Chapter 2

Seeing us tugging each other, a dark look flashed across Sean’s eyes. However, it was quickly replaced by a wounded expression.

“William… Juniper… Both of you… William, I know you’re upset, but… but Juniper is my fiancée now. How could you try to seduce her?”

I almost laughed from disbelief.

Before I could even respond, Juniper immediately let go of me and walked over to hold Sean’s hand.

“Sean, don’t be upset. No matter what your brother does, you’re the only person in my heart.”

Just like that, she pinned the label of “trying to steal his brother’s fiancée” onto me.

Unfortunately, Dad arrived just in time to hear everything.

He exploded in rage, “William Hale! Have you no shame at all, openly seducing your own brother’s fiancée right in front of me like that? How did we raise such a disgraceful son! Get out! Get the hell out of my house!”

He grabbed me roughly and dragged me toward the door. Then, he threw both me and my luggage out of the house. Standing above me at the entrance, he looked down coldly as I lay on the ground.

“And don’t forget the money we spent raising you. I didn’t raise you for eighteen years so you could freeload forever. I’m giving you six months to repay every cent of that one hundred thousand dollars in living expenses! If you don’t pay it back, I’ll sue you!”

I snorted.

One hundred thousand dollars for raising me?

Ever since I was old enough to remember, I had been the unpaid laborer of this family. As a child, I carried heavy boxes every day and handled all the exhausting chores at home. They wouldn’t even let me eat enough food. Before I turned twelve, I didn’t even know what an allowance was.

If anyone did the math on the money they spent on me, it probably wouldn’t even total to twenty thousand dollars. However, I was too exhausted to argue anymore. I wanted nothing to do with them again.

With no money and nowhere to go, I dragged my suitcase to the police station. The officers there were surprisingly kind in offering to buy me a hot meal.

As the warm food settled in my stomach, my eyes burned slightly. Still, I forced myself not to cry. Even strangers treated me with kindness, yet my parents discarded me like trash.

In my previous life, I had been weak and cowardly, allowing monsters to destroy my entire life. This time, I decided things had to change, and first, I needed a job that could keep me alive.

Back then, I had studied nursing through night classes. So, becoming a male nurse was the best option I could think of right now. Hospitals were always short on hardworking orderlies anyway.

After sending out my résumé, I felt hopeful about the future for the very first time. However, of course, someone just had to ruin my good mood.

A text message suddenly popped up. It was from Juniper.

[William, the things I said at home were only to calm Sean down. He’s in poor health, so he can’t handle emotional stress. Don’t take it personally. I own an apartment. I’ll send you the address. You can live there for now. I don’t need you embarrassing me in public.]

The moment I saw the address, I felt nauseous.

Here we go again.

In my previous life, she played the role of the devoted lover in front of Sean. However, behind closed doors, she treated me like some disposable toy she could stash away whenever she wanted.

What she wanted was Sean’s affection and my body. She wanted me obedient and silent, like an object without thoughts or feelings, staying exactly where she placed me and waiting to sacrifice everything for the man she truly loved.

Yet, what choice did I have? In the capital, the Greens practically ruled the city. As long as Juniper said no, I wouldn’t be able to escape, no matter where I ran. Not to mention, I could barely even afford food right now.

At that thought, I clenched my fists tightly. A real man wouldn’t cry, and I refused to lose again.

Just then, my phone rang once more. When I opened it, I realized one of the hospitals I had applied to had replied to my résumé. At last, there was some good news.

Early the next morning, I went to the private hospital for the interview. After passing both the interview and practical assessment, I successfully got hired as a male carer in the VIP special care ward.

The head nurse brought me to my first assignment in a luxury suite on the top floor.

“William Hale? The patient in there is of high standing and has a rather short temper. She’s already scared away three carers. You look sturdy enough. Work hard, and the pay will be worth it.”

I pushed open the door to see a woman in a wheelchair. There was something cool about her, with her long hair casually tied back. She carried an unmistakable air of nobility and aloofness.

Hearing the sound, the woman slowly turned her wheelchair around. The moment our eyes met, both of us froze.