3

It occurred to me that I couldn't stay in a hotel for a very long period of time because I didn't have the finances to cover the expenses. I decided to go home and tell my parents about what had happened.

As I approached the house, my legs started to feel weak. My parents loved the idea of me getting married to Simon only because he is rich and from time to time they presented their needs which he covered with ease.

My luggage was still at the hotel, they didn't know they had thrown me out of the Hemsworth home just yet.

"Mom, Dad!" I called out trying to feign excitement the moment I sat in one of the couches in the sitting room.

Mom arched her brows at me, clearly surprised to see me. "You didn't tell us you were coming home, does your husband know about this?" 

Typical mom, always making sure Simon approved of everything I did. I know telling her that Simon had divorced me was something she wouldn't take well but it had to be done.

"Lilian," Dad started, "What is wrong with you, is coming to visit her family now a crime because she is married?" He asked, a small smile spreading on his lips. My Dad and I have the same type of small brown coffee eyes and small pouted lips.

"Actually Dad, I think I have something to say." I said, shifting uncomfortably in my seat, my whole body tense.

"What's that dear?" Dad asked, concerned.

"It better not be what I'm thinking." Mom sneered at me and tutted. For the longest time I felt like she wasn't my actual mother but I was dedicated to pleasing her, thinking her actions were a result of behaviour. It was so obvious that she preferred my younger sister, Kathryn, to me. I knew part of the reasons why the divorce with Simon was going to hurt her was because Kathryn's education was being fully funded by him and he might withdraw his support.

"Allow her speak," this time Dad interceded in a stern voice. It has always been like this, Dad always fought for me while he was around whilst Mum and Kathryn ganged up against me.

Dad stared at me. "My dear, please tell us what is wrong. Don't mind your mother you know she wants the best for you."

"Uhm," I started, the words suddenly feeling heavy in my throat. 

I glanced at mom, and she had this irritated look on her face. My heart started to beat fast but I knew this had to be said. The air suddenly felt stiff with the palpable tension hanging in the air. The air conditioner suddenly felt too cold on my skin, goosebumps sprouting on my skin.

"Dear, did someone die?" Dad asked.

"Simon divorced me." I revealed, the words burning like coal in my mouth and the wound felt too fresh again. I started feeling indescribable pain in different places of my body.

"You mean what?" Mum yelled, rising to her feet, her jaw clenched. The next thing I heard was the sound of her palm clashing with my cheeks and I felt my cheeks burn from the sensation.

"What is wrong with you?" Dad scolded her. Tears streamed down my cheeks not because of the slap particularly but because I knew I wasn't even welcomed anywhere. I could not stay here.

"Why won't I be angry? She has brought disgrace to this family!" Mom ranted.

"Listen, woman, regardless of what happened she is still our daughter."

She shook her head defiantly. "No she has to find a way to beg him to accept her back. We must make sure this marriage works."

"Mom, it wasn't my fault." I tried to explain, maybe for once if I expressed myself she would understand.

"I don't care about that, you this disgraceful child," Mom spat out, her words sounding like acid to my chest.

I looked over to Dad. "This isn't my fault, he just came home with someone else."

"You must have done something to hurt him for him to behave like that." Mom countered. "You have to go back to him if not, you're not welcome in this house."

"Look my dear," Dad started in a soft voice. "Simon, your husband, has promised to help me with a life changing contract and we've been in the process, you have to help us to secure this." I didn't even know that something like this was going on. "You know he's going to change his mind now that your marriage is going through turbulent times and also, he has been funding Kathryn's education. Please consider this."

"Dad, Simon doesn't love me anymore."

"Love isn't necessary for a marriage to work." Dad shrugged and frankly, a pang of disappointment hit me. I was disappointed in him, I thought he would understand me and be on my side like he has always but now that money was involved he couldn't.

"Like I said if you can't make the marriage work, then don't step foot in this house."

"Lilian," Dad warned.

"I'll go," I rose up, "I'd rather build my life from scratch than force myself to be accepted in where I'm not." 

"My dear, please just try to understand us." 

There was nothing there to understand. They didn't have my best interest at heart, I was just a pawn in the game. In Simon's game too.

"Meghan! I'm talking to you!" Dad raised his voice as I started to walk away. He thought he could use an iron fist to unduly influence my decision. I didn't look back as I kept going, until the sound of his voice drowned. It was until then I bent down with my hands on my knee to catch my breath. I started feeling dizzy like I have been these past few days and a bile rose to my throat. I tried to hold it in as I hailed a cab to the hotel.