Later, at the dining table, I decided to tell him. My heart raced as I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZIIPTEYBn
“Father,” I began, my voice trembling slightly. “I won the National Science Shield today. It’s for my project on renewable energy solutions. It’s on the mantlepiece in the living room.” My pulse quickened as I waited for his reaction.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd2Z5CSEH5
Father glanced up, his expression unreadable. He took a sip of wine, then shrugged. “Oh.”
I froze. ‘Oh.’ That’s it?98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05ywkjzbh5
He took another sip, barely looking at me. “When did you even have time for that?”
I felt my chest tighten, my throat constricting. How could I respond to that? The words I wanted to say screamed in my mind: After Mother divorced you, you never gave me an ounce of attention. Leon has always been your entire world. Leon this, Leon that. It’s not like I even exist.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdjIMClCHA
But all I managed was a quiet, “I’ve made time.”
He gave a vague nod and turned back to his plate, as though the conversation were over. “Good for you, I guess. Did you even mention it to me?”
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ051sJaWFur
Before I could answer, Leon cut in, his voice casual. “Hey, do you think the lighting in the living room needs adjusting? It’s been kind of dim lately,” he said, barely looking up from his phone. “It’s hard to read in there. It would really help.”
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoWXWuXhub
He spoke as though his lighting problem was the most pressing issue at the table, more important than anything I had to say.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMPS6bw3vz
Father brightened, a smile crossing his face which I had never seen on his face while adressing me. “What an outstanding observation, son! You’d make a great heir one day.”
I gripped the edge of my plate, heat rising in my face. ‘Great heir??Great heir! Here I am winning national-level awards, and HE would make a great heir?!’98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeQGoiYQKS
I didn't say anything. I didn't want to risk making him mad, especially since I was a child guessing my moves in a game of an adult. I was the pawn he was the queen. I vowed to myself that one day I would be the queen and he would be the pawn, at my mercy.
ns18.219.217.55da2
