Chapter 3

The city was still cloaked in that heavy darkness just before dawn as I slipped out of the house without a sound. The cold wind cut like knives, so I pulled my work jacket tighter and started jogging through the park.

Sweat rolled down my face, but I did not care—only physical exhaustion seemed to dull the ache in my chest. As the first rays of sunlight stretched across the sky, I took a deep breath and turned back toward home.

Just as I reached the edge of the neighborhood, I saw a group of familiar faces walking toward me, laughing and chatting.

Mom and Dad were all smiles while Kendra walked arm in arm with Cody. He carried Eleanor in his arms, and they looked every bit like a picture-perfect family.

They were all dressed to impress—Cody in a crisp, tailored suit, his hair neatly combed, not a strand out of place.

I glanced down at my sweat-stained tank top and could not help but smile bitterly. I quickened my pace, trying to avoid them.

However, Kendra spotted me anyway. She frowned and instinctively leaned closer to Cody's side.

Mom looked me up and down, visibly displeased. "Lucas, what were you doing out so early? And you're all sweaty—what a mess."

Kendra covered her nose, her face screaming that I reeked.

Dad let out a sigh. "Lucas, you've been back for a while now. Where are you working these days? Did the government assign you a job?"

Cody jumped in before I could answer. "Dad, Mom, don't push him. The job market's rough right now, and with Lucas's unique background, it's not easy for companies to afford someone like him."

Then, he turned to me, his voice dripping with false concern. "Still, don't be too picky. Even security guard jobs in this area are getting competitive. You should at least find some work to have a steady income!"

"Who told you I don't have a job?" I shot back, my voice ice cold.

"Come on, Lucas. No need to act tough," Cody gave me a friendly smile, "I know some big-time business owners. I can talk to them if you want, maybe I can help you land something decent."

There was condescension in every word, and it lit a fire in my chest.

Yet, before I could reply, Dad chimed in again. "So what if you're smart? Just look at yourself. You'll never compare to Cody."

The blow hit harder than I expected. There was a time when Dad used to beam with pride whenever I won awards or brought home top grades.

He would throw banquets in the village just to show me off, bragging that I was the pride of our village. But now, all I saw in his eyes was disappointment and disgust.

"Dad!" I opened my mouth, wanting to explain that the government did not abandon me.

They wanted me back in the lab. After this last successful assignment, I was awarded a hefty research grant and a performance bonus. The agency even promised me special treatment in basic living arrangements.

I gained far more than they could ever imagine.

However, Dad waved me off before I could say another word. "Enough! We're heading to brunch. You're all sweaty and gross, so don't bother tagging along."

Mom was already in the car, calling out from a distance. "Hurry up! That place doesn't hold reservations. We're going to be late!"

I stood there, watching them drive away without me. They treated me like an outsider, but that was fine. The country still needed me, and my team still believed in me.

If they did not want me anymore, I would fulfill their wishes.