Chapter 2

"Just give us two hundred thousand dollars as a wedding gift, and we'll call it even."

I stared at my phone screen and actually laughed. The shamelessness of that family was almost impressive.

I did not reply. I ended the call and blocked her number.

…

Early the next morning, I was jolted awake by the doorbell ringing nonstop.

When I opened the door, a man with an honest, almost timid face stood outside. It was William Shepard.

"It's me, William," he said quickly.

"My parents said a lot of nonsense in the family group chat yesterday. I'm here to apologize on their behalf.

"Um… Could I come in and talk?"

Despite how disgusted I was by his family's behavior, I stepped aside and let him in.

The moment he sat down on the sofa, he started rubbing his hands nervously.

"Francis, don't blame my dad. He's just doing this for my own good. My fiancee, Lily, insists on having a decent car as the wedding car. If I don't have one, she won't marry me. I really don't have a choice."

William looked miserable. He sighed and went on.

"Actually, Francis, I've thought of a win-win solution. One that won't put you in a tough spot, and still lets me get married."

I gestured for him to continue.

His eyes lit up, and he leaned forward.

"How about this? You lend me your car just for the wedding day. That way I can explain things to my future in-laws. After the wedding, you can continue using the car as usual."

I looked at him without saying a word. He seemed increasingly confident in his idea.

"Here's the key part," he said eagerly.

"To make my wife believe the car is mine, I'll need you to make a small sacrifice. You can still drive it, but officially, the car will be under my name. Every month, you just transfer me a symbolic amount of money.

"Let's say you're renting the car from me. That way, if my wife asks, I can say I rented it out and even earn a little extra. She'll definitely be happy hearing that."

He smiled.

"See? Everyone wins. You lose nothing, and I get married. As for the rent, you decide. A thousand dollars or two thousand dollars a month is fine."

He finished speaking and looked at me expectantly.

I was completely stunned by his logic.

Paying rent for my own car?

I could no longer tolerate this kind of moral blackmail. My voice turned cold.

"William, your marriage is your own responsibility. I didn't create this situation. Please leave. I've got a meeting soon, so I won't be keeping you."

Seeing how firm my attitude was, William immediately switched tactics.

"Francis, you've made it in life. You don't understand how hard it is for useless men like us. I'm just a wage worker trying to support a family. Now, my marriage is falling apart over a car.

"Lily said if she doesn't see that car, she'll abort the baby immediately. What choice do I have? We're both part of the Shephard family. You can't just stand by and watch us die like this."

I said nothing.

I stood up, walked to the entrance, and opened the front door.

The fake humility vanished from William's face instantly.

"Francis, don't push things too far. I know which building you work in. I know the name of your company. If you don't help me, I'll go downstairs to your office and tell everyone how you forced your sister-in-law to get an abortion."

Of course, I understood exactly what he meant. However, my father was the company's largest shareholder. I had nothing to fear.

I did not respond. I shoved him out the door and turned back into the living room.

No sooner had William left than I received a friend request.

It was from his fiancee, Lily Hansen.

I did not accept it. I did not even open it.

I ignored it outright.