Chapter 1

I, Ian Sheppard, put on the smile I had practiced countless times while brushing the buns with melted butter.

"First time here? I'll remember it next time you're here."

I flipped the buns over without looking up.

"Want extra cheese?"

Caitlyn Sullivan's gaze flickered.

"Every birthday cake you made for me had extra cheese. So you really still–"

"It's the most expensive set here." A woman reached over with her hand and interrupted Caitlyn. "But the cheese is made by the owner himself. It's pricey, but it tastes amazing!"

I handed the finished burger to the woman and smiled. "Thanks for the promotion. I'll make double cheese for you next time."

Caitlyn's expression darkened visibly.

She opened the cart door and sat inside.

I glanced over and said expressionlessly, "Sorry. It's a small business. No dine-in service."

She looked at me. "I'll pay extra."

"Sure." I continued sprinkling the toppings.

She stared at my slightly trembling hand and sighed softly.

"Have you had enough? Come home with me."

I didn't answer. I used a spatula to pick up the grilled patty.

"It's ready. Enjoy it while it's hot. I'll leave so I don't disturb you."

The moment I finished speaking, someone grabbed my wrist.

"Stop pretending, Ian."

Her eyes turned red. "If you really forgot about me, why is your hand shaking?"

I calmly replied, "The electric baton in prison caused it. The injury never healed."

The warmth in Caitlyn's face instantly disappeared.

"Mason was spoiled since childhood. He couldn't have endured that kind of suffering. I made you take the blame, but I had already given orders. No one dared lay a finger on you."

The part of my wrist she was holding was exactly where my old injury was. Pain shot through me, and I pulled away.

Seeing that I stayed silent, she sighed and softened her tone.

"I knew you wanted to come home the moment you showed up on the first day Nelly transferred schools. I know you miss us. You just wanted someone to give you a way out.

"I came to pick you up myself. Isn't that enough?"

She reached out and tucked my hair behind my ear, but her fingers touched a thin layer of oil.

She froze. Her brows furrowed slightly.

Meeting my eyes, she awkwardly cleared her throat.

"I'm not disgusted by you, it's just–"

I didn't care. I spread my hands and handed her a pack of tissues.

"One pack for two dollars. The price is clearly marked."

Caitlyn froze for a moment. Her gaze shifted to the sign behind me, and she clenched her jaw.

[Beer, soft drinks, and bottled water. This is a small business. No credit payment accepted.]

I continued calculating.

"Gourmet burger for fifteen dollars. Dine-in fee of five dollars. Tissue for two dollars. The total is 22 dollars."

Her eyes dimmed. She pulled out a hundred-dollar bill and threw it at my face. She sneered.

"Ian, your adoptive mother is already dead. Who are you putting on this pitiful act for?"

The smile on my face froze.

Caitlyn's eyes turned red as she reached for me.

"Sorry. I didn't mean–"

I shoved the gourmet burger into her arms and pushed her out of the cart.

I then climbed onto my tricycle. Pointing behind her, I shouted while riding away, "Leave quickly! The code officers are coming!"

Through the rearview mirror, I saw Caitlyn standing there with a dark expression while she yelled, "Ian, you're heartless!"