Fell In Love With The Devil (KEELAN) ✔

Chapter 23 : Million Reasons

The crowd screamed as I finished the song. There were boisterous cheers and endless loud clappings. I put my hand above my head to cover the strong effect from the spotlight. I could see people were no longer seated. I realized I just earned a standing ovation. There were roses and other flowers thrown towards me.

I was on top of the world.

Mila and Ember ran towards me when I entered the backstage. My eyes widened as they crushed me with their hugs.

"You're so fucking amazing. I made the right choice to invite you." Ember exclaimed. The two then let me go while having a huge grin on their faces. "You should've joined the contest. I think you would've won."

"I doubt it." I answered. "Everyone was amazing in their own way but they're more amazing than me. That's for sure."

"Oh, please. You literally blew everyone's minds. I mean, who would've thought right?" Mila stated with her arms crossed on her chest. Ember nodded.

I wanted to ask where Remi was but he suddenly appeared as soon as I thought of him.

"Rems-" My eyes widened when I saw who he was with. Mila took notice of my reaction and followed my line of sight. She too was speechless with her eyes wide.

"Who's that?" I heard Ember asking beside me but no one dared to answer. Remi shook his head while mouthing I'm sorry. His head then bowed down in shame.

I walked towards him. He did the same, meeting me halfway.

"Dad." I almost whimpered.

I was utterly scared. Scared of his reaction or what he might do. What's worse, I was scared because he was calm right now but his eyes weren't. I could see the swirls of rage and it was all directed to me.

"Dad-"

"Silence!" His voice boomed. His fury that he's been keeping in bay was now released. "You lied to me, Kyree." My head was down in shame. "You lied to me. What's more is that I found you out there knowing full well that I forbid you in doing so. I told you to let that go. You have disappointed me."

My hand reached out to him. "D-dad, I'm-I'm sorry. Please-" He swatted it away.

"I do not own such a disobedient child who lies pathetically to her own family and betrayed my trust. I don't ever want to see your face again, Kyree. Don't even think about stepping inside our house. You are no longer welcome. You are no longer my daughter." He then walked out.

I froze. I couldn't move from my spot. My heart was stabbed with a knife- a double edged one so sharp. Tears were almost spilling from my eyes, my throat hurts for holding it back. My eyes moved. I saw him.

"Are you happy now?" My voice was calm yet edgy. "I asked you, 'sweetheart'." I repeated with mockery. He didn't answer either way. He was just staring at me. His face was blank but I know there are emotions in his eyes. I just don't know it. "You wanted this, right? Always playing my emotions, always playing me. I guess now you finally don't have a reason to mock me. I'm glad cause I'm sick and tired of it." I walked out making sure to bump his shoulder hard.

Out of all fucking coincidences, he had to be there when my father- well, ex-father humiliated me. That's what he wants too, right? He never failed to play my emotions, always mocking me. Do I look like a goddamn joke to him? I tried so hard to achieve my dream. All I want is to be happy. No one gets it. Only Mila and Remi get it.

"Kai!" They both caught up to me as I just reached outside. Mila immediately hugged me.

"I'm sorry." Remi, still in shame, apologized. "I honestly didn't know he was here, Kai. I swear. I just went outside for a bit. Finn called me. Your father saw me. He asked me to lead him where you were. You know I would've lied for you but he easily finds out when I lie. I'm really really sorry." I let go of Mila.