Chapter 50

"Liza!" I squealed in excitement as she rushed to give me a tight hug.
"I miss you so much dear. You might not believe it but an unconscious Francesca is as boring as a potato" she says grinning.
Laughing out loud I pinched her cheeks. "I miss you too dear"
She raised her brows "it's all Sam's fault, I never imagined he'd stoop that low. It's my fault, I should have noticed something. I shouldn't have let you go"
"it's not your fault, none of this is. You could never have known, people change. By the way, I can now proudly say I've survived kidnapping"
Liza and the nurse exchanged a funny look before chuckling at my statement. "Feels good to see you again" I mumbled before engulfing her in another tight hug.
^^^^^^^^
The next days and weeks passed by in a blur. I spent most of those time recovering, walking normally and getting my physical balance back.
In all those three weeks, Damien and I hardly had any conversation. We slept in the same room but barely said a word to each other except when it was extremely necessary.
I just came back from work and I can barely feel my legs, since I've been on three weeks leave, I had a bulk load of work waiting for me. It was extremely stressful and I hardly had lunch break. Sam is still in police custody and so is Sarah.
I have to fill in for Sam till the hospital finds a new doctor. No one knows why I took a leave or why Sam quit. It's all for the best I guess, at least I won't have to explain why Sam kidnapped me or why Sarah was involved.
Damien has been acting really weird, after our little altercation three weeks ago, he barely breathes the same air as me. I don't know what's wrong with him and why he keeps acting like this but I guess I have no choice. It's all for the best I guess. We're barely friends and this is a contract marriage.
"You have guests" Gretta's voice breaks me from my thoughts. I turn to look at her and see her walking into the kitchen. I'm currently chopping vegetables.
"Who?" I ask removing my apron and washing my hands. Turning to look at Gretta, I see the discomfort on her face and I instantly know who she's talking about. It must be my parents. There are the only guests that can make Gretta look gloomy.
"My parents right?" I ask drying my hands with a towel.
Gretta walks over to me and grabs her apron "yes, they just arrived. They're seeking for you, says it's important"
I scowl "it's always important, they never seem to care about me except it's suddenly important" Gretta smiles and starts chopping the vegetables.
"don't worry my dear, just go. I'll finish this up. Oh, lest I forget, what kind of snacks or refreshments do your parents like?" Gretta asks rushing to the pantry.
I shake my head "never mind Gretta, don't bother yourself. My parents aren't pleasant guests. They're probably here for business. Don't stress yourself, they'll barely appreciate it" with that, I smoothen my black jumpsuit and make my way to the living room.
"It's about time! You kept us waiting for hours" my mum's annoyed voice booms through the living room immediately I step in, her lacy purple gown sweeping the floor as she paces around the living room. My dad just sits quietly, regarding me with a frown.
Of course, he's upset about last time. I had dared to talk back at him the last time he was here and that must have bruised his ego.
"Of course, you've been waiting for hours, as if you didn't just get here" I say folding my arms.
"Francesca! You've become as disrespectful as as your workers. I'm still your mother"
"and I don't care, what are you both doing here?"
My dad eyes me wearily "what has gotten into you? You now talk back at us? Your parents"
I scoff "what has gotten into me? Are you honestly asking me that question? Did you suddenly forget that I'm trapped in this stupid marriage because you both tricked me? Is that what parents are supposed to do to their children?"
"shut up, you know nothing of what..." Mum trailed off but I interrupted her.
"I know everything, at least I know that you both failed as parents so why do you demand any form of respect from me? Why are you here?"
"you've grown wings, you now talk back at us. Incredible, this marriage has given you the courage..."
"to see that I've been blinded by your deceitful ways" I say cutting dad off. He stands immediately and points at me.
"Listen to me young lady, you will respect your mother and I and that is final" mum nods in agreement and stands up too.
I almost gag at the sight, these two really think I'm that same stupid girl who signed her life away because she was blinded by love and affection.
"Why don't you first demand respect from Tara? She's your daughter too right? But she never respects you. But when it comes to me, you stand up and point fingers, yelling on top of your voice. Acting like you are disciplined parents, with morals and everything dignified. But isn't it just an irony? That you both are as disgusting as the filth in a gutter" I yelp in pain as my mum's hand collides with my face. I look up at her in anger and my hand caresses the spot on my cheek which she just slapped.
"You slapped me?"
"And I'll do it again if you dare disrespect us like that ever again"
"How dare you! How dare all of you? I do not answer to you or anybody, I do not owe respect to you or anybody! I am an adult"
Mum chuckles painfully "of course you are, you're an adult and no one is denying that. You don't owe us your respect and we won't deny that either. But you do owe us something. You owe us a an heir"
My legs almost betray me as my mum's words echo in my ears. What?