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82.75% Werewolf (Ava) / Chapter 24: Shadows of Obligation

Chương 24: Shadows of Obligation

The room was suffocatingly silent, just as I wanted it. The curtains were drawn tightly, sealing out the daylight. The air was heavy, stale from days without fresh circulation. I lay on my bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, though I wasn't really seeing anything.

My chest ached—not from a physical wound, but from something far worse. The image of her walking away, her back to me, haunted every waking moment. Ava.

A faint knock at the door barely registered, followed by the creak of it opening. Footsteps echoed softly on the floor, and then the familiar sound of dishes clinking told me it was the maid. I didn't move. I didn't acknowledge her.

She quietly placed the lunch tray on the small table by the window and picked up the untouched breakfast I hadn't so much as glanced at. I heard her sigh under her breath—pity, maybe? Disappointment? I didn't care.

Then she made her fatal mistake.

The curtains snapped open, flooding the room with unwelcome light. My eyes squeezed shut against the sudden brightness, and rage surged through me like a wildfire.

"Get out!" I yelled, bolting upright. My voice was hoarse, cracked from days of disuse. "Close the damn curtains and get out!"

The maid froze, startled by my outburst. Her eyes widened, and her hands trembled as she fumbled to step away.

"Liam!"

My mother's voice cut through the air like a whip. I turned my head to see her standing in the doorway, her expression a volatile mix of fury and disdain.

She strode into the room, her heels clicking sharply against the hardwood floor. The maid scurried past her, almost tripping in her haste to leave.

"What is wrong with you?" my mother snapped, her voice icy and controlled, though I could see the storm brewing beneath the surface.

I didn't answer. I slumped back onto the bed, turning my face away from her, away from the world.

"Don't you dare ignore me!" she barked. Before I could react, her hand came down hard against my cheek. The sharp sting jolted me out of my stupor, and I sat up, glaring at her.

"What the hell, Mom?" I growled.

She crossed her arms, her gaze cutting through me like steel. "Enough of this pathetic act. Pull yourself together. You've been lying in this room for days, sulking like a spoiled child. Do you have any idea how embarrassing this is for our family?"

I clenched my fists, the anger bubbling just beneath the surface. "You have no idea what I'm going through."

"Oh, don't I?" she shot back. "You're heartbroken over some girl who was never going to fit into your world. I did what I had to do to protect you and this family. You'll thank me one day."

"Protect me?" I spat, my voice rising. "You ruined everything! I loved her, Mom. She was my world."

"And that world is over," she said coldly. "It's time you accept that and move on. You have responsibilities, Liam. Starting with law school. You'll be joining next week."

I froze, staring at her as though she'd just announced my death sentence. "Law school? You've got to be kidding me. I don't want that."

"It's not about what you want," she snapped. "It's about what's expected of you. You'll do it, and you'll do it well. End of discussion."

I wanted to scream, to throw something, to tell her to go to hell. But I knew it wouldn't matter. In her eyes, my life wasn't mine to live. It was hers to control.

She turned on her heel and walked out, slamming the door behind her. The sound echoed in the now-bright room, and I buried my face in my hands.

I didn't want this. I didn't want any of it. But, like everything else in my life, it seemed I had no choice.


next chapter

Chương 25: Thresholds Unveiled

The drive to the university was a quiet one. Dad sat beside me, his hands gripping the wheel firmly but relaxed, while I stared out of the car window. The city's towering buildings, the neat streets, and the distant view of Mount Fuji on the horizon felt surreal, almost like stepping into a different world—one I wasn't sure I belonged to yet.

"Nervous?" Dad's voice broke through the hum of the engine. His tone was gentle, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes when I glanced at him.

"A little," I admitted, twisting the strap of my bag nervously. "I've never…done something like this before. And everything feels…foreign."

Dad's hand briefly left the steering wheel to pat my shoulder. "You'll do great, Surin. They'll be lucky to have someone like you. Just remember, you earned this."

His words settled the knots in my stomach, even if just a little. The university—a prestigious medical school—loomed into view, its modern glass buildings reflecting the sunlight. It looked daunting, but also, strangely, welcoming.

As soon as we stepped out of the car, Jia bounded up to us, her bright smile infectious as always. She was dressed in a casual but stylish outfit that screamed confidence, her artsy vibe unmistakable.

"Suri!" she called, waving dramatically. "About time you showed up! I've been waiting forever."

"You're early," I said with a small laugh, grateful for her energy. It made the intimidating day ahead feel lighter.

"Of course I am. This is *the* day," she declared. "We're both becoming college students. Isn't that wild?"

Dad chuckled beside me. "You two better get going. Admissions offices don't wait for anyone."

The process turned out to be surprisingly smooth. My high school grades—as Dad often reminded me—were more than enough to secure my spot. The staff at the admissions office were kind and efficient, walking me through each step with a professionalism that eased my nerves. I could feel Dad's pride radiating as he watched me hand over my documents and answer questions confidently.

"All set, Miss Lee. Congratulations," the admissions officer said with a warm smile as she handed me a packet of information about the program.

"Thank you," I replied, bowing slightly, trying to balance my gratitude and formality.

When we stepped out of the office, Jia was waiting in the corridor, leaning against the wall and tapping away on her phone. She looked up as soon as she spotted us, her grin widening.

"So? How was it? Did they bow down and roll out the red carpet for you?"

I rolled my eyes. "It went fine. Really smooth, actually."

"Told you," Dad said, clapping me on the shoulder.

Jia linked her arm through mine. "Great, because now it's my turn." She glanced at Dad. "Mind if I borrow Suri for some emotional support?"

Dad waved us off with a smile. "Go ahead. I'll wait here."

Walking with Jia to the arts department was an entirely different experience. The building was buzzing with creativity, from students sketching in notebooks to a girl practicing her violin in the corner. Jia fit right in, her excitement bubbling over as she took in everything.

"This is it," she whispered as we approached the admissions desk. Her nervousness was endearing, a rare sight for someone as outgoing as her. I squeezed her arm reassuringly.

"You've got this," I said, echoing Dad's words to me earlier.

Her process was just as smooth as mine, though Jia being Jia, she managed to charm the admissions officer with her quick wit and radiant personality. By the time we walked back to meet Dad, we were both officially college students.

"We did it," Jia said, raising her hand for a high five. I hesitated for a moment before slapping my palm against hers.

"We did," I agreed softly, a small smile playing on my lips. The weight of the day started to settle into something lighter, something more hopeful. For the first time in a long while, the future didn't feel so daunting. It felt like a beginning.


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