From Unwanted To Dominator: Her Comeback! Chapter 07

From Unwanted To Dominator: Her Comeback! Chapter 07

Chapter 7 Do You Want to Move Back Home?

Wren invited me to her house every week.

Because of her, I became best friends with her daughter, Roxy Blake.

At first, I worried-what if she thought I was stealing her mom’s love? What if she pushed me away?

When I told Roxy that fear, she laughed so hard she nearly fell off the couch.

But then, still giggling through tears, she pulled me into a tight hug.

Finished

“Annie,” she said softly, “we’re best friends. And if you want… my mom can be your mom too. We’re both her kids. She has enough love for both of us.”

I stood there, stunned.

So it was possible-for a mother to love two children at once.

With Roxy by my side, life suddenly felt bright again.

I stopped thinking about being thrown away.

For the first time in years, I felt like I was truly alive.

Then one day, Mom called Grandpa-and unexpectedly asked for me.

“Annie,” she said, voice oddly light, “why haven’t you called Mom in so long?”

I froze.

It hit me then: it had been months since I’d dialed her number.

I lowered my eyes and answered quietly, “Last time you said you were busy with work… and spending time with Jasmine. I didn’t want to bother you.”

There was a pause on the line.

Mom frowned-though I couldn’t see her, I could feel it.

Something unfamiliar stirred in her chest. She forced a laugh. “Oh… I see. My Annie’s gotten even more thoughtful.”

I gave a small, polite nod-even though she couldn’t see me-and hung up.

Grandpa watched me from across the room. He sighed deeply.

I didn’t understand his worry.

Wasn’t this good? Everyone seemed fine. I was happy. Why sigh?

But after that, Mom started calling more often. Every time, she made sure I took the phone.

Honestly? It annoyed me.

Her calls kept interrupting my afternoons at Wren’s-the only place I felt safe, seen, wanted.

When I was in ninth grade, Dad’s business finally turned around.

That year, they came home for New Year.

Finished

Dad looked at me like he was seeing me for the first time. He ruffled my hair-not like I was a pet, but like I was… a daughter.

“Annie,” he said, voice thick, “you’ve grown so much.”

Three years had changed everyone.

At dinner, I learned Jasmine had gotten into trouble-dating in high school, grades crashing, failing to qualify for SAT.

She was only going to end up at community college.

Mom was furious. She’d even slapped her.

No wonder the air between them felt tense.

But it didn’t touch me.

I’d already stepped out of that family circle long ago.

Then, after dinner, the conversation shifted-to me.

“We’re doing better now,” Mom said casually, though her eyes kept flicking toward me. “We can afford a bigger place. Annie… do you want to move back home?”

I smiled politely. “Thanks, Mom-but I’ve got my finals coming up. Switching schools now would really throw me off. I think I’ll stay put. I’m doing fine here.”

My words were perfectly obedient-but distant.

Mom’s smile vanished. She spent the rest of the evening scowling into her bowl.

I didn’t care. I just ate in silence.

Because what I wanted wasn’t just a room in their house.

I aced my exams. But when it was over, I didn’t go back to the city with Mom and Dad-1 stayed here.

Because Wren was here.

Two years later, in 11th grade, Mom called again.

“We are going on vacation. Do you want to come?”

I declined-said I had too much homework.

Dad told me that after I refused, Mom cried for hours and called me ungrateful-a heartless traitor.

I didn’t let her words get to me. I just wondered-had she ever cried like I used to, soaking her pillow with

tears?