"Leah, what's that look on your face? Your cousin knows that you want to stay in Aryadelle and told us not to be too harsh on you. It's bad enough that you are not thanking her, what are you making that face for? Do you think we are forcing you to work for your cousin? She is just trying to help you! Do you really think that anyone can get to work for your cousin? If you weren't our daughter, someone like you would never get a chance to work there!" Running out of patience, Mr. Kennedy barked.
Mrs. Kennedy wanted to remain silent but was far too enraged by Leah's attitude." Leah Kennedy, I don't even know you anymore! Who turned you into such a person? That bodyguard?"
"Mom, ever since you came to cause a scene at my school, Layla has asked to put a stop to the tutoring, and I haven't spoken to her bodyguard since. Why are you dragging them into this mess?" Leah asked sharply.
"Ha! Just listen to how pathetic you sound! You seem pretty proud of tutoring someone for free, huh? Since they don't want your help, you might as well stop kissing up to them! Your mother and I can't stand the dishonor you bring to our family any longer!" Mr. Kennedy's pulse quickened in rage. If Natalie was not in the room with them, he would have lost his temper.
Sensing the contempt her parents felt toward her, Leah felt hurt. "Mom, Dad, you say that about me, but do you think that the way you kiss up to my cousin is a pretty sight to witness?" "Leah, how can you talk to them in such a manner?" Natalie scowled. "They are your parents, not your enemy!"
"I'm just telling the truth, Natalie. Do you have any idea how many times they have mentioned how much they wished I am half as talented as you are? They see no worth in my pride and find it convenient to put me down to fawn over you." Leah choked on her voice but continued, "I wish to god that I don't have a heart, so I can just accept the allowance they give me happily, thinking that it’s a gesture of love instead of compensation for what they have been doing to me."
Provoked, Natalie flushed. "You shouldn't accept an allowance from your parents if you are that proud, then! You accept their money, all the while questioning their intentions, don’t you think that’s really ungrateful of you?" "I saved all the money they gave me..." Leah said, as she took out a card ;d)>XKQ= placed it on the table. "Dad, this is the card you gave me. The account was created with your passport and the password was created by you as well. You can check how much is in there anytime you want and now, I am giving this back."
Mr. Kennedy had not expected Leah to talk about that in front of an outsider and instantly flushed. Even Natalie felt embarrassed.
"Leah, are you really trying to cut all ties with your parents?" Natalie's tone eased. " Even if they hurt your feelings you can't just remember what they did. They do care for you."
"It's not me who wants to cut all ties. It's my mom," Leah retorted decisively. "You all come at me like I've committed an unforgivable crime." "No one is saying that. Your job in school is tough, and your parents are just worried, which is normal. If you come to work for me, I won't let you suffer at all, so why are you refusing my offer?" Natalie asked.
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