571 Unlucky* (1/2)

”I can't believe you're doing this kind of nonsense, Kelly!” A raging voice thundered and echoed inside the luxurious apartment as Kelly looked at her father with an utter shock etched on her face. Her father had never yelled at her so furiously like this before. Her father was always that strict and unapproachable dad to her since she was young, but he was not the type to yell so loudly when angered. This was the first time Kelly had seen him this furious, so she couldn't help but feel nervous.

”D-dad –”

”Shut up! Did you think I wouldn't find out?” he was shaking in rage that Kelly forced herself to press her lips tightly. She didn't want to infuriate him even more for fear that he might end up collapsing.

”How dare you do this. You agreed with the deal. I gave you everything you wanted and needed… everything… and this is how you repay me?!” He continued, still trembling in anger, grabbing onto his bodyguard's arm for support.

Kelly's lips parted, but no voice came out of her lips. 'Everything? Really? When did that happen?' she asked inwardly. Then she fought the urge to flash a mocking and bitter smile. The lump in her throat was getting more and more unbearable, but all she could do was dug her nails on her palm and took a deep breath to find her voice again.

”Dad…” her voice was weak and pained. ”May I ask?” she looked at him with all the courage she could muster. ”Are love and attention included in the 'everything' you are talking about?” her eyes became hot as those words leave her lips. But she didn't let any tears fall. ”Of course, the answer is no, right?” she answered her own question, ”because I don't remember you giving me any of those two. Since I was a child, all I ever receive from you were… money, money, and more money.”

At that moment, some of her childhood memories flash in her head. Kelly remembered how she longed for her father's attention when she was little until she grew up. But her father was rarely home, and most of the time, he couldn't even attend his own daughter's birthday. And when he did, he would immediately leave as soon as he handed her his expensive gifts. His attention was focused entirely on his company that he barely glanced at Kelly. He had always been a cold and distant figure to Kelly because no matter how much Kelly tried, he would never give her the attention she deserved as his daughter.

Silence reigned between the father and daughter as they stared at each other until Kelly spoke again. ”Of course, I am very grateful. Your money gave me a comfortable life after all. But dad, money is not my everything. I never planned to break my promise. I came back home as I promised, but dad… I can't accept Tristan. Not him, please –”

Kelly gasped in shock.

”Your mother was so hurt you actually planned to get married behind her back. You know how much she dreamt about watching you walk in the aisle. You know how much she's working on this upcoming wedding of yours. But look at what you did…” he shook his head in utter disappointment.

”Dad, it's all because you gave me no choice. I knew you would never let me marry Chris. That's why I… that's why I planned to marry him first before introducing him to the both of you.”

Her father acted as though he didn't hear her and just continued talking. ”You actually went and searched for a man that will agree to have a contracted marriage with you. A fake husband that will agree to divorce you after a year? Do you think your mother will ever tolerate such a ridiculous thing?!”

Kelly's face went very white. How? How did they found out about all these?

As though her father had read her mind, he scowled and continued talking. ”Don't you even try to deny it, Kelly. Tristan showed me a voice record of you talking to that man.”

”T-tristan sent someone to spy on me? And then followed me all the way to Chris' –” Kelly couldn't even finish her statement anymore. Her knees weakened. There was no way Chris would reveal anything, much more record their conversation. Chris was a passionate actor, and he loved acting. He would never do anything that could potentially ruin his career. He would never do something like that. Kelly could only curse and curse inside her. She knew it was Tristan. She had underestimated him. She should've known since Tristan's men snatched her phone in that bar. Tristan was a man who would never let anyone beat him in his own game. He was a bastard who would do anything and everything to get what he wanted. And he wouldn't hold back at all until he gets the last laugh.

”Do not blame Tristan. He saved you from doing something idiotic, Kelly.” Her father said, and Kelly almost laughed hysterically.