Chapter 4

Dad opened his mouth to continue yelling at me, but Julia hurriedly stepped in and gently smoothed things over.

"Mr. and Mrs. Peterson, it's rare for Ms. Peterson to come back. Let's just talk things out calmly as a family instead of arguing like this. We should be keeping our peace."

Then, she turned to me with a gentle smile. "Ms. Peterson, Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are just getting old and want someone to be with them. It's only natural that they want someone to rely on. Please don't get mad at them."

Dad's expression softened slightly after hearing what Julia said. He looked at her gently and said, "Julia is very sensible. She understands us better than someone who only cares about work and money."

I didn't have the energy to argue with them anymore. It was exhausting for me to even say another word. So, I turned and walked toward my room instead.

However, I froze the moment I opened the door.

My bed was covered in unfamiliar sheets and blankets. My dressing table was piled high with hair ties and skincare products. There were also tons of unfamiliar clothing hanging up in my wardrobe. Clearly, someone had been living here for a long time.

I spun around and stared at Julia. "Don't you have your own room? Why are you staying in my room without permission?"

Julia's eyes flickered. She lowered her head and looked flustered. "I'm sorry, Ms. Peterson, I—"

Mom spoke up for her before she could even finish. "The AC in Julia's room broke. We tried to fix it a few times, but it can't be fixed anymore. Since it was getting cold a few days ago, I told her to sleep in your room for the time being.

"It's not like you're using it anyway, since you never come back. It would be a waste to keep it empty."

My anger flared up again. "Even if I don't come back often, it's still my room! What right do you have to let her move in without getting my permission first?"

"What right?" Dad roared, his face thunderous. "This house belongs to your mother and me! We can let whoever we want stay wherever we want them to! And if we can let Julia live here, we can just as easily kick you out!"

I trembled with rage at his words. I stared at my parents and suddenly realized that I didn't know who they were anymore.

This was my home too, and yet, I was being treated like an outsider.

I didn't bother arguing anymore. I just turned and headed for the front door, dragging my suitcase behind me.

"Fine, you want to kick me out? I'll leave, then."

Dad scoffed coldly as he glared at me in disdain. "Go ahead. Leave if you dare! Once you step out of this house, don't even think of coming back!"

Mom opened her mouth to say something, but in the end, she just sighed and stayed silent.

Julia stood to the side, anxiously saying, "Wait, Ms. Peterson! Don't be angry! It's all my fault. I'll move out at once…"

I couldn't be bothered to listen to her anymore and just dragged my suitcase out with me, leaving the house without another backward glance.

I dragged the heavy suitcase with me, eventually flagging down a cab that took me to a nearby hotel.

…

The next afternoon, I got a call from my cousin, Sonya Peterson.

"Genevieve? We're going to the cemetery now for Great-Grandpa's death anniversary. Didn't you say that you were back? Hurry up and come over. Everyone's already here."

"Got it. I'll be right there."

After hanging up, I quickly got ready and rushed to the cemetery.

When I arrived, I saw that all of our relatives were already there, including my parents. However, when I got closer, I stopped in my tracks.

Julia was there too, standing next to Mom.

Sonya spotted me first. She waved and beckoned me over. "Over here, Genevieve."

I walked over to her and asked in a low voice, "What's she doing here?"

Sonya sighed. "Uncle Randy and Aunt Marie insisted on bringing her along."

It was my parents. They insisted on bringing Julia along.

After paying our respects to Great-Grandpa, everyone then headed to the family-style restaurant they'd booked in advance for dinner.

Everyone sat together in a private room. During dinner, Mom suddenly said, "Since everyone is here today, Randy and I have an announcement to make."