Chapter 39

I stare bewildered as my dad pulls me to him with a wide smile. He hands the mic to me. I force myself to smile before turning to the crowd. I scan the crowd nervously looking for my friends’ familiar faces, those who really understand me, to help calm down.

I lock eyes with Emma and Damien. Emma looks shocked while Damien glares at my father. I look away and find Louis who looks worried. He tilts his head, waiting for my next course of action.

Finally, I lock eyes with Chance who looks relaxed.

I can't do this. I am not ready for this. It’s just too overwhelming. My shoulders shake as my breath shortens. Feeling panic-stricken, I turn back to my dad with the mic shaking between my hands. My breathing becomes labored.

I drop the mic and run through the crowd to the large doors. I need to escape this. All I can hear are my heels hitting the floor and the loud beating of my heart.

I push the heavy doors open. I can't run outside because of the paparazzi. So, I let my legs lead me up the stairs to the right of the hall. I push open the first door, which leads into an elegant room. I pull off my mask and throw it across the room. I walk out onto a balcony. I hold the rail of the balcony while taking in a deep relaxing breath. I let my eyes close and enjoy the relaxing sensation of the night breeze as it sweeps my hair over my face.

"Shiloh, are you alright?" Chance asks as he comes in, sounding worried.

Without much thought, I run to him and hug him as if my life depends on it. I wrap my hands around him and sob while he runs his hand over my back to soothe me.

I wail as the shock overwhelms me. "Relax. Keep taking deep breaths," Chance whispers into my hair before tenderly kissing me on my temple.

I take in a long deep breath and then pull away from him. He wipes away my tears and then sits down on the bench in the corner of the balcony.

I sit down beside him, and he places his hand on my shoulder. We sit in silence looking at the dark sky lost in thought.

"Do you want to talk about what just happened?" he asks, finally breaking the silence.

I glance at him before turning back to the sky. "No, there is nothing to talk about. They made their decision without any thought about how I would feel," I say angrily. "I’m not making excuses for their actions this time. I won't let them control my life."

He lets go of my shoulder and takes my hand in his, looking worried. "What are you planning on doing?" he asks curiously.

"I have so many plans, but the first thing I need to do is make decisions based on myself without caring whether it fits into their social status or not," I say with determination. I look straight into Chance’s eyes. "I am leaving."

"What?" he says looking shocked.

"I applied for a scholarship in Brazil to continue my course there," I explain, "and I was accepted. You might think I’m being a coward, and that I’m running away from my problems, but I see this as a great opportunity to start over. To be my own person. I don't know how things will be when I get there, but I have faith in myself."

Suddenly, he grins. "This is wonderful news, Shiloh," he says. "I am so proud of you. I want you to take this opportunity to create something for yourself, something that truly makes you happy."

I smile happily. "But why do I feel like a coward and so naive for letting all this happen to me before finding the courage to do something for my own happiness?" I say, voicing out the question nagging me.

"Shiloh, you are not a coward. I know I played a great part in all this. Maybe if I had told you about everything instead of hiding it away from you…maybe things would be different," he says. He sounds regretful. "You’re a fighter. You raised your head up high even with everything being thrown at you, so don't ever call yourself a coward for doing something for yourself," he encourages.

I smile still feeling unsure. "Can I tell you a story I have never told anyone?" he asks, sparking my interest. "It might seem like I have the loveliest parents since I am the only child of a business tycoon, but everything is not as it seems."

"What are you trying to say?" I stare at his profile as he stares up at the night sky deep in thought.

"My dad was a drunk," he says vehemently. "He always drank when he was stressed out from work or even when he signed a big deal. It got so bad that he started hitting Mum when she tries to stop him or went against his wishes."

I hold his hand in mine feeling shocked with this new piece of information.

"I hated him so much for causing Mum so much pain. It hurt so much to see Mum hide behind a fake smile and makeup to cover every bruise he left on her. I couldn’t do anything to stop him because I was just six years old." He bends his head down in shame before looking at me sadly.

"When I was seven years old, he stopped and I hoped everything was going to be okay, but it was just an act because he started again." I squeeze his hand in mine trying to comfort him.

He laces our fingers together while he’s still deep in thought.

"This continued until I turned thirteen and I decided to confront him about his drinking problem because I thought I was old enough to protect Mum. That was one of my biggest mistakes ever. Mum intervened when she heard the commotion coming from Dad’s office. She walked in on Dad raising his hand to hit me. She instructed one of the guards to lock me in my room because she could take care of my Dad’s anger." Elaine went through all this and still loves Mr. Colt. I don’t understand how she can even look at him.

"The next morning, I woke up and there was no sign of Mum. I gathered the courage to ask Dad. He told me that Mum left because she could no longer stand the both of us.” I rub my thumb smoothly over his hand.

"I found out later that she never left. My dad locked her up in a separate building beside the main house to receive adequate treatment." He sighs using his free hand to brush his hair. "My dad lost control and beat her into a coma. Every day I watched her in bed covered in bandages and hooked up to different monitors, yet there was no sign that she would ever wake up. My hatred for him grew over those two months." Silent tears run down his cheeks as he recalls the memory.

"After about four months, she could hear us and move a finger. It took three more weeks for her to finally open her eyes. When she finally got better, she filed for an annulment then moved us out of the house. While she was in a coma, Dad started going to therapy to deal with his drinking problem and his rage." Chance stops and waits for my reaction.

I blow air through my parted lips. "I’m at a loss for words. I never knew Elaina went through all that. How can she look so in love with your dad?" I say, feeling confused about Elaina’s ability to get past the abuse.

"She stayed in an abusive marriage for thirteen years because she didn’t want me to traumatize me by separating the family. But the moment he decided to raise his hand to me, she gave up on him because he could never change. Before she forgave him, she set ground rules for their marriage to work but I’m always a little scared that he will falter and start drinking again." He says the last part silently.

"Elaina is so brave and I admire her," I say, "and I also think you should trust your dad and believe that he will never go back to his old ways."

"Yeah, she is. She chose to forgive Dad because he was willing to correct his mistake and I will also try to look past his mistakes. Please don't mention this to her because she has buried all this in the past. I am only telling you because I want you to know that you can only find peace if you are willing to fight through your problems. Sitting lazily and waiting for things to change for the better won’t make anything happen," he explains seriously.

"Yes, I understand. Thank you for sharing this with me," I say

He tucks my hair behind my ear before brushing his thumb over my cheek. "You know, when I first saw you, I was attracted to you because you acted so much like my mum. Then I decided to ask you out on a date."

"I wanted to fall in love with you because I thought you were my only hope for love, so I guess we both had the wrong reasons." I shrug and laugh a little while he just smiles.

He kisses me tenderly on my forehead then stands up and offers his hand to me. I stare at his hand confused.

"What?" I asked, staring up at him.

"Have I impressed you enough to dance with you?" he asks with a smirk.

"But there’s no music!" I say.

"I know, but we can just hum," he says, pulling me up.

I laugh and put my right hand on his shoulder. He holds my left hand in his and places his other on the base of my back as we move. We look into each other’s eyes intensely, lost. His eyes flicker from my eyes to my lips and I do the same.

He moves closer and waits for me to pull back, but I want this. I want to feel his lips lock with mine even if it’s for the last time.

I move closer and shut my eyes, waiting for the intensity and pleasure of his lips on mine.

"Excuse me," a voice calls, snapping us from our trance. "Miss Shiloh, your family would like to see you." A woman stands before us. Her blue eyes stare at me and it doesn’t seem like she’s going to leave unless I got with her.

I sigh frustrated. What do they want from me now? I look back at Chance.

"Go with her. I will wait for you in the hall," he says, seeing the hesitation in my eyes.

I trail behind her as she leads the way. In no time, we arrive at a wooden door.

"Your family is inside," she says, pushing the door open to let me in.

I walk in and everyone looks at me. Mum engulfs me in her arms.

She hugs me tightly while I look bewildered. She then looks at me with regret-filled eyes.

"I am so very sorry. There are no excuses for my actions. I deserve your hate. But I had no idea your dad was going to do that," she explains with a glimmer of tears in her eyes.

"No need to point fingers. The deed is already done," I say nonchalantly, staring straight into my dad’s eyes.

From the corner of my eye, I see Sylvia sitting with a thoughtful look.

"Why am I here?" I ask coldly.

"Shiloh, please take a seat," Dad says.

I walk to the office desk and take a seat in front of him. Mum sits beside me.

"I am sorry for putting you in the spotlight without speaking to you about it," he says sounding guilty. He also looks tired. "I guess I need to stop making decisions for you."

"Uh-huh." I shrug with a blank expression.

"Shiloh, I know we have wronged you in so many ways and I don't expect you to forget everything, but please just give us time to correct our mistakes towards you," Mum pleads.

I flinch when I see the tears rolling down her cheeks. I slowly wipe the tears under her eyes feeling sad.

"Please come back to the house. You and my grandchild are welcome in the main house," Dad says.

I sigh and turn to look at him. "That won't be necessary. I am moving to Brazil. I have a scholarship there. I can't move back into that house because you told me I can only move back if I do something with my life, and I think this is the best opportunity for me to do so."

"I understand. I am happy you have set plans for yourself and for the baby, but I would like to hear more about this scholarship. When you are free, of course," he says with an encouraging smile. "I am proud of you."

My heart warms at the look of pride in his eyes.

"I am also proud of you," Mum says, pulling me into her embrace. "I love you so much. Never forget that," she says before kissing me tenderly on my forehead.

I miss this a lot. I miss being in my mum's embrace.

I smile. I can't believe this is happening.

"I love you too. I will let you and Dad spend quality time with Wilmer before we leave."

"Thank you," she says while Dad smiles.

"Come on. Let’s give Sylvia a moment alone," mum says and stands up. "Good night, dear," she says as she and Dad leave.

Sylvia and I turn to each other.

"Let me walk you to the hall," she says, standing up.

I guess she’s not ready to speak. We walk into the hall that leads to the ballroom where I know Chance is waiting for me.

"Shiloh, I am sorry for what I said to you, and for also reacting that way at the hospital," she says, breaking the uncomfortable silence. "I regret my terrible actions and for not standing by you when you were all alone." She comes to a stop at the entrance of the hall. "I am glad you are finally planning on living your dreams," she says taking my hand with a sad smile. “I want you to do what’s best for you without a care in the world. I want you to love yourself without craving anyone's love. I also want you to set boundaries with everyone. Don't let anyone hurt you like we did," she advises with sincerity in her eyes.

I smile at my big sister. I missed her so much. I pull her into a tight hug and savor her embrace.

She places something in my hand. "I’m so sorry. I would like to spend some time with you and Wilmer one of these days," she says before walking away.

She gave me a photo of a baby boy with green eyes and curly brown hair. I stare at the picture before flipping it over.

"Sylvester Dante," I read out loud before gasping in shock. This was my twin brother. I flip the picture over and study every inch of the picture to memorize it.

"Shiloh.”

Emma makes her way to me with Damien, Louis, and Chance trailing behind her.

"I hope you are okay now?" she asks looking worried.

I hug her tightly. "Yeah, I am fine now. I just want to go home," I say.

"Thank goodness," she sighs relieved. "Yeah, I want to leave too."

Louis and Damien give me the same worried attention. We decided to leave through a back door to avoid the paparazzi’s attention.

"Shiloh, I’ll take you home. Damien, you take Emma home and Louis…do whatever you like," Chance says.

"Thanks, bro. What a nice way to make me feel like a loner," Louis says, glaring at Chance.

"Come on, you weren’t much of a loner when you were flirting with that lady in there," Chance mocks him. Louis glares at him and rolls his eyes as he walks to his car.

"Good night, everyone. And Chance, watch your back because I am getting back at you for this," he warns but only receives an arrogant smirk from Chance.

"Don't forget you have a lot of explaining to do," Emma says as we say our goodbyes.

Chance opens the car door for me before getting into the driver's seat. The drive to my house is silent.

We both get out of the car when he parks in front of the house.

"Thank you for today," I say, resting my back on the car while he stands in front of me.

"I should be the one thanking you. So, thank you," he says sincerely.

I tuck my hair behind my ear feeling shy suddenly. My heart beats fast when he moves closer. I stare at his lips as he tilts his head down and I shut my eyes just as his lips claim mine in an intense kiss.

I wrap my hand around his neck while he wraps his hand around my waist and pulls me closer to him. I moan from the sensation.

I open my mouth and run my hands through his hair. Our tongues fight hungrily as we moan and feel desire burning through our bodies.

I can't believe this is happening!