Chapter 5

Upstairs

Inside my bedroom, I was busy stuffing my clothes and other necessities into the suitcase when I heard the door open. I looked over casually and the shadow of my mom's shrinking figure reflected in my eyes and on seeing that it was her, I disinterestedly withdrew my gaze and continued with what I was doing.

Only then did I ask in an emotionless voice, "What is it that you want?"

Behind me, I didn't see how my mom's face instantly fell after I said that but she probably thought of why she was here in the first place and instantly forgot or rather set aside her dissatisfaction with my attitude.

"Valeria, I... I had no idea that that was what they were planning from the start If I had known I would have... would have..."

"You would have what?" I turned around and asked in a tone literally dripping with sarcasm.

"You would have risked the anger of the man who held your financial lifeline in his hands and the man who would also have th