“I never even had a chance.”
Lowering my glass, I let my gaze sweep across the room, meeting each pair of eyes that had once dismissed me.
“My father only recognized those who followed the path he had set. The children he could control, mold to his liking. But me? I chose to live my own way, and for that, I became the family disappointment.”
I paused, raising an eyebrow with mock amusement.
“Oh, no, wait. They were kind enough to remind me of that with the lovely little name tag they prepared just for me.”
A few people exhaled sharply.
The murmurss started.
I saw Hunter frown. Olivia’s eyes widened.
Karen tried to keep her composure, but her fingers trembled as she set her glass down.
My father cleared his throat, trying to regain control of the situation.
“Lucy, not now.”
I laughed.
“Not now?”
I tilted my head.
“Oh, but Dad, it seems like it’s never the right time for you to acknowledge me as your daughter, is it?”
Silence.
I stepped forward slowly, closing the distance between us.
“All my life, I only wanted you to be proud of me just once. But I get it now. That will never happen because I’m not Hunter. I’m not Olivia. I’m not someone you can manipulate.”
I saw his jaw tighten, but he didn’t deny it because he knew I was right.
“And my dear stepmother.”
I turned to Karen, giving her a slow, disdainful smile.
“You spent years trying to erase me from your perfect little family portrait. But unfortunately for you, I’m still here.”
Karen stiffened but forced a fake smile.
“Lucy, you’re being overly sensitive. It was just a joke.”
“Oh, was it?” I cut in, my voice light yet sharp as a blade. “Well, then I have a joke for you, too.”
I raised my glass, letting my gaze sweep across the room.
“Happy birthday, Dad, and congratulations to everyone here.”
I paused just long enough for them to hold their breath.
“Because this will be the last time any of you ever see me.”
A wave of shock rippled through the room.
Olivia’s mouth fell open. Hunter’s brow lifted. Karen blinked rapidly, as if trying to process what was happening.
And my father?
He was frozen.
“Lucy, don’t you dare—”
But I didn’t let him finish.
I set my glass down on the table and turned away.
No explanations. No hesitation.
I could hear the panic behind me.
Some voices called my name.
I didn’t stop.
I walked through the doors, feeling lighter than ever before.
I wasn’t running away.
I was setting myself free.
And as the door shut behind me, I knew one thing for certain.