Chapter 28

"Cassandra, your mom and I wants to talk to you" Mr. Vincent said as he and Amelia sat beside his daughter's bed.

"Ok... What is it?" Cassandra asked.

"my child... We are really proud of you... You've made us more proud with your performance this term." Amelia said stroking her daughter's hair gently with a smile.

"About that Liam guy, he does seem like a good boy. Even if you aren't dating as you claim, I know you like him". Mr. Vincent said with a soft voice that Cassandra felt guilty for lying to her parents.

"Dad, mom, I'm... Sorry I lied. He likes me and I like him too. We've both confessed to each other but I feel somehow uncomfortable to say I'm already dating. Cassandra said with her head down.

"Look... I'm glad you are behaving like a normal teenager, but you have to be very careful... We won't stop you. No... We will only give you advice and guide you." Amelia said.

"And make sure you don't do anything you are not comfortable with. Don't forget... Always be yourself." Mr. Vincent said. Cassandra could not just figure out what she is feeling at the moment. She will never ask for another family. With a warm smile, Cassandra hugged her parents.

"Thank You...." She whispered.

....

"Liam... You should learn to respect your uncle Robert...." Laura couldn't finish her statement because Liam cut her off.

"Point of correction, he is not my uncle and he doesn't deserve any bit of respect" Liam replied angrily.

"Well then we'll see... You will have no other choice but to accept him because I will soon make him your step father" Laura said as a matter of fact, and Liam raised his hand to slap her but he stopped. Something inside him was screaming at him... 'She is your mother you idiot. No matter what she deserves some respect'. Bringing down his hand, Liam could only look at her speechlessly for a while.

"No... Slap me, beat me up... Why are you stopping?!" Laura yelled but Liam just walked out.

"Liam wait for me...." Gabriella called after her brother.

"You heard our conversation?" Liam asked stopping by the car.

"Yeah... I did.... You won't let that happen right?" Gabriella said with teary eyes. Liam felt his heart squeeze at that sight of his sister. The day they got the news of their father's death he promised to protect her right? He will do just that. Liam pulled Gabriella and hugged her.

"I will try my best" he whispered and pulled away.

"Why dont you hang out with James?" Liam added with a smile.

"Wait... You know about James and i? " Gabriella eyes almost bulged out.

"None of you told me but I noticed something" Liam replied teasingly.

"I'm sorry Liam..." Gabriella said feigning a sad face.

"I don't have a problem with that as far as he treats you well" Liam replied with a smile and Gabriella hugged him.

"I will call him then..." Gabriella said pulling away.

....

"Laura... Your son is really getting on my nerves. I'm running out of patience...." Mr. Robert said with a flat tune.

"Robert.... He is just a kid, he needs more time to adopt... Let's give him more time" Laura said holding Mr. Roberts hand.

"Still a kid?..." Mr. Robert Robert repeated and burst into a villainous laugh.

"I guess he will be eighteen by next month? So... How is he a kid?" Mr. Robert said with a mischievous look.

"Common... You know we need to get him on our side by all means, or else we will end up losing everything. I will keep trying" Laura replied like a slave asking for more time for her master.

"You better do..." Mr. Robert replied.

....

"Hey..." Gabriella said running over to hug James.

"I miss you so..... Much" James said hugging her tight.

"I miss you too" Gabriella replied shyly.

"Are You sure?" James asked with a teasing look.

"There You go again" Gabriella said hitting James lightly.

"I can't believe you are also dating..." Someone behind them spoke.

"Diana? What are you doing here?" Gabriella asked when she turned around.