The Villainess Read The Comments Chapter 06

The Villainess Read The Comments Chapter 06

I slipped out early the next morning while the Sterling house was still sleeping. I’d texted my parents the night before, but neither of them replied – not even when I was standing at 

their front door. 

Our housekeeper wasn’t live–in, so I figured no one would be 

around to answer the door this early. 

I let myself in with the smart lock. The second I stepped 

inside, I found both my parents sitting on the couch – 

waiting for me like they’d set an ambush. 

Instant guilt. 

“Mom, Dad – you’re up early. Is something going on at work?” 

I hadn’t even gotten to the real reason yet, but the way they were looking at me made my palms sweat. Dad tapped the 

marble coffee table – sit. 

I sat. Hands in my lap, back straight – full good–daughter 

mode. 

“Okay, what’s going on? Just say it.” 

Mom let out a dry laugh. “Kids grow up and suddenly think their parents can’t read them anymore. Honey, I’ve known you since before you could talk.” 

“I can tell what you’re about to pull before you even open your mouth. You texted last night saying you were coming home, and you show up at the crack of dawn? Something big is going 

on.” 

She had me. And honestly, this was exactly why I’d come 

home. 

“I want to call off my engagement to Arthur.” 

The words came out smaller than I meant them to. The living 

room went dead silent. 

Was this too sudden? Did our family still need the Sterling partnership to stay afloat? 

Arthur hadn’t met the FL yet, so technically it should be fine – right? Or should I wait a little longer? 

I bit my lip. Right as I was about to backpedal, Dad stood and walked toward me. My brain stalled. 

Was he about to yell at me? I flinched – but his hand landed on my shoulder, and he was grinning. 

“Finally! My lovesick daughter finally came to her senses! We paid back every cent of the Sterling investment years ago.” 

“We even put it in writing that if Arthur ever treated you badly, we could call off the engagement at any time.” 

Mom chimed in. “Look, Arthur’s a good kid – smart, well–mannered, the whole package. But you’ve been a drama queen since you were five. Were you two ever really going to work?” 

“Your dad and I always thought you two were mismatched, but you were so obsessed with him that we were afraid to say anything. Now that you’re the one bringing it up? Honestly, we’re relieved.” 

My eyes stung. They’d never blamed me. They’d planned for 

this – protected me the whole time. 

“It’s your call, sweetheart. And if Mrs. Sterling gives you any trouble, just come to us.” 

I hadn’t even finished tearing up before Mom waved me off, her face scrunched in feigned annoyance. 

“You’re a grown woman and you’re crying? Anyway – your dad and I are heading to Silver Lake in a few days. I’ve been dying for that beef Wellington we had last time. Don’t bother us unless someone’s actually dying.” 

I had no words. 

Fine. Tears officially canceled.