Chapter 7
“Now you’re telling me you’re a happy family? Don’t make me laugh! How is that even possible? What the hell did you do?”
Only when he finished did I slowly lift my eyes to his, eyes bloodshot with rage.
“So… you knew. You knew every beating, every humiliation, every night I nearly gave up. And still, you went through all this trouble to drag them here. What exactly did you want them to do to me on stage?”
Caius faltered, face reddening, then forced out a defense.
“I-I meant well! You graduated with honors. I wanted your parents to come and congratulate you, give you a chance to reconcile!”
He gathered momentum, tone self-righteous.
“After all, they’re still your parents. What kind of child clings to a grudge forever? They know they were wrong! You haven’t been home in two years-why keep holding on to the past?”
I let him finish, then nodded thoughtfully.
“Oh, I see. Thank you.”
My smile curved, deliberate.
“As you wished, my parents and I have reconciled. So why are you the one upset?”
Then I blinked, feigning sudden realization.
“Ah-I get it. You’re worried because sister’s relationship with Mom and Dad isn’t healed yet, right?”
My eyes were wide, guileless.
“Then you should persuade her too. Use the same words you just used on me. She’s so kind, so understanding-surely she’ll appreciate your efforts best.”
Caius’ throat worked, but no sound came. His face turned a furious purple.
I turned to Elowen, my expression soft, almost pitying.
“Sister, those illegal loans… don’t hate me for blurting it out to Mom and Dad. They only hit you because they were worried. Loans are dangerous-you get in deeper before you realize it. They just wanted your good.”
I sighed, voice tinged with helplessness.
“I already paid off your thirty-thousand loan. Now I only have thirty-two cents left in my account. I’m willing to help, but I really can’t anymore.”
As if struck by a thought, I drew out the little box from my pocket, flipped it open, and held out the earrings.
“Unless… you pawn this birthday gift Calus gave me? Oops-”
I covered my mouth in feigned surprise.
“These earrings… they’re the exact same style as your necklace, sister. So they were a set gift…”
I snapped the box shut, pulling it back quickly, my face full of apology.
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Chapter 7
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3:36 pm p p pp.
“Sorry, sister. Looks like this gift is worthless. I can’t help you after all.”
Then I turned, gesturing at Caius.
“But you don’t need to worry. Caius must be rich. He can buy you clothes and jewelry worth thousands without blinking, he tops up your passes, he never lets you go without. He cares about you so much-of course he’ll keep helping you.”
My smile was bright, sweet, cutting.
“Look at me-I’m the official girlfriend, and I’ve never been treated half as well. He always told me girls should be independent, self-reliant-that only then are we attractive.”
I tilted my head, eyes glinting.
“Really… nothing like the way he treats you. He’s always so thoughtful, so considerate. Always right there by your side.”
The air thickened. Teachers and students traded looks of dawning disgust.
And in an instant, the gazes of the entire hall turned-sharp, scornful-onto Caius and Elowen.
3:38 pm P PPP.
