Randy and I were like light and shadow.He didn't even know I existed, but I watched his life every day. We went to the same elementary school, middle school, and high school.Since I was older, we had never crossed paths. I skipped grades fast, while he skipped classes constantly.Since Enoch was a famous entrepreneur and a board member of the schools, the principals didn't dare complain.In the end, Randy coasted to his diploma.I despised that, believing a slacker like him could never amount to anything. But to my shock, he ranked first in his grade. He was even the top scorer in three subjects on the college entrance exam.That made my jealousy burn hotter.He was born with everything, and the Osborne family revolved around him. He had the world's most legitimate claim as Enoch's son and would take over one day.Me? I used to have Annette, but now even she was gone.For a while, I blamed everyone and the whole world. The more hate I felt, the calmer I appeared.Enoch once
That night, I told Enoch what happened.He didn't come home every day. If it wasn't their anniversary, Annette wouldn't have gone to the market.Enoch was furious. Without telling Annette, he took me back to the market and asked me to point out every man and woman who had bullied us.The market folks lined up in rows, like lambs waiting for slaughter. They kept their heads down and didn't dare to utter a sound.Why? Because they were poor. They had contracts with the market, each carrying huge rent debts.They had no choice but to follow Enoch's orders. In fact, he didn't even need to be there.The market manager gave the commands, and he didn't even have the clout to speak to Enoch directly.I stood there, pointing out the ones who'd hurt Annette.The people who'd been so cocky earlier acted like meek sheep. They groveled before Enoch. "We just heard rumors. We didn't know she was your wife." Their tone was humble, but Enoch didn't even glance at them.Catching his drift,
My birth was a mistake.My mother, Annette Austin, often leaned by the window, waiting for my father's return.Enoch worked long hours, leaving early and coming back late. For a while, they lived like any ordinary couple, calm and quiet.During that time, we were like rats in a dark sewer, hiding in a house that never saw daylight.That house trapped both Annette and me.I clearly remembered the day Annette took me to the market.She wore beautiful dresses Enoch had given her. Back when she was a dancer, her moves were like a butterfly's. Graceful and breathtaking.But at the market, people pointed and whispered about us."That's her. Kept by some rich guy. Got pregnant out of wedlock and had a kid.""She used to dance at a club. Quit after hooking up with a big shot. Look at her, all dolled up, probably out to seduce men."Annette heard the gossip and covered my ears. But I was already old enough to think for myself. I saw how they looked at us, like we were freaks."How mu
Someone called out to her, "Liza, wake up."She blinked awake and saw Fermin standing in front of her.It was dark, just the two of them in the room.Her tears spilled out. She hugged him, sobbing, "I saw Garland, Dad, and Mom."She had never met Marian in person. Marian's image was frozen in photos.But in that dream, she saw her parents, like it was real."Silly girl, it was only a dream." Fermin's voice was soft.Liza cried harder. "I had so much I wanted to say to them."Fermin patted her back. "It's okay. Don't cry.""But...""When happiness is right there, nobody cherishes it. You only regret it when it's gone. Even if you stayed in the dream, you wouldn't feel the pain of reality. Bouncing between dreams and reality just traps you deeper."He wanted Liza to live happily in the real world. He didn't want her to be stuck in a fake dream's joy.Fake was fake. Dreams always ended, and waking up could break her.That night, Liza cried for hours. Fermin stayed, soothing h
"Alone, sir?" the manager asked."Nobody else showed up?" Garland asked."No, sir. It's been empty." The manager tried to usher him in.Garland hesitated, somewhat upset about Drake's stunt.He took out his phone and called Liza. "What is going on? You didn't set up the meeting with Drake?""I texted him.""Did he reply?""Nope, but nobody turns down my invitation.""You win. I'm done."He hung up, and the manager asked, "Still dining, sir?""Hell yeah. I spent half a month's allowance on this," he replied.To impress everyone, he had booked the whole place. If he'd known Drake wouldn't show, he would have picked a cheap diner.That afternoon, he told Liza what happened.When she heard Drake blow her off, she was livid. "That jerk! How dare he ignore me?""Yeah. Pissed me off too. I ate too much for lunch," Garland hiccupped.Liza's face darkened further. "If Dad were here, he would have been begging for forgiveness.""Totally. Who'd dare cross you? They'd be toast," Ga
Fermin took a work call. He agreed to something, then hung up.Looking at Liza's eager face, he sighed, "Got work. Let Garland handle the family meeting.""No way. He'll just embarrass me!" Liza protested.Though Garland and Fermin looked alike, their vibes were night and day. People familiar with them could easily tell them apart."It's just a smackdown. I'll send a backup." Fermin pinched her cheek. "Go on.""But...""No argument, or I'm telling Mom and Dad you agreed to an engagement behind their backs. Where's your sense of class?"She wanted to argue, but the secretary opened the door. "Miss, this way."Liza left reluctantly and headed downstairs.Garland was still cleaning up the kitchen. She sized him up and sighed.Garland and Fermin had the same handsome face and nice voice, but their vibes were totally different."Got kicked out, huh? Did Fermin chew you out?" he smirked. "Bet he was like, 'You brat, who said you could get engaged behind my back? I'll break your le