Chapter 23

Thea's Point of View

Aunt Joana dashed down the stairs. She gawked at the maids after glancing at the portrait I have seen earlier.

"Uhm... T-Thea...!"

She laughed strangely and couldn't say anything else. I tightened my teeth and simply gazed at her. I made it plain that I did not approve of the renovations made to my parents' mansion.

I didn't have to fake or lie in front of them because if I found out they were engaged in the catastrophe that occurred to me, I wouldn't know what to do with them or if I could forgive them.

Joana's anxious countenance was visible because of how I seemed. To be honest, I didn't want to think negatively of them at first, but after what they did at the corporate function, I wasn't sure what to think.

"Thea... Allow me to explain..." She couldn't stable her sentence.

"What?" I questioned her coldly because I was still curious about her reasoning.

When I was certain I had caught her and could ask her more question, someone spoke to me from behind.

"I requested that the picture on display be replaced. I'm simply concerned about you because I remember thinking back then that seeing things that remind you of your parents would make you unhappy."

It's Mason

"We'll get your father's picture back and—"

But I didn't allow him to continue.

"You should, of course. This is my parents' home. What makes you think your dumb face can replace them?" I raised an eyebrow at Mason because I didn't like what I was witnessing, and even if they attempted to explain, I wouldn't accept their reasoning anymore.

They exchanged glances as though they didn't agree with what I had said.

"Watch your mouth! What do you think you're saying?" Mason's jaw clenched, indicating that he was upset while Aunt Joana was eager to intervene.

"T-Thea, come on up here, and I'll get what you came here for." Aunt Joana took a step backwards and then turned back.

I glared at Mason and instructed the head maid what to do before heading up. "Please fix it and return the photo of my parents here."

I took another look at Mason and decided not to waste my time. I shall reclaim what is rightfully mine. When I turned back, I heard Mason smack the wall hard.

Aunt Joana was waiting for me on the second floor. We entered a visitor's room. As if nothing had occurred, Aunt Joana handed me several pills and remarked, "Here's what you need, sweetie."

"Thank you, Aunt," I answered, "but I don't need it any more."

"W-why? What happened?" She was taken aback by how far our distance was. After the accident, I never said no to her. It was the first time I had told her no.

Instead of addressing her question, I offered her one of my own: "Do you ever feel a little bad whenever you see me?"

"What do you mean?"

"..." I didn't answer.

“D-Did you regain your memories?" She is now looking at me, attempting but failing to smile. I can tell she's terrified.

She can't control me anymore since I didn't take the medicines she gave me.

"I used to have more trust in you than in anybody else. I've done all you've taught me to do since my parents died. I let you remain at my parents' home while I managed their company and consented to your plan to marry someone I didn't know. But, what did you do?" My voice was venomous.

As I spoke, I saw her swiftly straightening her back and tightening her grip. Even though I knew she wouldn't respond, I continued.

"Why did you decide for me that I should marry Craig? I need you to be truthful with me. Don't tell me a lie; I won't buy it." Even though I was already nervous and my heart was beating, I kept my voice calm.

Not because I'm afraid, but because I don't want to know the truth... I still had a glimmer of optimism.

I wish she was telling the truth. Craig married me after we were engaged and had been together for a long time.

I was scared that Lily had concocted something to get back at me. Because I wasn't sure how I'd react if Craig married me for business reasons.

If she told me that, I'd be able to let go of everything. Forgive the fake medicine, the fact that they altered my parents' photo, and the fact that they lied to me...

She remained silent for an extended period of time, which made me sad. Because no one was speaking, I could almost hear the crickets. But it felt best if I didn't ask, or if she didn't respond or speak.

"Thea is beneficial to both business and the corporation. Craig married you only for this reason."

All of the power I had accumulated was evaporating. What she stated made absolutely no sense to me. My mind wouldn't allow me to think it was all about planned marriage. Everything was a ruse and a deception.

There was only one ache that filled my heart entirely when I thought of Craig.

I feel like I blew my ownership with him. For the first time... it felt like he wasn't mine.

I exhaled air before I yelled out the pain.

"Why in the world did you do that?!?"

I couldn't cope with my conflicting emotions any longer. Anger, anguish, and resentment They seem to have agreed with me. I've been living in a shell for a long time, but I'm not sure why, especially when others take advantage of my predicament.

"I told you, it has something to do with—"

"Company? Business? That is fucking bullshit reason I could ever heard! You could've informed me! I'll go to any length for my parents' company without that marriage!"

I stepped closer to the table next to the sofa. I grabbed the lampshade and hurled it at her.

The whole room was filled with her scream but I could not stop anymore.