Chapter 32 Huge Pay
NIA’S POV I curled up against the couch, feeling deflated after dialing Perry for a long time, and she didn’t pick up. There was Kingston, too, but he had a job and was busy attempting to reach the deadline. Weekends appear longer now that I have my days treating people. The assistants handle the patients and only call me in during an emergency. There are no life-threatening occurrences as of late. But I am still very keen on that vaccine, and after discussing it with Ezra, he promised to table it during the week. The Alpha shouldn’t have a problem approving it since I am the healer, and I know what suits the people. But I want to fulfill all due protocols. That Alpha of theirs is terrifying.
The doorbell rang, and my assigned maid rushed to the door to get it. Even though I have pleaded with Ezra that I do not need help around the house. He said there was no other way around it. All healers are royalty; even though it’s been a while now, I am still not quite used to it. Curious, I peeked at the door to find out who the guests were. My heart practically froze when my adoptive family walked in confidently. Stephanie and Mindy were the ones who decided to drop by.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
Without sparing me a glance, they made themselves comfortable, ordering the maid to get them some refreshments.
“M-mum?” I stammered. “What are you doing here?”
Stephanie scoffed in irritation, throwing me her usual glare. I am surprised that I am not quite fazed by it. “I see you are settling into your new life well. You no longer know how to pay your regards to the ones who made you who you are today.”
“If she has a maid, she sure has a good life.” Mindy mocked, running her finger through the couch. “my dear sister, I think I will be living here from now on. It looks like my setting.”
Calming my raving nerves, I settled back into the couch. I watched them keenly as the maid served them, and they spread out on the couches like they owned the space. If Perry were here, she probably would slap some sense into me to not allow such rubbish to take place.
“When did you think it would be the right time for you to call your family over?” Stephanie said, giving me a stern look.
“I didn’t think it was necessary to do that,” I responded calmly.
Mindy clapped her hands, hissing spitefully. “Since when did you now have a voice to talk back? You owe us, bitch. After many years, my parents labored over you. The least you can provide them is to let the world know how much we did for you as a family. We fed, clothed, and accommodated you. Now that you are a healer, do you think it’s okay for you to neglect us? That is never going to happen.”
My eyes trailed her features, and the only thing that I felt toward her was pity. She sure looks pitiful; even at this stage of her life, Mindy appears clueless. I decided that exchanging words with her would be a waste of time. Inhaling deeply, I kept my eyes on Stephanie. Even though I know they hurt me wrong in the past. I am hoping now that I am not reliant on them, they will be able to love me without making me appear worthless. That is why I don’t plan to act rudely, and I will let whatever they do for now slide. It’s okay to give people second chances.
“I’m sorry, mum. I have just been busy attending to the sick. I thought you already cut me off after the sale.” I said.
Stephanie hissed, “Do you think we are unaware of your communication with Kingston? If we already cut you off, then you shouldn’t have been in contact with any of us. It just shows how clingy you are. Well, it’s a good thing since you must do what is required to fend for the family.”
Her words sounded like shattered glasses in my ear, pricking it. “What do you mean by fend?”
“Don’t be stupid,” Mindy exclaimed. “I hear they pay healers heavily. What will you do with such an amount all by yourself.”
“In case you are clueless as to what she is saying. It means you will share with the family whenever you get your monthly pay.” Stephanie added without waiting for me to respond. She began searching the house with Mindy, and they made their way to my room, too. They returned disappointed.
“Why do you not have any cash lying around? You have worked for over a month and should have enough money.”
My heart raced as I tried to form the right words to say to them. “I haven’t gotten paid yet. I will keep you informed when I do.” I said slowly.
Making her way towards me, Stephanie pushed my forehead with her finger. “You had better not try to play smart. My eyes are on you from now on. We will be sure to keep in touch.”
Just when I thought they would leave already, Mindy snatched my phone that I had carelessly left on the couch. She forced me to open it. A shocked gasp escaped her lips.
“Oh my goodness! Ten thousand dollars? In just a month? Mum, come see.” She called out.
Stephanie already rushed to her, and the both of them fanned over my hard work.
Perry had advised I open an account the very week I got assigned as the healer. Since I had my life watched when I was with my adoptive family. I didn’t own an account. Ezra helped with the process of my details for my monthly pay. I can’t believe I forgot to delete the alert. I was just excited to see such massive money in my name. Now, there is no other way around it, and I will release it to them forcefully. Just like always.
Stephanie grabbed me by the collar roughly, “You bitch! So you think we are fools? You wanted to play us and pretend not to have any money with you.”
“I thought it would be impossible for her not to have been paid.” Said Mindy. “You will send half of the money to us right now!” She ordered.
“Hell no!” Her mother rebuffed. “Eight thousand dollars is what you will send for making me go through all the trouble.”
Tears laced my eyes heavenly; from my side view, I could see the maid peeking at me pitifully. With shaky breaths, I took my phone and sent it to the account provided. It’s of no use trying to fight it. I will either do it with my bones still intact or destroyed. Stephanie delivers very painful blows that I doubt I want to experience again.
Patting my cheeks painfully, Stephanie held a crooked smile. “Now, that’s my girl. Expect to see me soon. Bye, honey.” She taunted, both mother and daughter laughing evilly on their way out.
I promise it’s not them I hate. I sincerely hate myself for being this weak. I’m so pathetic, and it’s a big shame. I have practically paid back these people with my life. How can I just let them walk all over me again? Isn’t that a terrible fate? Even when freedom rests solely on my shoulders, I still can’t give it to myself. The tears rolled down uncontrollably now. I sat on the cold floor, crying my eyes out. I might as well end it all.