Chapter 4

Kylo's POV

After buying my plane ticket, my phone suddenly vibrated. A bank notification popped up, notifying me that a million dollars had been deducted from my account.

My breathing stopped. That was the inheritance Mom had left me. It was supposed to be my contribution toward Cindy and my wedding.

Only she and I knew the account password.

Without hesitation, I called the bank's customer service and found out who the recipient was. Then I rushed to the newly purchased lateral apartment.

Cindy and Eugene were sitting on the leather couch, flipping through interior design catalogs. "Cici, I really love the floor-to-ceiling windows in the master bedroom. The natural sunlight must be amazing."

Her voice was full of indulgence. "If you like it, we'll knock down the wall between the master bedroom and the guest room. You can have both."

On the coffee table sat the freshly signed purchase agreement. Under the ownership section was Eugene's name, clear as day.

My breathing grew heavier. "You used the money Mom left me to buy this place?"

Cindy shot me a displeased look. "We're getting married anyway. Money just sitting in a bank account is useless. This way, it actually serves a purpose."

"Then why is it under his name?"

"Eugene grew up without a stable home. He's always wanted a place of his own," she said matter-of-factly.

"He's afraid that after we get married, there won't be a place for him in our life anymore. Putting his name on the property title will make him feel better."

A loud buzz filled my head. The last thread of patience I had been clinging to finally snapped.

When Eugene was a child, his parents died in a car accident. I had begged my own parents to take him in. For 20 years, my parents treated him like their own. They provided for him, raised him, and put him through school.

Yet, in Cindy's words, he had simply been living in an unstable home.

Eugene wrapped his arm around mine, his voice full of innocence. "Kylo, if you really mind, I can move out anytime. But you have to believe Cindy still cares about you. The smallest room facing north is quiet. She specifically saved it for you."

I forcefully pulled my arm away. "Don't touch me! Give me my money back!"

Eugene stumbled backward and fell to the floor with a startled cry. Cindy's expression changed instantly. She rushed over and shoved me away. I slammed into the doorframe, a dull pain spreading through my shoulder.

"Kylo, you're unbelievable! It's just an apartment! Was it really necessary to hurt someone over it?" she barked. "You're cruel and vile. I can't believe I was blind enough to think about marrying you!"

Without looking back, she helped Eugene up and rushed out the door, taking him to the hospital.

I leaned against the doorframe until I could steady myself. Then I called my lawyer.

After handing everything over for legal action, I raised my hand and stopped a cab to the airport. Sunlight streamed through the airplane window and fell across my face.