own sister in this way?”
I got up and approached her.
I responded, “A monster is someone who worries about the rug while witnessing a child’s head being smashed into a wall.” “I am not a monster. Simply put, I am the one who stopped funding the circus.
“We are a family!She sobbed.
“No,” I replied. “Our DNA is similar. It is a biological mishap. You are protected by your family. And you are only a tenant who hasn’t made a rent payment in thirty years.
I gestured toward the stairs. “Go pack. You’ve got four hours.
I returned to my seat. In the hallway, I observed the grandfather’s clock. Arthur timed my punishments using the same clock. Spend an hour standing in the corner. Give the floor a two-hour scrub.
They were about to be evicted.
I experienced an odd lightness in my chest as the first grey light of dawn peeked through the windows. The suffocating weight of the house’s past was beginning to dissipate.
I noticed headlights in the driveway at 5:55 AM. The escort from the cops had returned.
I descended the opulent staircase.
Sophie and Claire were at the front door. Five big luggage were with them. Sophie appeared perplexed and afraid while clutching a plush bear.
I experienced a little twinge of guilt. It was the former Elena, who had received doormat training.
Then I noticed the rug’s bloodstain.
The guilt disappeared.
Claire gave me a final glance. “You’ll be sorry for this. You’ll be by yourself.
I answered, “It’s better to be alone than with you.”
I unlocked the door. The weather was cool and crisp in the morning.
“Goodbye, Claire.”
They left. After giving me a nod, the policeman made sure they departed the premises by following them to their vehicle.
I shut the door. I secured it.
In the house, I was by myself.
Chapter 6: A Light-filled Home
In the entryway, I stood. The floor was illuminated by long beams of golden light as the sun rose.
There was silence in the house. However, it wasn’t the terrifying quiet of my early years, when I was terrified to breathe too loudly. The silence was serene. It was an empty canvas.
I entered the eating area. I examined the carpet.
I took hold of its corner and tugged. I dragged it despite its weight. I kicked the pricey, blood-stained Persian rug out the back door onto the patio after dragging it across the floor and into the hallway.
Later, I would burn it.
I returned to Lily upstairs. She was rubbing her eyes when she woke up.
“Mom?She muttered. “Where are we?”
I sat on the bed and said, “We’re home, baby.”
“Is this the bad guy?She recoiled as she inquired.
I gave her bandage a kiss and replied, “No.” “The villain has vanished. And the nasty woman. The cruel girl, too. They have all vanished. They will never return.
Lily surveyed the space. “Is this our residence?”
I stated, “It is now.” And we’re going to make a shift. This room will be painted yellow. We intend to acquire a dog. Additionally, there will be a garden where you can run and spill as much juice as you like without fear of reprimands.
Lily grinned. Although it was a slight and hesitant smile, it was genuine.
At that moment, I understood that the fifty million dollars did not elevate me above them. It didn’t make the past better. However, it empowered me to refuse. It allowed me to construct a stronghold where my kid would never have to learn how to conceal her face or keep her voice down.
I went over to the window and threw it open. The scent of old lemon oil and stale scotch was pushed out by the blast of fresh air.
In my pocket, my phone buzzed. It came from Arthur’s attorney.
“Ms. Your father is asking for a settlement meeting, Vance. This is something he wants to keep out of the papers. He is prepared to provide an apology.
I read the message.
I removed it.
Certain items are not for sale. A man’s apology is useless if he just regrets getting caught.
Lily was sitting up and soaking in the morning sun when I turned to face her.
“Are you feeling peckish?I inquired.
“Yes,” she replied.
I said, “Let’s go make pancakes.” “In our kitchen.”
The future didn’t appear to be a threat for the first time in my life. It appeared to be a pledge. And I realized that the spirits were permanently gone as I carried my daughter down the stairs.
