Chapter 2

“Wow, this unit’s layout is really nice!” Lucas looked around, then he frowned.

“But I feel a negative energy here. This won’t be ideal for you as a family.”

He then said, like he was an expert, “Miles, you might not understand this, but having both the right energy and layout is very important in a house.

“We’re men, after all. Our career is very important to us. That’s why we need the right energy in our home.”

Before I could speak, Joy immediately chimed in from the side, “That’s right! That’s a good point, Lucas.”

“Mr. Wallace, do you have any other units in the building? I want a unit with better energy.”

Mr. Wallace promptly began to introduce other units to them enthusiastically.

I watched their coordinated act and felt nothing but disgust.

I had felt this irritation many times over the years. Today, however, it was particularly intense.

As if oblivious to my increasingly cold expression, Lucas walked around the room enthusiastically.

He paused at the doorway of a secondary bedroom and peered inside. Then, he turned to Joy with a serious face.

“Joy, I think this room could be my music studio.

“We should paint the walls premium gray. It’ll really help spark creativity. And if we knock down this wall for a full-height window, the natural light would be amazing! It would give me a wide-open view for when I’m writing songs or working on projects.”

He said all that while waving his hands around, as if the apartment already belonged to him.

I held back long enough. I could do it no more.

“Mr. Julian, if I recall correctly, I will buy this house for my future father-in-law to retire in.”

Everyone in the unit turned to look at me.

I kept my eyes on Lucas. He was visibly taken aback.

Then, I smirked and said scornfully, “So, how exactly does your workspace fit in this floor plan? Aren’t you getting a bit carried away?”

The tension in the room became palpable.

In a heartbeat, Lucas looked crestfallen and wounded.

“Miles… I… That’s not what I meant…”

His voice dropped to a mumble.

“I was only… I was just trying to help Patrick create a nicer home… I…”

He left the sentence hanging, then looked at Joy with hurt in his eyes. “Joy… did I say something wrong?

“We grew up together. I’ve always considered Patrick as my family. I just wanted to contribute more to this family. How could Miles think of me like that…”

Joy immediately stepped in front of him to shield him. She comforted him, all the while glaring at me reproachfully.

“Miles Sterling! That’s enough! You know Lucas means well. He was only trying to help! How could you twist his compassion into something so ugly?”

Her other family members also piled on me.

“That’s right, Miles. Don’t be so insecure.”

“Lucas and Joy grew up together. He’s practically family to us! Why’re you drawing such a hard line?”

“Be the bigger man. We’re all going to be family soon! Don’t let something this small ruin things.”

I looked at them. They were playing judge and jury, lecturing me as if I were petty or unreasonable.

Meanwhile, the one who started it all was hiding behind Joy as he shot me a smug, provoking glance.

I took a deep breath. I was ready to drop all pretense and settle this once and for all.

Then, an authoritative voice sounded from behind the crowd.

“Enough, all of you! Quiet!”

Patrick walked over slowly.

He first gave Lucas an approving pat on the shoulder. Then, he looked at me with a thorough and evaluating gaze.

“What Lucas said stands for me, too.

“I’ve watched him grow up. He’s like a son to me, and Joy sees him as her own brother.

“You’re going to marry Joy, which makes Lucas your future brother-in-law.

“It’s only natural for you to set aside a room for Lucas.”

His twisted logic made me laugh in disbelief.

“Patrick,” I said, emphasizing the title deliberately, “I’m not married to Joy yet. Even if I were, Mr. Julian is only her childhood friend. He’s not, in any way, related to the Wren family.

“So please, tell me, how exactly is he my future brother-in-law?”