Reign A Romance Anthology - Nina Levine Page 0,187

and navy tie remain. Steadily, his gaze fixates on mine. The emerald- green orb’s I’ve grown so accustomed to are slowly shifting to a darker shade.

“Congratulations, Amelia. You have worked hard to achieve the result you desired,” he says in a significantly neutral tone, “But I’m sorry, you’ll not be moving across the country.”

Pushing his chair out, he stands up, his tall stature demanding attention. “You’ve got other excellent choices. I suggest you choose one of them.”

And just like that, he exits the room, an audible breath expelling as the reality of his words begin to sink in.

Everything I have worked so hard for seems impossible to attain because of the one man who controls my life.

Lex Edwards.

My father.

2

Amelia

“Millie, can you imagine all the hot college guys?”

Ava jumps onto my bed, causing the mattress to shuffle and disturb my momentary silence.

“Californian guys, since it’s obvious where I’m going,” I answer bitterly.

Beside me, Ava lays on her back as we both stare at the ceiling. “He’ll come around.”

I shake my head. “Maybe with you. He treats me differently.”

“Well, it’s not exactly like you make an effort with him either.”

“Two-way street,” I inform her so easily. “You’re his favorite.”

I recall a childhood full of great memories, and given our close age, we were inseparable. My younger sister, Addison, arrived years later, then the youngest, Alexandra, much later than all of us. According to my parents, a surprise baby. I didn’t need any more details.

Unlike some of my friends who have fathers from divorced marriages or those who ran wealthy companies, my father has been present. He often attended our sporting events and every single school milestone, Mom ensuring he never missed out. With certain things, her word held more weight. I know my father worked hard, and Mom often called him a workaholic, which led to several arguments, but he never made us feel unworthy by absence. He traveled, but when he was home, the attention was on my sisters and me. Being one of four girls, I did feel sorry for him since he suffered through more gymnastics and ballet than most other fathers I knew.

Yet, it must have been in middle school when our relationship began to shift, and my interests changed. I started to like boys. My friendship circle grew in junior high, which included more boys, prompting my parents to give me ‘the talk.’ It was uncomfortable, awkward, and I’d never seen my father so quiet. Mom carried the whole conversation, and, of course, in front of him, I kept my questions at bay.

“Let’s talk about the party tonight.” Ava changes the topic.

“The one Dad won’t let me go to?”

“Austin will be there…”

“I know.” I sigh, knowing this is the biggest party of the year. The one I had been anticipating with the reward should my hard efforts paid off.

“It’s not fair that juniors aren’t allowed,” Ava whines.

“Madison wanted it to be a pre-graduation event,” I remind her, my frustration deepening as the minutes pass. “Besides, it’s the only weekend her parents are away.”

Ava sits up, her long brown hair swooshing at her sudden movements. “You mean, there’s no chaperone?”

“Not exactly. Her older sister and brother are there.”

“Do Dad and Mom know?”

“They know there’s adult supervision. That’s it.”

I feel terrible for lying, but it doesn’t matter anyway since I’m not allowed to go. I’ve never felt the need to lie to either one of them, nor have I disrespected their rules despite disagreeing. Ava, on the other hand, often pushes the limits.

“I think you should go anyway. Just sneak out once Dad’s asleep.”

“It’s not even worth it,” I tell her, less than enthused.

And just at that moment, my phone lights up beside me with a text from Austin.

Austin: Can’t wait to see you tonight. I miss you. I can’t believe senior year is almost over.

A smile spreads across my face. Typing fast, I send a reply.

Me: I miss you too.

I hop off the bed, darting to my closet, which consists of more comfortable attire, the complete opposite to Ava’s wardrobe.

“I need to borrow a dress,” I yell out to her.

Ava runs into my closet, barefoot with excitement. “I have just the dress.”

She disappears, to return moments later with a red off-the-shoulder dress which sits mid-thigh. When it comes to shopping, Ava and Mom are experts. If Ava owns this dress, Mom approved it.

“Perfect.” I grin, holding it up. “Shoes?”

Ava huffs, leaving the room again to return with a pair of gold heels. Handing them to me, I scowl