Chapter 3

Samuel's POV

I turned and walked away, ignoring the whispers echoing behind me.

When I tried to head home to pack my things, I found myself locked out.

The fingerprint scanner flashed red repeatedly. It failed to open even after my fingertip turned raw from trying.

Our neighbor, Lacey Olson, bumped into me on her way back from grocery shopping and offered a friendly smile. "Hey young man, how come you don't have that dog with you today?"

I froze for a moment. "Ms. Olson, I don't own a dog."

Lacey waved her hand dismissively. "That can't be right. I just saw you registering the dog's nose print on the lock yesterday. That pup was quite playful too, and your parents were right beside you, helping coax it."

I stood rooted to the spot, my mind going completely blank.

I was severely allergic to dog fur. Contact caused rashes, high fevers, and even anaphylactic shock.

The one who adored dogs had always been Xander.

Of course. How simple was that?

To let Xander's dog come and go as it pleased, they erased my fingerprint to register the dog's nose print.

The home I grew up in didn't even have spare space for a single fingerprint of mine.

I let out a self-deprecating laugh, turned around, and walked downstairs.

I didn't own much in that house anyway, but my essential documents were still stored at the new apartment I shared with Rosa.

I hailed a cab to our place and used the ride to book a flight to Cyrenth.

There, a major architectural project awaited me. It was an opportunity my former mentor had saved just for me.

Before, I had chosen to stay behind for the sake of Rosa and Xander.

Now, I finally had the chance to chase my own dreams.

The moment I stepped out of the cab, several fierce-looking men wielding steel pipes swarmed and surrounded me.

The burly leader grabbed me tightly by the collar, his face twisted in anger. "Brooks! You owe our boss five million dollars and think you can just run? You're coming with us!"

They possessed overwhelming strength, forcing me to struggle frantically.

"Help! I don't know you people! You've got the wrong guy! Let me go!"

A passerby caught sight of the commotion and immediately grabbed the leader's arm. "What are you doing? Abducting someone in broad daylight? I'm calling the police!"

The leader's eyes flickered with hesitation, and he was just about to loosen his grip.

Just then, my childhood friends, Adam and Harley, rounded the corner with a few others.

They glanced over at me being pinned down and scoffed in disdain.

"Looks like Rosa was right. He really was jealous enough to come make a scene at their new home. Good thing we showed up."

Adam sneered and immediately stepped forward, pulling the helpful passerby aside. "Sir, don't get involved, and don't call the cops."

He pulled out a group photo from his bag and handed it to the passerby. "We're his friends. He's vain as hell and ran up massive debts with friends. We're just settling it privately."

Harley chimed in from the side as well, "Yeah, he just loves dodging debts. Personal drama isn't worth getting mixed up in. Just go on ahead."

The passerby looked down at the group photo, shook his head, and walked away.

In absolute despair, I stretched my hand out toward the group. "I never took out loans! Help me!"

Adam's face filled with contempt as he spat coldly onto the ground. "No wonder you could afford a luxury car. Turns out you took out loan shark debts just to flex. Pay for your own mess."

Harley hesitated briefly before turning his head away too. "Tonight is Xander's wedding night. I won't let you ruin it."

With that, they got into their car, stepped on the gas, and sped off.