He Traded His Future to Spite Me
After the College Entrance Assessment ends, Chayce Clarkson, the younger brother I have raised for seven years, looks me in the eye and says calmly, "I turned in blank exam papers."
I instantly freeze, unable to utter even a single word.
A look of vengeful satisfaction flashes across his face as he delivers his next blow.
"Jill and I never broke up, either. And it's for her that I didn't write a single word in the exams. She's not book-smart, so she won't be able to get into a decent college. I've already promised her that I'll spend the next four years just playing around with her."
My heart shatters into a thousand pieces, but he clearly doesn't believe that he's done anything wrong.
He meets my gaze without guilt, and his expression remains cold.
"Either way, the exam is over now. If you accept my relationship with Jill, I'll still consider you my sister. If not, we'll sever ties right here, right now."
His eyes drift to my trembling hands. After a slight pause, he adds, "But if you still want me as your brother, that's fine too. Just give Jill every dollar you've earned over the past seven years. Consider it your 'welcome-to-the-family' gift to her."