Married To My Bully by Sakshi C (comprehension books txt) 📕

The day passed in a haze of work. Every day was the same. Gloomy, dull, and hopeless. Just for once, I wanted to feel alive. Just for once, I wanted to forget my past. I wanted to feel not depressed. Why couldn't I have a life like that man outside that restaurant? That sight had stirred something inside me. My craving for being loved grew. Being loved by just one woman. Crystal. But that was impossible. That woman wasn't capable of love. Expecting love from her was akin to chasing rainbows. Why couldn't I move on?

All my thoughts scurried to the back of my head when I saw a familiar car parked outside my mansion. It was dad's.

My brows drew together in confusion as I eyed the car with confusion. What could have brought him here.

The sound of laughter coming from the living room revealed that dad wasn't the only one in here. Mom was here too.

Dad and Mom were sitting on one side whereas Crystal was positioned n the other. They all were chit-chatting about something.  

Mom's eyes twinkled with happiness when she saw me approaching. 

"There you are," dad said and pulled me in for a hug. I loved my dad. He had always been my pillar of support. He always had my back, even though, I wasn't his real son. Maybe, itis not about relationships. Maybe, it is about the person you share the relationship with. My biological father was like a monster to me. I never considered him my father.  But this man standing here, Despite being my stepfather, always loved me like his own. He didn't judge me when I tried to kill myself. He stood by me even when I.......

The memory made me shudder in silence. 

"I invited them over for dinner. Last time, Dad couldn't attend the dinner so I thought why not arrange another one," Crystal piped in before I could ask my dad anything.

My eyes swept over her of their own accord. She was looking exquisite as always. I was amazed. The bright smile on her face made me doubt if she had some memory problem. How a person who had faced her worst nightmare just a night ago could be chirping like a bird the very next day. There was no trace of fear on her face. No sign of any trauma. A frustrating groan escaped my throat when she flashed me an innocent smile. I looked away and hugged my Mom. 

"Mom, dad you must be starving. Let's do the dinner," Crystal chirped. I turned towards the stairs when she called my name.

"Alex, Freshen up and come back. I'll be waiting," she shot me another tempting smile. I scowled at her and started ascending the stairs. 

All three of them were settled in their chair when I came back. Dan and Mom were sitting on the opposite side of Crystal. I pulled out a chair next to my mom but ceased the movement when my dad spoke. 

"it's about time you get out of your mother's lap, boy. Go and sit with your wife," I felt the tip of my ear burning with embarrassment, which spread further when I heard someone's muffled laughter.  

"I am not..." 

"Your dad is right, boy. Go, sit with your wife," Mom added to my embarrassment and I pulled the chair back into its place before anyone could add anything more. I rounded to another side and sat next to Crysta, who was still trying to control her completely unwarranted laughter. I let out a sigh and started filling my plate.

My eyes were searching the table for pickles when she quipped. 

"Looking for something?" Mom asked

"I...," 

"Milk perhaps," Siren murmured under her breath and cover her mouth with her hand to muffle her laughter.

I gave her a hateful glare that didn't deter her in the slightest. Had she forgotten her lesson? She should be shaking with fear. Oh, she was shaking alright but with laughter. I turned back to my mom.   

"You okay, dear?" My mom asked Siren with a concerned look.

"Ahmmm...Couldn't be better," she coughed and replied.

"I am looking for the jar of pickle," I hissed through my teeth. 

"Here," Siren put the jar next to my plate. I scooped some and placed them on my plate. My ears were still burning with embarrassment and anger. 

I scooped the lasagne in my spoon and was about to put it in my mouth when my dad bit out. 

"Put the spoon back in the plate," dad said in a stern tone. My hand froze mid-air as I eyed him with confusion. He wasn't kidding. He meant business. 

"Have you forgotten everything I taught you, young man? Who is going to pray?" he said while glaring daggers at me.     

 "Dad," my irritation glaringly obvious. 

"Don't dad me. Debbie, did you see how he has forgotten everything we taught him. I am sure this isn't the first time he forgot to thank the almighty before the meal," he reprimanded me

"No, it isn't," she interjected, causing me to snap my head towards her. Did she just tell on me. Oh, yes she definitely did.   

"You mean he has skipped prayer before?" dad asked him.

"Oh, no....He never prays actually. I have never even seen him going to church," She said with a straight face. If only, killing was legal. 

I turned back to my dad who looked flipped. My dad was a religious man. A staunch follower of Jesus. The one who liked to visit church daily. So the fact that I overlooked praying before the meal was a big deal for him. 

I swallowed a lump when dad connected his sharp gaze with mine. 

"Tomorrow you are going to church with me to see the father," he said 

"Yes, I will," I agreed to appease him. 

"Shut up and pray," he growled before closing his eyes and holding her palm out. We followed suit. I interlaced my hand with his but didn't lift my other hand as I knew who would be taking it. I closed my eyes. 

But opened them abruptly when I felt her interlinking her hand with mine. I shot her a warning through my eyes but she ignored it and closed her eyes. What the hell was wrong with her. I also closed my eyes in frustration.