Episode 5. The prize of Passion

Austin walked into his home, feeling elated about the contract that could change everything for him. But as soon as he stepped inside, his heart sank at the sight of his mother's scowl, a storm cloud darkening his moment of triumph.

"Austin Reed, where have you been?" she snapped, her voice sharp and filled with venom.

He tried to brush past her, desperate to escape the tension, but she blocked his path like a fortress.

"Late again, Austin . You know the rules," she growled, her words cutting deep.

A sigh escaped his lips, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Not today, Mom," he said, his voice tinged with exhaustion.

Her eyes blazed with fury, a fire that threatened to consume him. "Why the hell are you late, Austin ? Don't you remember the rules?"

"I'm 21 years old, dammit!" he protested, feeling the weight of her expectations suffocating him.

Her face twisted in anger, a mask of disappointment. "You think you're an adult? You're still living under my roof. You'll follow my rules."

In that moment, Austin felt his excitement about the contract dissipate like smoke in the wind, replaced by a suffocating sense of despair.

"You're always so controlling," he said, his voice rising, desperation creeping in.

Her eyes narrowed, a mix of anger and hurt. "You're ungrateful. I provide for you, and this is how you repay me?"

His heart ached, feeling trapped in a cage of her making, his happiness slipping away like sand through his fingers.

"I need space, Mom," he pleaded, his voice breaking with emotion.

But her laughter was cold, echoing off the walls like a haunting melody. "Space? You want space? You'll get space when you're out of my house."

.Austin 's mother glared at him, her eyes burning with a mix of jealousy and hurt. "You think you're so special, don't you? With your art and your charming smile."

Austin 's heart raced, confusion washing over him. "What's wrong, Mom?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.

"You're just like your father," she spat, her words laced with bitterness. "Always thinking you're better than me."

Her accusation pierced him deeply, and he felt a wave of sadness crash over him. He had never understood why his mother seemed to resent him so much. "I'm not trying to be better, Mom. I just want to live my life," he said, his sincerity evident.

Her face twisted in anguish, and he could see the pain etched in her features. "You're going to leave me, just like he did. You're going to abandon me."

Austin 's eyes widened, a lump forming in his throat. "No, Mom. I'll always take care of you. Why are you thinking like that" His voice was soft, pleading, as he tried to bridge the chasm between them.

But her jealousy had consumed her completely, and she shook her head, tears of frustration glistening in her eyes. "You're lying! You're just like him! Selfish and cruel!"

In that moment, Austin felt the weight of her pain crashing down on him, and he realized that her anger was rooted in her own heartbreak. "Mom, please listen—" he started, desperation creeping into his voice.

But she cut him off, her voice rising. "No! You'll never understand!" she shouted, storming out of the room, leaving Austin in feeling hollow and lost.

He stood there, feeling a mix of sadness and frustration, his heart aching for the connection they once had. All he wanted was for her to see him, to understand that he wasn't going anywhere, but the walls between them felt insurmountable.

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