“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 75

***Noah’s POV:***

After Graceland left, Brian began to protest.

*“You see! This is what I am talking about! Who the fuck does she think she is! Talking to us like that! Ungrateful!”*

Cole say in silence for a moment before speaking.

*“Is what she said true?”*

Before I could respond, Brian answered.

*“Who cares! That gives her no right to speak to us like that!”*

I could tell Cole was getting irritated with Brian, in all honesty so was I. He was always such a hot head especially when it came to Graceland.

Sighing, I finally responded.

*“Brian, it does matter if her sleeping conditions are lower than a servant. Whether you like it or not, she is a Rochester, if it got out we subjected our sister to that type of living, imagine what others would think.”*

Livie began to rub Brian’s back in an attempt to calm him down.

*“Bri, Noah is right. Besides, Grace is our sister, we should love her as well.”*

Brian scoffed, from the moment Graceland came back home he’d sworn he would never love any sister but Olivia. I didn’t care much for Graceland either, but I was curious about her living conditions. Standing up, I made my way towards her room.

The closer I got to her room, the darker the hallway became. Finally, I arrived. Instantly, you could tell this room was designed to be a storage closet, so why had our parents given it to her as a room? I hesitated as I opened the door, I wasn’t sure I wanted to see the truth. Opening the door, I stood in shock.

The room was slightly humid, the result of no vents and a small window. All she had was a small fan.

*‘This couldn’t be comfortable in the summer.’*

Suddenly, there was a tap on my shoulder causing me to jump. Quickly spinning around, I saw my two brothers standing in silence as they observed Graceland’s room. Brian mumbled as if speaking to himself.

*“Is this really where she’s been sleeping all these years?”*

Cole walked forward, his mouth slightly opened and his eyes displaying shock.

*“She’s been living in a hot closet the past seven years?”*

Brian suddenly scoffed.

*“Does she want us to all of sudden feel guilty! All she had to do was say something. No one forced her to live like this.”*

*“Why are you all in Grace’s room?”*

We all turned around to see Livie standing with mom. Mom’s face was scrunched with annoyance, looking directly at me, she began to speak.

*“Noah, what’s going on? Why are you all in that girl’s room?”*

My eyebrows instantly furrowed. Did mom know this was Graceland’s room?

*“I…we were just curious about where Graceland’s room was. Mom, why is she sleeping in a closet? We have other rooms.”*

My mother’s eyes bulged slightly, soon, her face turned angry.

*“What exactly are you implying Noah!”*

*“I’m not implying anything. I was just ask-”*

*“That girl brings absolutely no value to this family! So, she’ll get a better room when she becomes a better daughter!.”*

I was actually shocked. I didn’t expect mother to respond like that. Brian slightly scoffed, a smug look that read, ‘told you.’ But it honestly didn’t make any sense. Trying to appear more reasonable, I spoke calmly but with more assertion.

*“Mom, shouldn’t we be concerned about someone finding this out? If word got out we were treating a family member like this, it could plummet how you’re seen in high society.”*

My mother’s eyes widen. She hadn’t considered that possibility. I knew if she didn’t care about anything else, she cared about how she was perceived in society.

Rolling her eyes in exasperation, my mother agreed.

*“Fine! Have her moved to another room.”*

Cole’s face brightened up while Brian scoffed and stormed off. Olivia gleefully clapped her hands.

*“I’m so happy sister is getting a better room!”*

Her voice was angelic, and her smile was bright, but for some reason, it didn’t reach her eyes.

Whatever.

I did my part; I got her a better room. After I ordered the maids to move Graceland to one of the guess rooms, I got dressed and headed to work.

***Olivia’s POV:***

*‘That little bitch! Trying to show me up at breakfast and now she’s being rewarded with a better room! Uggghhhh!!’*

*‘What the hell was Noah thinking! And mom, ugh! I brought her down there so she could stop it only to listen to Noah!!!!’*

Olivia stared at her reflection, a twisted and sardonic smile on her face.

*“Don’t get too comfortable Graceland. I was before you and I’ll be here after you. It’s MY family.”*

***Graceland’s POV:***

The time was now 3pm. After a five hour long trip, I’d finally reached my destination. Phoenix, South Bay.

Before arriving, I’d made a phone call Marla Christiansen, the matriarch of South Bay and Kai Christiansen’s mother. Excited, I had finally decided to call, she agreed to meet with me this afternoon. She sent a car for me immediately as the trip was over five hours. Now, as I stood in front of the Christiansen Estate, I could my nerves heightening. I hadn’t done this in my previous life, so I wasn’t sure of what would happened next. What I did know was that a week before June 23rd, and incident happened that ended with me saving the life of Marla Christiansen. Afterwards, as payment, she offered her comatose son’s hand in marriage.

Huge deal right! Welp, before you all get excited, I actually turned it down. Not because he was comatose, but because I was still holding on to the hope that my pathetic excuse of a family would finally accept me. Stupid right. One the ride to the estate, she actually called me, she wanted to have a discussion before my arrival.

*“Ms. Teagues, I can’t express how glad I am to hear from you.”*

Her voice was smooth and regal, you could tell she was royalty.

Smiling.

*“It’s good to here from you as Mrs. Christiansen. How are you feeling, better I hope.”*

*“Much better, thank you so much for asking. I thought it would be wise if we spoke while on your way, I want to make sure your trip isn’t wasted.”*