Chapter 2

That night, I went on strike and refused to cook.

Jared didn't bother to coax me. He just took Sabrina and Jackson out to eat. They didn't come back until late, leaving me no opportunity to question him about the travel list.

By morning, word had spread through the village that Jared was set to be promoted to Belmont and that Jackson and I would be going with him.

I was still half-asleep when a deafening slam of the door pulled me fully awake. Jared seized me and dragged me out of bed.

"Kylie Summer, do you enjoy making things difficult for me?"

My head spun. I had no idea what was happening.

"I don't know who told you about Belmont, but I'm telling you now—your name isn't on the list! Stop dreaming," he barked.

I let out a cold laugh. "So? What exactly are you trying to say to me?"

He sneered. "Don't act innocent. You're spreading rumors just to get your name on the list, aren't you? You're nothing but a country bumpkin. Look at yourself—do you really think you deserve to go to Belmont with me?"

Finally, Jared revealed his true face.

Sabrina, who had rushed after him, spoke through her tears, "Jared, I took Kylie's spot, and she's upset… I would have given it back if she had asked. Please, don't fight over me."

Jackson tried to soothe her, like a young adult. "Sabrina, don't cry. This was always your place. Mommy doesn't understand anything. It would be a waste if she went to Belmont. You're the only one who belongs with us."

My husband and son were busy with another woman, leaving me lying on the floor, like a complete mess.

I glared at Jared with nothing but bitter disappointment.

"I knew you were going to Belmont and that my name wasn't on the list, but I don't know how anyone else found out. You owe me an explanation—why is Sabrina the only name on your travel list?"

Knowing he was in the wrong, Jared averted his eyes and looked away from me.

"You're from the countryside, and you wouldn't help in the slightest even if you went to Belmont. Sabrina is educated and far more suited. We'll come back to visit you when we can," he said.

Jared's words were a lie so hollow he couldn't even convince himself.

I couldn't help but snort. "Belmont is over six hundred miles away. How do you expect to visit me frequently?"

His expression darkened at my words. "Don't be selfish. Chances like this don't come often. If Sabrina misses it, she may never have another shot. I know you've resented her all along, but there's nothing going on between us. Stop being so willful."

Jackson crossed his arms, imitating Jared's posture, and lectured me like a young adult, "Mommy, you're being selfish. You grew up in the countryside. Why deny Sabrina the chance to return to the city?

"Daddy's right! Only someone educated and capable like her deserves to go to Belmont with us."

Had he truly forgotten that he came from the countryside and that his life had started in my womb?

Whether I went to Belmont or not didn't matter. What truly hurt was Jared's and Jackson's attitudes. For the sake of a stranger, they judged me without any thought or reason.

As Jared walked off with Sabrina, he said coldly, "Stay at home and reflect. Don't act so childish again."