Chapter 5| Inevitable

Olivia’s POV:

How I’ve waited for this moment!

If not for their cold-heartedness, I might have been drained dry by them and eventually discarded. Their cruelty pushed me to become self-reliant.

“Liv,” Miles’ energy shifted. She was now approaching me with her fake smile. “I-if this hotel is yours, why didn't you tell us earlier? Look at the misunderstanding we had just now. If you had told us you were the CEO, we could have happily celebrated your nephew’s celebration together.”

Paul nodded repeatedly, as usual. “That’s true, Liv. You kept this a secret too well. Come on, let’s just have a nice family gathering today. You don't know how much we've missed you these past six months. Right, mom and dad?”

I raised a brow. “Really? I remember you calling me names, you called me poor, and insisted on kicking me out. Before I forget, who slapped me and called security to throw me out? Oh. It was you. Dearest brother, your way of expressing your longing is certainly unique, isn't it? Damn, you change your mind just like how you change underwear, Paul.”

Seeing this, my father quickly tried to mediate. “I’m sure this misunderstanding can be amended. After all, we’re all family. Why are you blowing this out of proportion?”

Naomi patted my hand gently and said soothingly, “Yes, yes, I agree with you, Love. It was all just a misunderstanding. We’re family. Olivia, blood is thicker than water. Paul and Miles were just joking. They wouldn’t have really kicked you out. Don’t be so sensitive.”

I quickly snatched my hand back. I looked at my so-called family, my voice resolute. “Have any of you considered doing stand-up comedy? Because you guys can pull it off. You claim we're family, but have you ever truly treated me as such? Before I went to prison, when I could make money and support you. All you did was to pretend to get along with me, showering me with your fake affection. But the moment I was released, knowing I might no longer be of any value, you heartlessly kicked me out. Did you ever consider that if I were penniless, I could end up on the streets, facing danger, or worse, dying?”

They all fell silent. But I was not done.

“Maybe you did think about it, but you didn’t care. After all, to you, I was no longer useful. If something had happened to me, you’d probably have felt relieved, glad to be rid of a burden. Honestly, that day lived rent-free in my head but not anymore.”

Miles stepped in, “Liv, that’s not true…”

“Don’t get any closer, Miles. You are not family.”

“Liv, that’s below the belt.” Paul warned me, but this time, he was more cautious. They knew who had the advantage now.

“Shut up, Paul. When you kicked me out, you were ruthless. Whenever you see me, you don't hide your disgust. When you hit me, you didn't hold back, all because you thought I was poor. Now that you see I have money, you suddenly change.”

Nothing. They just stood there, absorbing everything I said. Even the other guests and relatives remained still. The atmosphere in the room became heavy. But I do not care. I don’t care if Brandon is there. He knows.

“I warned you all a long time ago not to regret it. Now, you want to cozy up to me and get on my good side? It’s too late for that. You can't reach my level now.” I vented all my frustrations and then turned directly to the head of security. “Throw them out and ban them from entering again!”

“Understood, Ms. Charleston” the man responded respectfully. He then gestured towards Paul and the rest and said with an icy tone, “You are no longer welcome in this hotel!”

My parents, Paul and Miles, looked stunned and unwilling to accept it, trying to protest. I turned my back on them, not wanting to waste another glance. The chief of security was not holding back and escorted them out, pushing them along.

“Olivia, what's the meaning of this? You’re forgetting your family now that you have money? I’m your mother! How could you do this to us? You are an ungrateful daughter, we raised you for so many years!”

“You ungrateful b*tch, you'll get what's coming to you!” Paul screamed.

They were unwillingly shoved out, shouting curses as they went.

“Wait.” I suddenly turned around and walked towards them.

Paul thought I had changed my mind and immediately stopped cursing, speaking to me with relief. He was smiling now. “I knew you wouldn't be so heartless, Liv. You wouldn’t ruin Ethan’s day.”

Smack! I raised my hand and slapped him hard across the face. “You owed me that.”

Ignoring their shocked expressions, I turned and walked away with confidence. In my mind, I know that I was closing that chapter in my life. I never want to see my family again. However, they still call and message me frequently. Why? For money. That’s what drives them. Money is their God. My family came up with a menagerie of reasons to call me. Either my mother was supposedly sick because of me and needed medical expenses, or the house was too small for my nephew to play in, and they wanted me to buy them a bigger one, or my brother wanted a new car and asked me to pay for it.

They always found ridiculous reasons to shamelessly ask for money. I just found it laughable. Did they really think I was still the pushover they could exploit? I couldn't understand where they got the nerve.

When they couldn’t get the money, they would send all kinds of insulting messages. I blocked them all one by one.

Living alone was peaceful yet busy. Though sometimes lonely without family, I felt at peace most of the time. At least now, I only had to take care of myself.

It had been a week now since that happened. The peace that I feel now is revitalizing me. Now that the chief of security knows my face---I was no longer the 'boss without a face'. The staff knew me now and they've been working harder more than ever.

I heard gentle tapping on my door. "It's open."

"Hey," Brandon walks in. Carrying two cups of  coffee from my favorite coffee shop nearby. "It's late. Aren't you planning on getting some rest?"

"Hi," I smiled back. Clearing my desk of papers to make some space for the coffee. I pressed the intercom. "Donna, please get us some cheesecake from the kitchen."

"I knew you'd prefer that." Brandon gently placed the paper cups in front of me and sat down. "That's why I didn't get any."

"See, that's why we are friends." I pointed out.

He frowned. "Liv, you don't have friends."