“Did you forget? You’re the reason Mom almost died. You owe our family big time. You’ll be paying us back your whole life, slaving away for us!
“Talk to me like that again, and you’ll see what I’ll do to you!”
Holly’s eyes were wild, like she wanted to tear me apart.
However, Anthony held her back, keeping her from laying a finger on me.
Slap!
A stinging red mark bloomed on my cheek. My mother had hit me with all her might, and my head buzzed for what felt like forever.
“You traitor, taking their side against your own sister. I never should’ve had you!”
1/2
I held my face, staring at my mother in shock.
If they hated me that much, what was left for me there?
“Name your terms. What will it take for you to let me go? You never wanted me, and I sure don’t want you as my parents!”
My father was fuming, sleeves rolled up and ready to lay into me, but Holly grabbed his wrist, stopping him in his tracks.
“You said it yourself! 100,000 dollars. We’ve raised you all these years, and we’ve easily spent that much on you! Pay us back, and we’re square!”
In fact, they had always been heartless to me.
I spent my whole life wearing her hand–me–downs and eating whatever scraps were left.
Honestly, they would not have treated a farm animal that badly.
The only real expense was my high school tuition for which I had to beg for all night on my knees.
Teeth gritted, I declared, “Alright! 100,000 dollars it is! Once I’ve paid you, I’m no longer part of the Shaw family!
11
I took Anthony’s hand and we left without a backward glance.
Holly’s yelling did not make me miss a step.
“Yasmine, I can help you get the 100,000 dollars,” Anthony offered.
“Don’t worry about me, I’ve got it covered. Tomorrow, we’ll head to Darak Island, and I’ll have the money in six months, guaranteed!”
Anthony watched me, my determination shining through, and he seemed lost in thought for a moment.
Then, he said with conviction, “Okay, I trust you. You’ll make it happen.”