Chapter 2

Joel rolled his eyes and said, "You make it sound like living with us is some kind of hardship. You weren't born a spoiled rich kid, but you sure act like one.

"And now you're using this to get attention?"

Megan's expression darkened. She asked, "Why are you throwing a tantrum?"

I replied quietly, "I'm not throwing a fit. I just think staying at school will be more convenient for my studies."

But the frown on Megan's face didn't disappear.

"Do you think I don't know you? You could have moved out anytime, but you chose now instead. Aren't you just upset with me because of the cake?"

Then, she added, "That's enough. If you really want a cake, I'll have Lena make one for you later."

After that, she ignored me.

As she wiped the cream from the corner of Joel's mouth, she laughed. "How are you still like a little kid? You can't even eat cake without getting it all over your face."

"I'm Mom and Dad's baby forever. You got a problem with that?" Joel retorted.

"Fine, fine. You're their forever baby," Megan replied fondly.

I couldn't stay there any longer, so I quietly went upstairs.

After applying to live at school, I stood in my carefully decorated room, lost in thought.

There were the expensive, beautifully made superhero pillows on the bed. By the window stood a pot of rare orchids.

Also, there was the elegant bookshelf I could reach without stretching and the small night light on my bedside table.

Everything was something Megan had carefully chosen for me when I first came to live with the Slades.

She even had the layout changed to match my old room because she was afraid I wouldn't feel comfortable here.

Megan said, "This is our home from now on. We were poor before, and I couldn't even afford to get you a proper bookshelf.

"Now that we have money, I want to give you the best. I won't let you suffer anymore."

I was so happy back then.

We had moved into a big house we never even dared dream of owning.

We didn't have to worry about bills and living costs every day. And we didn't have to fear the roof leaking whenever it rained, or waking up to find the whole house flooded.

Megan didn't have to work nonstop just to scrape together money for my tuition anymore.

I thought things were finally getting better.

But I never imagined I would have to lose her in exchange for all of it.

A knock suddenly came from the door.

When I opened it, a beautifully wrapped cake box appeared in front of me.

Megan peeked out from behind it.

"Colin, happy birthday!"

Seeing my eyes still red-rimmed, a hint of guilt flashed in hers.

"I'm sorry. I only just remembered that today is your birthday," she said.

For a moment, I thought I saw the sister who used to have eyes only for me.

I held the cake in my arms. For a moment, it felt like I had something to hold onto again.

I followed closely behind Megan into the room.

My resolve began to waver.

But that small bit of hope shattered the moment I opened the box and saw it covered in mangoes.

My lips trembled as I said, "Megan, did you forget? I'm allergic to mangoes."

Megan's brows immediately furrowed.

For a long time afterward, I couldn't forget the way she looked at me at that moment.

It was the look someone gives when they see something that's become a nuisance.