Selfish

Scarlett’s Point of View

My throat constricted, making it hard to swallow. I didn't have the strength to deal with my family along with Asher’s family; they will just frustrate the hell out of me, and I won't be able to control myself.

“Scarlynn, come over here,” my mother's voice was stern, and my stomach hardened as I swallowed again. I dragged my feet to the couch and sat across from everyone, all eyes turned to me.

“Scarlynn, is it true that you are being rude to your elders? Is that how you were raised?” I shook my head in disbelief. She hadn't come here to check on little Asherly; she came for another reason that wasn't just her.

“Scarlynn, you can't keep quiet when I'm talking to you, young lady,” my mother stared at me sternly, and my body stiffened on the couch, my muscles rigid.

“Since when did telling the truth become an insult?” I muttered under my gritted teeth. I won't let anyone bully me, and my mom knew that very well.

Granny's nostrils flared, her face turning red. “Do you see how your daughter is disrespecting us? I don't have to remind you what will happen if we decide to kick her out of our house,” her tone dripped with hate.

My mother threw a glare at me. “Scarlynn, you will have to apologize right now,” my mother muttered, her teeth clenched. She must have lost her mind if she thought I was going to apologize. I won't do it; it will only happen over my dead body.

“Enough,” Asher’s voice echoed inside the house, his voice stern and cold. “No one will force my wife to apologize here unless you want to face my wrath,” Asher declared, his tone devoid of emotions.

“Asher, this woman has disrespected me, and you are taking her side? Have you lost your mind?” Granny shouted, her tone louder than before.

“Grandma, don't force me to do something I would regret later, okay?” Asher shot back, turning his attention to me. “Scarlynn, come on, let's go.”

A deep breath escaped my lips as I sprang to my feet and followed Asher upstairs.

“Thank you,” I expressed my gratitude and walked beside Asher. He cast me a glance, but he didn't say anything, and I didn't want him to say anything at all. The silence was better between us, and it would help keep the distance between us.

As we reached the room, Asher gently settled little Ashley into the baby carriage. She was fast asleep, and he covered her with her baby blanket.

It seems like the time we spent at the hospital has created a beautiful bond between Asher and his daughter. Since she was born, he wanted nothing to do with her, but now, something has definitely changed.

Asher strode to the bathroom, and I made my way to the couch, sinking into it and shutting my eyes. I just needed a second to myself and relax while Asherly was sleeping.

I snapped my eyes open upon hearing a knock on the door. I sprang from the couch, making my way to the door and swinging it open.

My hand trembled on the door handle upon seeing my mother at the door. “Mom, what are you doing here?” My stomach churned, dread washing over me. She was definitely going to be the reason why I got caught. What was she even doing here?

My mom scoffed. “Don't you dare use that tone on me, young lady. Come over here; I need to talk to you.” She grasped my hand, pulling me out of the room and dragging me to the kitchen.

I shrugged my hand off her grip, standing two feet away from her. “What do you think you are doing, Scarlett, huh? Have you lost your mind? What the heck is wrong with you?” Her eyes tightened, her face flushing red.

I stared at my mother blankly, trying to figure out a perfect way to reply to her before Asher stepped out of the bathroom.

“Scarlett, why are you always so selfish?” My mouth fell open at my mother's words. “You only care about your ego and self-respect. You don't care about me and your father, and you don't even care about your dead sister. What kind of person are you?” My lung was constricted, making it hard to breathe. “Am I selfish?” My voice trembled as I stumbled a step back.

My mother snorted. “Aren't you being selfish? Your sister sacrificed a lot for all of us, but you can't even do one simple thing. Do you want her sacrifices to go in vain?” My mother retorted sternly.

I let out a laugh, my voice trembling with emotions. “You know, sometimes I wonder if I'm your daughter.” I swallowed the lump forming in my throat.

“It has always been about Scarlynn; your world revolves around her, and you know what, I've always ignored it all because she was my sister and I loved her. But you are being too much now.” I shook my head in disbelief.

“You've never loved me. It has always been about Scarlynn all the time. No one has ever noticed me; you and dad never cared about me at all.” A grimace lingered on my lips, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill out of my eyes.

“Scarlynn has always been an obedient child, and it is all thanks to her that we are living this luxurious life, whereas you only think about yourself.” My mother's lips curled up. “That's why I saved Scarlynn that night because I knew I was going to benefit from it. You are the biggest loss in my life; that's why I sold your company. Now I will see what will happen to you if you decide to leave this house with nothing to your name.” My mother's words dripped with venom as she spat.

“You better mend your ways in this house, or else you are going to regret it. And don't forget you still need to raise Ashley with no money or a home.” She spat, and with that, she turned and stormed out of the house.

I balled my hand into a fist, my breath seemed to have stopped, or I forgot to breathe. I couldn't figure out which it was, but pressure built up in my chest. My mother's words kept on ringing in my ears like the most terrible song from a horror movie, probably worse than that. These words will haunt me for the rest of my life. She has said her truth today, but why was it so bitter to digest?

It was like someone was twisting my heart with a sharp dagger, and it was unbearable. I couldn't bear it.

I wanted to scream, but all my words were stuck in my throat. I wanted to burst into tears, but my eyes were unexpectedly dry. I had no tears. She has to use my scars to taunt me and reopen the wounds in my soul. At this point, I was certain I will never heal, no matter what I do.