Chapter 3

"You're right!" Mom exclaimed. "Cam did so well for his SAT. We definitely have to celebrate!"

Mom, Cassandra, and Rebecca gathered around Camden and began chattering away about the celebratory banquet. Rebecca even reflexively shoved me aside just so she could stand closer to Camden.

I lost my balance and knocked my head against the corner of the coffee table. A loud thump rang through the air upon impact, but nobody paid any attention to it.

A huge bump swelled up on my forehead, but I didn't make a sound. I quietly got back up on my feet and left the house.

It was pointless for me to tell them that I was injured because they wouldn't care in the slightest. Besides, I still had to go to my part-time job to earn the money that I needed to pay for my college fees.

…

I changed into my uniform after I arrived at the karaoke bar. I then entered one of the rooms and got ready to promote the alcohol that was for sale.

Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice.

The door swung open.

Camden stared at me in surprise before calling out, "Clay?"

I froze in place.

Mom, Cassandra, and Rebecca turned to look at me in unison.

A steely expression appeared on Mom's face as she studied that uniform that I was wearing.

"Do you want to anger me to death, Clay?" she demanded. "I know you scored zero points for your SAT, but didn't we agree that you'd just retake the exams next year? You're so smart. Don't tell me that you're planning to work as a waiter for the rest of your life?"

"Are you trying to ruin your life?" Cassandra added with a frown.

Rebecca grabbed my hand and began dragging me out of the establishment. "Let's go home right now and start studying."

As I looked at them, I couldn't help but feel how ridiculous the entire situation was.

They were the ones who kept wanting to drag me down. Although they had achieved their goal, they were also the ones who were unhappy with the current situation.

…

Mom and the others kept me trapped in my room for the next few days, keeping a close eye on me as I studied.

Although it was rare for them to spend so much time by my side, I only felt annoyed by their constant presence.

"Have you prepared my suit, Mom?" Camden asked. "It's my big day today!"

Mom approached him with a gift box, saying, "I specially had this suit tailor-made for you, Cam. It cost over 2,000 dollars!"

"This is my present for you, Cam," Cassandra said while bringing out a velvet box. "Cufflinks that cost 500 dollars."

Rebecca's present was no less impressive. "Take a look at my present! I got Mom to buy this branded watch for you. It cost over 50 thousand dollars!"

Camden giddily accepted all the gifts. He looked like a prince after he put everything on. He slipped into the luxury car that they had prepared and was escorted to the hotel.

Meanwhile, I was forgotten and left behind in my room.

A long time passed before I received a message.

"Come over to the hotel by yourself, Clay."

I did as I was told. After all, I was still waiting for the show to start for this very important day.

…

I was sweating buckets when I finally made it to the hotel. My drenched shirt stuck to my back.

Mom frowned when she saw me, asking, "Why do you look like that? It's Cam's important day today. You look humiliating!"

Humiliating?

I wouldn't have had to walk all the way to the hotel if I had money.

However, I felt no desire to explain myself to her. Besides, they never cared about me from the very beginning.

Cassandra pulled out a waiter's uniform from out of the blue and threw it at me, saying, "Change into this. Don't sit at the main table later. Find a far corner in the hall and just stay there. Don't want you ruining Cam's celebratory banquet."

…

Everyone approached Mom and congratulated her on giving birth to such an outstanding son once the banquet began.

Suddenly, the sounds of a commotion came from the doors.

The guests began to discuss among themselves.

"Oh, my God! That's the director of admissions of Holwille University!"

"You're right. And that's the director of admissions of Basillian University!"

"Camden has really made a name for himself. The director of admissions of Galewin University is here too!"

Camden looked at Mom and the others with a gleeful expression upon hearing the guests' words.

"I told you I did really well for the SAT this time!" he exclaimed. "I'm absolutely sure I'm going to be named the country's top scorer too!"

Rebecca's parents held his hands with ecstatic expressions.

"You've really made a name for yourself, Cam. Rebecca will have a companion once you enroll in Holwille University."

Rebecca's parents had said the same words to me in the past.

The directors of admission of Holwille University, Basillian University, and Galewin University rushed toward Camden.

"Pick my college, Mr. Clayton Silva!" they exclaimed in unison. "I'll give you the best treatment if you do!"