The Kiss that Sparked it All

The thought alone sent a pang through Elton’s heart.

But there was Victoria in his arms, crying silently without uttering a word.

In the end, all he could do was gently rub her back, letting her have a good cry.

Maybe he had been neglecting Victoria lately. Sure, she was a straight-A student who didn’t need him to worry, but he had been lavishing too much attention on Mara.

He always felt Mara needed more support because she wasn’t as strong. He forgot, never considering the immense pressure his eldest was under.

In such a competitive school, standing out was even harder, but Victoria had always done so well.

After crying it out in her father’s arms, Victoria finally felt a bit better.

Pulling away and wiping her tears, she managed a weak smile. “Dad, don’t worry, okay? I just felt a bit overwhelmed for a moment, but crying has helped a lot. I’ll sleep it off tonight, and tomorrow I’ll be back in the game!

Seeing Victoria’s distress and her efforts to reassure him tugged at Elton’s heartstrings.

“Victoria, if the pressure is too much, you gotta talk to me. I’ve been too hard on you and your sister, always pushing for excellence so you’d have a smoother path ahead, but I’ve overlooked the weight on your shoulders. You need to take it easy sometimes, you know?”

Victoria nodded, deciding to keep the recent incident to herself. Spilling the beans would only cause a ruckus at home.

“Well then, Dad, you should get some rest too. I’m heading to bed.”

Elton stroked Victoria’s hair, his face radiating affection. “Off you go.”

As Victoria left her father’s room, she hadn’t reached her own door before hearing a click from Mara’s room.

She paused briefly, then without looking back, she returned to her room.

Regardless, Mara owed her an apology.

Contrary to Victoria’s thoughts, Mara wasn’t eavesdropping out of guilt. She was simply resentful. Why did their dad coax Victoria into an apology after such a big mistake? How many times had he misunderstood Mara without a single apology?

Why the unfairness?

What went wrong?

Weren’t they both his daughters?

Why the disparity?

Mará clenched her fists, wishing she could tear Victoria apart.

It was all Victoria’s fault. Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

With venomous thoughts, Mara vowed, “If that’s how it’s going to be, don’t blame me for what comes next.”

The next morning, the breakfast table was a tableau of awkwardness.

Elton had spent a long night in thought, resolving to be less of a disciplinarian and more balanced. He wanted to bring more joy to his daughters.

Unfortunately, Mara and Victoria seemed at odds, not even exchanging glances at the table.

Only Elton tried to lighten the mood, creating a rather comical scene. Finally, Victoria ended his one- man show by offering him a biscuit.

“Sweetheart, did you sleep well last night?” asked Elton.

Victoria’s smile froze momentarily before she nodded.

“I slept fine, Dad. How about you?”

“I did well too. How about you, Mara? Spending all day in the library must’ve been tiring, huh?”