Her phone rang.
+25 BONUS
Tara grabbed a tissue, wiped her tears and runny nose, and answered the call. “Dad…”
The moment Joe heard her voice, he knew she had been crying. His tone softened immediately. “My darling, I’ve seen what’s going on online. Don’t worry! I won’t let them get away with this!”
Tara’s tears streamed down her face again as she sniffled.
“Dad, don’t. Let me handle this myself this time.
Joe sighed, his heart aching for her. “You’re just a young girl. How can you possibly handle this on your own? Let me take care of it!”
Tara’s tears slipped into her mouth. She tilted her head back, gasping for air like a fish out of water, trying to stop herself from breaking down completely.
Joe’s anxious voice came through the line. “Sweetheart, you’ve got me. Don’t be scared, okay? No matter what happens, you’ll always be my precious girl, my strong, wonderful daughter.”
Tara finally managed to speak, her voice choked with emotion. “Dad, I’m fine. Your little girl has grown up and can handle things now.”
Joe’s voice cracked with emotion. “That’s my girl. But promise me this–if you need help, you have to let me know. Don’t bear it all alone, okay?”
Tara whispered, “Okay.”
He hesitated before adding, “Your immigration application has been approved, and the villa in Birkham has been ready for months. It’s time for you to come over.”
She wiped her tears with her sleeve. “Okay.”
After hanging up, Tara started the car, her expression calm.
First, she needed to head to the spa to get all the paint off herself.
On the way, her phone buzzed constantly with calls and messages–friends, teachers, and classmates reaching out to check on her.
