What's the Point?

"He's all grown but still so immature," said my dad.My hand on the banister paused for a moment, then I turned and went back to my room as if nothing had happened.From the moment I was reborn, I decided to give up on their love for me. But my dad's words still stung.…I had been ignoring Edward. It was rare to get a second chance in life, and I didn't want to waste it on people like them.As long as I studied hard, I would have the means to leave this family behind.I would no longer get in the way of their happy family of four.I was solving some questions in my room when someone knocked on the door.Outside, Edward's voice came through, deliberately lowered."Nicholas Sterling, don't think nothing will happen just because you hide in your room like a coward. Your parents will be mine sooner or later. I'll get you kicked out. Just you wait."I acted as if I didn't hear his arrogant rant.In this life, I had no interest in fighting with him.But a moment later, I heard E

They didn't even bring me a slice of cake.I sat home all alone, eating leftover lunch.I didn't complain or throw a tantrum. I just sat in my room with a book in hand, preparing for the day I left this house.…Midterm exam results came out, and I got first place just as I had hoped.The school was also holding a parent-teacher meeting.As soon as I got home, I heard Edward's downcast voice."Mom, I'm so dumb. I can't even catch up to Nick. Do you still want me when I'm not good at studies? I'm just too stupid. I don't deserve to be your child.""It's okay. Grades don't mean everything. Nick may have good grades, but who knows if he actually studied? He probably copied someone," Dad said to comfort him.Mom agreed, "That's right. You're doing great, Ed. Don't push yourself too hard. Your body can't take that kind of strain."They claimed to love me, but they didn't hesitate to tear me down in front of him just to make him feel better.If they weren't my parents, I might've

Faced with Juliana's heartbroken accusations, I felt utterly fed up.I hadn't said a word, and she was already throwing so many accusations at me.Even though we were born of the same mother, Juliana sided with Edward in both lifetimes, never mine.The endless yelling in my ears pushed me past my limit. Without hesitation, I raised my hand and slapped Juliana across the face.Her head jerked to the side, and she froze.Right at that moment, my parents rushed in. "Nicholas, what are you doing?"Mom pulled Juliana into her arms, full of concern. Even Edward stumbled up from the floor to comfort her.Dad looked at me in disappointment. "Nicholas, I don't know what you've been doing out there, but you dare hit your sister now? I think you don't even see us as family now! This house is more peaceful without you. The moment you walk in, everything's in chaos!"I met his eyes fearlessly and questioned in a mocking tone, "When was this house ever mine? My dear family turned the room I

"I don't want Nick to be mad at me anymore."After saying that, Edward coughed a few times."Nick is an adult. He can take care of himself. On the other hand, you worry me because of your health." Mom's tone was full of affection and concern."Mrs. Sterling, I'm here for him," Aurelia said, looking at Edward tenderly.Edward's ears turned red, and Mom completely forgot Aurelia was my fiancee as she smiled dotingly."You guys are such a perfect match."Aurelia sat beside Edward's bed, her face flushed as she leaned down and kissed his cheek.That very scene didn't go unnoticed by me and Melissa.Melissa's eyes widened, and she cried sharply, "Aurelia! How shameless can you be?"In my previous life, I hadn't made it into a good university. Now, I was a finance student at Brightford, while Edward was just in a vocational college.Neither Edward nor I achieved much in the previous life, but Edward was clearly more favored. To gain connections with our family, Melissa still had Au

Mom stopped sobbing abruptly, disbelief painting her face.Dad's expression was dark, and even the usually overbearing Juliana didn't dare to say anything.I couldn't be bothered to lecture them."I've given up the engagement. In three days, I want proof of my removal from the family. Once I receive my scholarship, I'll transfer the money to your account as repayment for raising me all these years."Seeing Dad about to speak again, I smiled faintly. "Of course, if you'd rather become enemies with me and make it a fight to the death whenever we meet, that works too."Although I said it with a smile, everyone could hear the cold, deadly edge in my tone.I was no longer the same as in my previous life.I had grown. I was the top scorer in the college entrance exam, and I was a student of Brightford University.I had endured all these years just for this moment.Dad shut his mouth, looking defeated.I didn't spare them another glance as I walked out of the ward.Right before I s