Chapter 3

Dad slammed his palm against the table, furious at what he had just heard.

“This is ridiculous! He’s gambling with his future. That Felton boy has lost his mind!”

Mom gently took my hand, her expression softening with sympathy.

“You did the right thing, Tessa. You’re better off staying away from a man who’s this irresponsible and isn’t thinking straight. We’ll support you no matter what you decide.”

With my parents’ support, I finally felt the weight lift off my shoulders.

Meanwhile, the Felton family remained blissfully unaware that Shane had changed his college application.

Deborah went around boasting that he was guaranteed a place at Edevane University. She even booked a banquet hall at the city’s most luxurious hotel for his college acceptance celebration.

That evening, Deborah showed up at our house with a basket of fruit. She walked in with a huge, proud grin and immediately took my hand.

“Tessa, you and Shane did wonderfully on your exams this year! Shane was the top student in science, while you were the top student in humanities. Once you’re both at Edevane, be sure to look after him.”

She brazenly began planning our future together.

“Once you two graduate, you should get married and start a family as soon as possible. I’ll take care of the kids, so you can focus on helping out at the company.”

Mom could not take it anymore and cut her off with a cold expression.

“Deborah, their future is theirs to decide. Tessa plans to go to graduate school, so she’s not getting married anytime soon.”

I discreetly withdrew my hand and responded with polite detachment.

“Miss Limbert, people choose their own partners these days. Shane already has someone he likes, as I’m sure you’re well aware. Please don’t bring up this supposed engagement again. It wouldn’t reflect well on either family if word got around.”

Deborah waved a hand dismissively.

“Tessa, I know Shane’s been spending a lot of time with Lucy lately, but don’t take it personally. It’s perfectly normal for young men to fool around with girls from poor backgrounds before settling down.

“Shane’s practically guaranteed a spot at Edevane, and he knows where to draw the line. You’ll be the one marrying into the Felton family.”

Her words made my stomach turn.

Deborah had once been nothing more than a maid in the Felton household. When Wallace Felton’s wife, Vivian, fell ill, she took advantage of the situation to get involved with him and eventually gave birth to Shane.

The Felton family had provided for Deborah and Shane ever since.

Only after Vivian died did Wallace announce that any of his sons who got into Edevane University could join the company’s core management, effectively legitimizing Shane’s status to compete for the inheritance.

Deborah was banking on Shane acing the SATs to turn things around for them.

As she prattled on, looking smug, I played along and laid on the praise.

“Miss Limbert, Shane certainly knows his own mind. We all believe in him, so just wait until the celebration. He’ll make you proud.”

My flattery delighted Deborah, and she could hardly wait for the upcoming celebration.

“Absolutely! The local education officials and the principal will all be there. I’ll make sure everyone knows my son is the best!”

I smiled and nodded, though I scoffed inwardly.

“Let’s see if you’re still smiling when that day comes.” I thought.

After submitting their college applications, Shane and Lucy flaunted their relationship on social media throughout the summer.

One day, they enjoyed a candlelit dinner at an upscale restaurant. The next day, they were vacationing at the beach. Lucy’s social media feed was littered with photos of designer handbags and expensive jewelry.

Shane was clearly blowing the cash reward Deborah had given him on Lucy.

Every day, our high school group chat buzzed with gossip.

[Shane and Lucy aren’t even trying to keep their relationship low-key! He’s spending a fortune on her!]

[I heard Lucy applied to some third-rate college. Don’t tell me Shane’s actually going to follow her there?]

[No way! Would Tessa really stand by and let him ruin his future?]

I read the messages from my couch and calmly took a sip of water.

Until recently, everyone had seen me as Shane’s keeper. I had poured so much effort into tutoring him, planning his future, and doing everything I could to make sure we got into the same university.