Four

A sudden noise woke Venus. The girl struggled to open her eyes and flicker at the clock. Eight o'clock at night.

Venus complained and cursed in her heart as she hugged back her bolster pillow. A second later she sat shocked when the door to her room was banged from outside.

“VENUS!”

Venus complained again. That's her father's voice. Deep and big. The girl stumbled toward the door to open it.

“What are you doing?!” the father snapped when he saw Venus.

Venus rubbed her eyes while trying to straighten her hair using her hands. The girl scowled resentfully at the sturdy and fierce figure in front of her.

“What the heck is that, Dad?” Venus grumbled. “Why the hell wake me up so late at night?”

“Tidy up yourself, change your clothes and sandals, then go to my room.”

Her father's flat expression disturbed Venus. Will she be punished for yelling at Sella? However, why should her appearance be so neat?

“Wh—”

“Now!”

The man then left Venus, who was still gaping because her words were interrupted. Venus snorted and slammed the door of her room in annoyance.

Ten minutes later Venus was in her father's room. She deliberately wore black jeans and black boots, and a plain shirt wrapped in a black leather jacket. Don't forget she wears makeup, which, although natural, is still called makeup. The girl was more like an official bodyguard with a small body. Actually, Venus just wants to upset the father. Because, who the hell is going to change clothes as fancy as it is just to chat with parents at home?

Venus glanced at Sella who was holding her arms while sitting on the edge of the bed, her eyes piercing Venus's eyes. Meanwhile, Venus's father stood next to another door that Venus had just realized. That was definitely not the bathroom door or the door leading to the balcony.

“Do you have a secret room?” Venus asked in surprise.

“No,” her father answered, flatly.

Venus looked at her father fixedly. The man wasn't bothered at all by the makeup of Venus. Venus isn't annoyed, just feels useless.

“So?” This time it was Venus who said in a flat tone. “What does all this mean?”

Venus's father opened the door beside him with a soft jerk. Venus could see nothing in the room. Only darkness.

“It's time you found out about this,” said Venus's father, his tone remained as flat as a board. “Come in.”

Venus looked at her stepmother and biological father very suspiciously.

“What room is that?” Venus asked.

“Come in!” Sella barked.

Venus looked at her stepmother with hatred. She really doesn't care if she's gone too far. “I'm not asking you, Witch. Thanks.”

“Shut up!” Venus's father snapped so loudly, while Sella looked angry.

“You shut up!” shouted Venus, feeling unbearable. “What kind of father are you?! You let this woman replace my mother's role in an evil version! You never even care about your own child, do you?”

“I never and never will,” hissed Venus's father coldly. “And, this is the last time you can call me father. I am not your father!”

Venus's face was like slapped by emptiness. She didn't understand the intention of the man, but at the same time understood. The girl struggled with words, whatever. However, what was heard was only the beating of the heart that was pounding in her ears.

Venus walked slowly toward the man. Her legs felt so shaky. She paid close attention to the expression of the person she had always regarded as her father. Clearly he had never joked with Venus before.

“What do you mean?” Finally Venus was able to say.

“I told you, don't call me father again! I am not your father!” Bima scolded. His hand suddenly gripped Venus's arm strongly, while his other hand pointed to the darkness. “Your father is in there. I have kept my promise to him, and now I have the right to live in peace. Go wherever you are, because I don't want to see you any longer!”

Bima suddenly pushed Venus's body through the door. Venus didn't understand what he meant until she fell into the dark room. It was like falling into nothingness, with the heart left somewhere. The last thing that Venus witnessed was the relief that shone so clearly on the face of the pusher.

Venus's heart had never felt this painful before.