Chapter 3

"A life built through work and will, shaped by time and endurance, yet still carrying something of youth in its spirit."

Calvin brimmed with confidence as he delivered the poem I had composed in my mind. The instant he finished, Aunt Sierra's eyes lit up.

"That's beautiful!" she exclaimed. "I had no idea Calvin had such poetic talent!"

Her husband, Roger Cooper, shot me a pointed look before saying, "Not bad. He can come up with a poem on the spot. He's definitely better than those who bury themselves in books."

Uncle Gary basked in the attention, then raised his voice. "Jasper, Calvin's done already. What about you? Got anything yet? I can't believe you went to a top university. Looks like all that studying went down the drain!"

The crowd burst into laughter, and people began pointing at me and whispering.

I put on an embarrassed look and lowered my head. "Aunt Sierra, since everyone likes Calvin so much, I won't ruin the mood."

With that, I grabbed my bag and turned to leave.

Panicked, Calvin rushed over and grabbed my arm. "Jasper, what's that supposed to mean? You can't take losing?

"It's Grandpa's 80th birthday today, and Aunt Sierra finally came back after all this time. Even if you're jealous of me, you can't throw a tantrum like that in front of the elders."

Uncle Gary didn't pick up on Calvin's urgency and instinctively piled on. "Are you really that petty? You lost a little competition, and now, you're storming off?"

Aunt Sierra frowned at me, too.

"Jasper, it's not a big deal. We're having a family meal. Where do you think you're going?"

I chuckled inwardly. Then, I took a deep breath and pretended to give in. "Alright. Since Aunt Sierra and Calvin both say so, I'll stay."

At last, Calvin let out a sigh of relief.

"That's more like it, Jasper. You should learn from me. Stop burying yourself in books."

Right then, Aunt Sierra happily pulled out a thick wad of cash and stuffed it into Calvin's hands. "Take it! That's your reward. If you ever want to work in the city, just let me know!"

Calvin took the money before tilting his chin at me smugly.

But I ignored him, the corner of my lips curling into a cold smile.

…

After a few rounds of drinks, Aunt Sierra was in high spirits.

"Everyone, thank you all for coming to celebrate my father's 80th birthday!" she began. "I wouldn't be where I am today without your support.

"Most importantly, I'm grateful for my husband. All these years, he's taken care of our home and raised our son. He's been my rock!"

Uncle Roger stood beside her, beaming. Their son, Oliver Cooper, even managed a rare smile.

Thunderous applause filled the air at once. Someone even yelled, "What a model couple!"

"Uncle Roger is a lucky man!"

At that moment, Uncle Gary pushed Calvin forward. "Quick! Go toast them! Butter them up and make your Aunt Sierra happy. That way, you'll be set for life!"

Calvin immediately stood up with his glass. Having tasted success earlier, his confidence skyrocketed. He looked at me again, eyes bright with anticipation.

I met his gaze and smiled faintly. A beat later, I recalled every detail of the shocking secret I had uncovered.

As soon as he heard my thoughts, Calvin spoke up loudly.

"Oh, Uncle Roger. Just look at how happy you are. I bet you didn't know that the son you've raised for eight years is actually the child Aunt Sierra had with that driver from years ago!"