“Well? What do you want to say now?” A knock on my door is followed by it cracking open and Maddie’s head peeking through. She waits for me to tell her what to do, and with a nod of my head, my watery eyes silently plead for her help.
She sits down on the floor next to me and laces our fingers together.
My father takes an audible breath. “That’s exactly why I called you, Daphne. I took care of you your entire life, and I need your help now. Those rings are a family heirloom worth millions. I need you to do this for me.”
“I’m not selling the rings. They’re worth more than money to me. They’re practically the only thing of Mom’s you left me.”
“I’m sorry, Daphne. Is that what you want to hear? Is that what it’ll take to get you to do what you’re told?” His raised voice comes through the line crystal clear, making me want to throw my phone.
I try to take a calming breath, but calm is out of the question. “I’m doing okay, by the way. I’m working on making the foundation a reality. And my friends are making sure I have a place to live and people to depend on. So don’t worry about me. But thanks for asking.” My lower lip trembles, and I swallow my pride. “I love you. I hope, whatever you’re doing, you’re safe. But unless you’re going to explain everything to me, don’t call me again, Dad.”
Maddie squeezes my hand between hers, bolstering me with more strength than she realizes.
“I’m sorry, Daphne.” His voice is sad but firm. He’s not giving in.
“I’m sorry too, Dad.” I stare at the unknown number and do one of the most difficult things I hope I ever have to do in my life. I hang up on my father and block his number, removing him from my life the way he taught me to remove all problematic things.