Out Of The Shadows Tilda’s Brilliant Second Life novel Chapter 6

Out Of The Shadows: Tilda’s Brilliant Second Life Chapter 06

Chapter 6 Walking Away from the Jensons

“I don’t need this family, Mr. Jenson.”

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**Finished

Tilda’s eyes flashed with disdain as she took a slow, steady breath. At last, she spoke the words she’d been holding back for years.

“You treat Kyla like she’s the center of your universe, terrified someone might threaten her spot.

“Well, from this moment on, I’m cutting all ties with this family. I’m no longer your daughter.”

Without another word, Tilda turned and walked upstairs, ignoring every stare in the room.

As the words left her lips, an unexpected calm settled over her. The last thread of attachment had finally snapped, and she could let go.

When she came back down, the living room was frozen in silence. The Jensons were too stunned to react.

With a small suitcase in one hand and a plain backpack slung over her shoulder, she gave them a cold glance and headed for the front door.

“Wait!” Russell finally snapped out of it.“Tilda, are you serious?”

“Dead serious, Mr. Jenson. Isn’t this what you all wanted?”

A faint smirk curved her lips as she dragged her suitcase outside, not bothering to look back.

Inside, Kyla was nearly glowing with joy. She couldn’t believe Tilda had just handed over her place as the rightful heiress without a fight.

It was more than she’d ever dared hope for. Still, she had to play the part.

“Wade, you need to stop her,” Kyla cried, grabbing his arm. “If anyone should be leaving, it should be me, not her!

“She must be heartbroken over the misunderstanding. Please–go talk to her!”

Wade didn’t answer right away. His face was tight with mixed emotions.

Sure, a part of Wade had wished Tilda would just disappear forever so Kyla wouldn’t get hurt or overshadowed.

But blood ties are hard to ignore. Like it or not, Tilda was his sister.

And deep down, he knew–it was their blind faith in Kyla, their constant readiness to believe the worst in Tilda–that had pushed her to this point.

For once, guilt crept in.

Kyla caught the flicker of hesitation on his face, and panic shot through her. The Jensons still cared about Tilda. If she didn’t move fast, they might grow close again, and then… there might not be a place for her in this family anymore.

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Chapter 6 Walking Away from the Jensons

Finished

“Fine! Go ahead and leave!” Russell’s temper snapped. “Walk out that door and don’t come back! As far as I’m concerned, I have no daughter!”

Did this girl really think she could threaten him? That she could just storm out of the house and cut ties?

Did she think he’d fall for it?

Russell had seen it all in his years running the business world. He was certain that Tilda would regret this and come crawling back. No one in their right mind walked away from a life of luxury and privilege.

“Enough, Russell!” Blair’s voice cracked like a whip.

The change in him was instant. He shrank back, his fear of his wife plain for everyone to see.

“Mom, please, go after her,” Kyla said, her voice trembling as she switched to a softer approach, directing her plea at Blair.

“You already have the daughter you’ve always cherished. As for me, I’ll find my own way.”

If she was going to cut ties, she’d do it clean–no loose ends.

Ignoring Blair’s desperate plea, she gripped the handle of her suitcase, turned her back, and walked out of the villa.

Just like the day she first arrived.

Back then, she had come with nervous excitement–hope, fear, and even joy.

This time, her heart was steady. There was no shock, no grief–only clarity.

When you’ve truly made up your mind, that first step isn’t nearly as hard as you thought.

That family had given her nothing but scars, and there was nothing left to mend.

Blair stood frozen, watching her daughter disappear down the hill, completely at a loss.

Just yesterday, Tilda had looked at her with wide, hopeful eyes and sneakily called her “Mom.”

Like a child afraid to do anything wrong.

She longed for a mother’s love, but the gap between them made her afraid of upsetting Blair, so she trod carefully, never daring to get too close.

If it weren’t for her face, Blair might not have recognized the girl walking away now.

Tilda rolled her suitcase down the slope and raised a hand to flag a taxi.

The driver had the radio on, and just as she climbed in, a news segment about the Jensons scandal blared through the speakers.

“Where to, miss?” he asked.

“A nearby motel,” she said. “One that doesn’t require ID.”

She didn’t have a place to stay yet.

Tilda barely had any money left.

First things first–she needed cash. Without it, even feeding herself would be a problem.