Chapter 2 She's Tired

Wendy held her swollen cheek, looking shocked. "How dare you hit me!"

Leslie immediately shoved me. "It was just a joke. Why so serious, Tiffany?"

John had scorn on his face. "Happy now? You ruined the whole trip!"

Wendy's eyes went red. Then, like a wounded kitten, she lowered her voice. "I'm sorry. I didn't realise you couldn't even afford a little pocket change."

Tears began sliding down her face. "I can leave if you hate seeing me with George. Please don't hurt me."

She made it sound like she was the one drenched in swill, not me. I was going to say something, but George broke his silence and grabbed me. "That's enough, Wendy!"

His voice was stern, and his eyes were filled with disappointment. "She already said sorry. What more do you want? I had no idea you were this petty!"

His face was covered with disgust, so unlike the old him. Before the Quintons found me, I had to work part time to fund my tuition. One winter, I came down with a fever while it was snowing and collapsed outside.

George was the one who took me back and cared for me. "Silly girl. You need to stay warm."

I said I came from a poor family and could not afford things like that. He said he would give me double whatever they had. Since that day onward, I worked myself to the bone just to be worthy of standing with him.

I stayed up night after night to get into the same university. I dressed myself up just to make myself look like a good partner for his perfect looks.

Then, his childhood friend came back.

"Eliminated again? You can't even afford that? Then, you'll be punished."

Money was the only gap that could not be bridged. And the ambiguous relationship between George and Wendy gave me even more reason to keep my true identity—as the daughter of one of the wealthiest families around—a secret.

"Sure, I can let it slide." I tucked the umbrella away and said hurriedly, "Let's play a game. This umbrella starts at 3000. The lowest bidder sleeps in the park tonight."

Wendy's family was just well-off. Her bid would be the lowest. A moment of silence later, they burst out into laughter.

"That umbrella isn't worth 3000!" Leslie's stomach was hurting from laughing too much.

Wendy wiped her nonexistent tears away. "I know you're upset, but next time, use something that's actually worthwhile."

George's expression visibly relaxed when he realised Wendy was no longer upset. He took out 100. "Tell me if you need money. Don't throw a tantrum."

I hung my head low awkwardly and clenched my fists. Her hair was worth a million, while my umbrella was only worth 100 to him. I looked down and realized I just humiliated myself.

The object had never mattered. What mattered was who offered it.

Just then, a staff member approached us. "Who will be taking part in the couples' event?"

Before I could answer, Wendy slipped an arm around George's waist and rested her head against his chest. "George and me."

The crowd's attention was taken by their intimate reaction, and they quickly took photos.

"Is this a variety show?"

"They're such a good-looking couple. And they're both wearing designer clothes. Perfect match."

"Ew, what's that beside them? It's covered in oil and rotten greens."

"Buzzkill. Move!"

I looked down and smacked the rotten greens away awkwardly. This was not the first time I was mistaken for a stranger, but George did not even explain.

"You're too filthy right now, Tiffany. Let Wendy take your place. It's compensation for you giving her attitude."

Then, he walked away with Wendy. He left me standing alone beneath the crowd's disdainful stares.

My hand would not stop trembling. I forced it still. Then I took out my phone and called the wedding planner. "Hi, I'd like to cancel the wedding."

"May I ask why?"

I smiled bitterly. "I'm tired."