I kept thinking about what to do with Daniel throughout PE. I had to come up with a solution fast. Right after sports, I went straight to the cafeteria to get something to eat when Daniel walked up to me.
"Hey baby, how are you doing?" he asked, smiling.
I forced down the urge to slap him and smiled instead. "I'm fine, dear," I said while picking out my food.
I sat down, ready to eat, when Daniel suddenly said, "Babe, the way you acted toward your driver this morning wasn't nice." His expression was soft, almost scolding.
"How do you mean?" I asked, pretending to be confused.
"He's your driver, I get it, but he's also someone's father. You can't just let him run around like that. My baby isn't a spoilt princess, is she?" he said, trying to sound sweet.
"Daniel, that man is my driver. He's being paid to do his job. I don't see what's wrong with that," I said coolly.
"Kendra, what has gotten over you?" he raised his voice.
"Is there something I don't know? Why are you so attached to this man? I pay his salary, and I decide how I want him to work for me. So keep your mouth out of my business."
I stood up and walked out angrily. How dare he lecture me about his own father? The thought made my stomach churn.
When I got to class, I went straight to my seat, only for Delilah to walk up to me.
"Are you okay?" she asked, her tone dripping with fake concern.
"That should be none of your business," I snapped.
The class went silent. It was the first time they had seen the "class princess" speak with such anger.
"What has gotten into her?" some whispered.
"It's time I clear this mess," I said to myself, standing up and walking to the front of the class. Just then, Daniel walked in.
"I have something to say," I announced. The room fell silent again, everyone eager to listen.
"Most of you know Daniel and I have been dating. What I didn't know was that Delilah here is his actual girlfriend."
The class erupted in confusion. Delilah's eyes widened, and she burst into fake tears. "What are you saying, Kendra? Why are you trying to ruin my reputation?"
Daniel rushed to her defense. "Kendra, are you sick? Okay, I know you aren't loved at home, but why the lies? You just want pity."
I laughed bitterly. "You two are so pathetic. You think I wouldn't find out about your little meetings in the dressing room and toilets?"
The class gasped, and murmurs spread like wildfire.
"Daniel has always lied to you all about being rich. The truth is—his father is my driver."
Daniel froze. Fear spread across his face like wildfire. He stuttered, "Kendra, stop this, please. We can settle this. It's not what you think—"
I shoved him to the floor. "Daniel and his failure of a father planned to steal everything I own. And Delilah is very much aware of it."
Delilah rushed forward, shouting, "You're lying! I don't know what you're talking about—and I don't even know Daniel!"
I chuckled, pulling out my phone. "Oh really?" I played the recording of their conversation for the entire class to hear. The room erupted in disbelief.
Just then, police officers entered with the principal.
"Mr. Daniel, you're under arrest for conspiracy to commit theft and blackmail," one of them said, slapping handcuffs on him.
"No! You've got the wrong guy—I'm not Daniel!" he cried desperately.
"Oh really?" the officer smirked. "Then do you know this man?"
Mr. James was shoved into the room, handcuffed and looking like a criminal. Daniel's face went pale. He dropped his head, defeated.
"He forced me into this!" Daniel cried, pointing at his father.
"Miss Delilah, you'll have to come with us too," another officer added.
Delilah wailed, "No! I don't have anything to do with this!"
"Take them away," the principal ordered coldly.
The class sat in stunned silence. I hadn't arranged any of this. It must be Aunt Grace, I thought.
Later that day, I rushed home, eager to confront her. But what I found instead left me speechless.
"Mom?" I whispered in disbelief.
"My angel… I'm back. Mommy's home," she said softly.
The woman who had never once called me with such tenderness stood before me. Overwhelmed, I ran into her arms.
"I missed you, Mom," I cried against her shoulder.
Finally, everything made sense. It wasn't Aunt Grace—it was my mom's doing.
Inside, I poured out everything that had happened. She listened, tears streaming down her face.
"This is all my fault," she wept. "We didn't give you the love and care you deserved. I'm so sorry, my daughter."
"Mom, I've waited for this day all my life. I felt so unloved," I admitted, my voice breaking.
"No, my angel. We've always loved you. Your dad and I kept watch from afar. Last night, when we learned about James and Daniel's evil plans, I decided to quit my job and come home to you. Please forgive me."
I held her tighter, tears flowing freely. For the first time in years, my heart felt whole. This was real. This was family.