Chapter 4

When I woke up the next morning, I saw a message from Audrey.

"Steve felt so guilty about what happened yesterday that he couldn't sleep and kept messaging me all night. Are you happy now? It's just a ring, for crying out loud.

"How did I never realize you could be so petty? Go apologize to Steve, and we'll put this whole thing behind us."

I turned off the screen and flipped my phone face down.

When I went downstairs, I ran into Mom and Dad, who had driven over to help Steve move his things.

Their expressions stiffened the moment they saw me. Then, as if they'd just remembered that I had things to move too, they said, "We'll come help you after we finish moving Steve's things."

I knew perfectly well that helping me had never been part of their plan.

I waved a hand dismissively. "Don't bother."

Just then, my phone rang. The movers I'd hired had arrived. Mr. Turner had recommended them, and he'd even helped me find an apartment close to the company I'd be working with on my new project.

Mom looked displeased at the sight of the movers.

"Your own family is right here, and you're still wasting money on movers? Honestly, what goes on in that head of yours?"

"Your mom's right," Dad said. "You haven't even started earning money, and you're already spending it like water."

I lowered my eyes slightly, my expression unchanged. "I've hired a professional organizer for my place. Thanks for your concern."

Steve's eyes lit up at that, and he looked at me with undisguised greed. "Thomas, you hired a professional organizer? They'll sort out my stuff too, right?"

I remained silent.

Mom snorted. "That goes without saying! You two are living together, so it's Thomas' responsibility to take care of you!"

Rebecca nodded in agreement. "If Thomas ever gives you a hard time, just tell me. I'll set him straight."

My fingers stiffened slightly as I looked at them, feeling as though I were staring at a group of complete strangers.

Steve still had no idea that I would never return to the apartment we'd been renting.

Meanwhile, Audrey seemed to think I'd finally come around. To her, my silence was a sign of surrender. She came over and took my arm, her voice softening.

"Thomas, I knew you weren't that petty. Let's have dinner together tonight. After the ceremony, I need to take some photos with Steve first. So, I'll come find you later."

I calmly eased her hand off my arm.

She spoke of having dinner together as though she were granting me a favor. But I didn't want her charity, and I was tired of this half-hearted relationship. So, I looked her straight in the eye and said, "Audrey, let's break up."

For a moment, Audrey froze. Then, her eyes widened in disbelief.

"What did you just say?" Mom shrieked, then struck me hard. "You ungrateful brat! What the hell are you talking about? Have you lost your mind? Audrey is such a wonderful woman! How dare you talk about breaking up with her?"

I winced in pain.

Audrey grabbed my hand and demanded, "Is this all because of that gold ring? It's not like you can't just buy me another one! Why are you being so petty about it?"

I pushed her hand away. "It's not because of the ring."

Seeing my reddened eyes, she softened her voice again. "If you're upset, we can talk it out tonight. Just don't ruin such an important occasion and stop being so stubborn, okay?"

I let out a cold laugh.

Even now, all she could think about was Steve's graduation ceremony, and that I was just playing hard to get.

Mom's scolding, Dad's agreement, and Rebecca's contemptuous remarks rang in my ears.

Steve looked down at me condescendingly and said, "Thomas, you're being ridiculously petty."

I ignored them all and swiftly walked away.

Today was an important day for me too. I couldn't let them ruin it.

…

As the graduation ceremony began, Mom was still grumbling in her seat.

"As soon as this is over, I'm going to teach that brat Thomas a lesson."

Steve pretended not to care. "Come on, Mom. Don't let him ruin your mood."

Mom shifted in her seat and sat up straighter.

The next second, the host's voice rang out across the entire auditorium.

"Now, please welcome our valedictorian, Thomas Kaufman, to deliver his speech!"