"First and foremost, this is a work of fiction, and no correlation should be made with living people or incidents. The author doesn't support any of the ideology or the relationship— friendship or romantic— being presented in this story. This was merely written for entertainment sake, not to be followed and used as an ideal. There are many things that are wrong in this novel morally, and therefore, don't let this novel influence you."
At the young age of six, Sylvia White had lost her father, and her mother turned to depression then, constantly drowning herself in alcoholism. After that, probably in order to get over her father, her mother, Lydia, engaged in relationships with various men.
None of those lasted for more than a year. They were quick yet fleeting relationships, and it resulted in Sylvia changing houses very often to the point she had given up thinking her life could be otherwise.
All of this made Sylvia to grow up faster than her peers and be more responsible. She had learn to give up her desires, and the only thing she looked forward to was her eighteenth birthday.
After that, she would finally be able to separate herself from her mother.
Today was another one of those dinners with her mother’s boyfriend. Albeit the zeal in her mother’s eyes, Sylvia couldn’t bring herself to feel the same way. After all, she can easily foresee the future.
Seeing Sylvia’s drooping shoulder, Lydia stared at her daughter in displeasure and expressed, “Stand up straight, Sylvia. Do not bring any embarrassment to me.”
Sylvia scrunched up her nose at her mother’s words. Nonetheless, she followed, perfecting her posture to reflect elegance.
Soon enough, they reached the private room led by the waiter. Once the waiter opened the door, her mother wore on one of her flawless smiles and stepped inside. Lydia followed after and was in awe at her mother’s current boyfriend.
He reeked with power and money. The hint of dominance was obvious on the air around him, urging Sylvia to almost immediately bow her head. A strict and nonchalant expression sat on his face.
The signs of his age could be seen on his face but that didn’t deduct anything from his attractive index. In fact, it added on a certain type of charm. He was neatly dressed in a suit, and a watch which at least cost eight figures sat on his hand.
Her mother caught a good one this time!
Sylvia stared at her mother from top to bottom, trying t understand what was it about the woman that attracted such a high class man. Her mother was indeed beautiful for her age, but she had a past that came with her like a baggage.
He should easily find someone more attractive and classier than her mother.
Is this what people call love?
“I haven’t been keeping you waiting for long, right, Liam? I apologize for being late. The traffic was terrible,” Lydia voiced out, tucking her hair under her ears shyly.
Sylvia felt disgusted yet again at the rate her mother changed her faces in front of her lovers. In front of Sylvia, she was always a demoness.
“Not too long. Take a seat.”
The man’s tone was commanding, and Lydia sat opposite to him. Sylvia took the seat beside her mother, and the atmosphere felt too formal and pressurizing for her taste. Her mother must have really good endurance to keep on smiling.
Sylvia stared at the man, wondering whether or not should she introduce herself to him. He gave her the impression of the school’s principal from her previous school who gave the students nightmares.
Nonetheless, she received a clear signal from her mother pinching on her thigh.
“Hello, I am Sylvia. It is pleasant meeting you. Do take good care of my mother in the future,” Sylvia smilingly yet cautiously said.
He nodded.
This was indeed awkward. All of her mother’s suitors previously had more enthusiastic side. That’s why, she wondered what led to her mother suddenly changing her type.
“Order as you like,” he directed at her.
“Yes, Sir,” she responded almost immediately. Then, feeling her mother pinch her thighs again, she corrected, “I mean, Mr. Knight.”
“Call me Liam.”
“Noted.”
