Middle Child Syndrome - Chapter 141

Chapter 141: Ch 141: Disappointed Answer
“I’m going to go talk to Rika about it all. I need to know why she hid her feelings from us all this time. She could have told someone else even if she did not want to speak to us. I don’t like being painted as a culprit when I tried everything to get close to her.”

Mark was drunk, so his real feelings were on his face.

He looked pissed, disappointed, angry, gloomy, and so much more when he looked at his mother.

When Natasha looked at him, Mark’s face sported a hint of a vulnerable child, almost making him seem like a giant manchild who had never grown past his insecurities about his life.

“I would like you to say the same thing when sober. Mark, you tormented Rika a lot as well. All your talks ended up in arguments, mostly physical confrontations. I don’t think Rika would like to talk to you much.”

Natasha gave her son a dose of reality he had been running away from.

Recognition flashed across Mark’s eyes, and Natasha could tell he felt terrible for his actions.

“I…cannot deny that. But that was my only way to get close to Rika. It pissed me off how she did not say what she wanted to say to me regularly. And she also ignored Suzie. I could not vent my frustration out at Suzie because she is…Suzie, so I went to Rika. I thought she understood, and we had a mutual understanding.”

Even hearing his world, Mark could not believe what he was saying.

Since he had never said these words aloud or considered them, he had never realised his relationship with Rika and what kind of relationship he wanted with her.

His words sounded like an excuse, even to his ear. He did not even want to consider how it sounded to other people around him.

“I don’t think I need to comment on it. The more I hear and reflect on our actions, the more I realise that Rika had every reason not to feel safe here. In the end, this situation is one of our makings.”

Natasha knew all this, yet not a part of her wanted to leave the situation alone.

“Let me talk to Rika first. She is aware that I know of her situation. I can try to make her integrate into our family, and then you can clear the air with her.”

Natasha declared, and Mark’s reluctance could be seen directly on his face.

But despite his instincts protesting, his rational side somehow managed to fight back and reclaim control over his senses.

“Fine! I will hold back and not go after Rika. But I don’t know how long I can remain patient.”

Mark spoke truthfully.

Even now, he wanted to run up to Rika and clear the air out. He did not like to be the bad guy in any situation.

Natasha’s smile was plastered artificially on her face, but no one could tell. No one, except Mark, knew what his mother was planning or feeling.

And he had no intention of saying much because he was in a similar position as her.

…

“Thank you for buying our flowers. Would you like to include a message with your flowers?”

Rika smiled at the last customer of the day.

Finally, the exhausting day was ending, and she could go and sleep in her bed. It was almost time for her university to start, and Rika was excited for her first day.

A week passed without any incidents, making Rika nervous but happy that her life was finally returning to the right track.

She did not even know what had happened to restore her life to normal, but she was thankful for it.

The only downside was that she had to get used to a little ‘more’ security than usual.

Both Damian and Emily took turns keeping an eye on Rika for her ‘own safety,’ but she was sure that it was a fancy way of making sure Rika did not have another attack and die.

Another annoying thing throughout the week was Andrew Tweten and his annoying presence.

The man made sure to drop by the flower shop when it closed every other day and accompanied Rika home.

It caused a clash between Andrew and whichever alpha decided to keep an eye on Rika that day.

Rika considered it a miracle that a fight had not yet broken out because of this trespassing.

‘Speaking of keeping an eye, both Damian and Emily are busy today. I wonder if they will send their proxy or leave me alone?’

Rika felt nervous about heading home alone with Andrew Tewten.

She did not mean to be conscious of him, but the alpha had confessed to Rika before and made precise gestures to show that he liked her.

It was sweet but terrifying to be someone’s love interest like this. It made Rika feel odd and nervous.

“Rika, it’s time to close. None of your guard dogs is here today. Will you be heading home alone? If so, then can I take you ho-”

She knew what Daniel wanted to say to her, but before Daniel could convince Rika why it was a good idea to head home with him, the door opened, and a fox-eyed bastard entered the room.

“Hello everyone! Did you miss me? I know you did. That is why I am here! To grant your eyes a feast. Rika, I will be your escort today since my cousin has graciously asked me to do so.”

Rocxx’s entry was flashy and loud, just like the character he often portrayed.

He had liked to see that Daniel was about to ask Rika if he could take her home, and Rocxx decided to make his move.

No one could deny that he was an asshole, and he did not make it a point to hide his intentions.

“I don’t need anyone to accompany me home. I am a grown girl, and I can do what I want. If you will excuse me, I must head back home.”

Rika’s mood had taken a 180 very fast, but Rocxx did not look discouraged.