Chapter 52 Jake Started It, Obviously
The young man snapped. “Eat? How could I have an appetite right now?”
Grace frowned. “What happened? Who upset you?”
Her gaze shifted to Yulia, sharp and accusing.
“Did you bully your brother again?”
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Yulia protested, hurt. “I didn’t bully him. He wasn’t watching where he was going when he came in and ran into me, then turned around and blamed me for it.”
Her brother’s name was Jake. Jake shouted, “You’re the one who ran into me! You’re always lost in your own world, no wonder you can’t even keep a man!”
“Jake, that’s too far!”
Yulia was furious.
Grace gave her a shove. “What are you doing? You’re the older sister; can’t you let your little brother have his way once in a while? You’re always arguing with him. Honestly, all my health problems are from you stressing me out.”
“I…” Yulia’s lips trembled; she looked devastated.
“Mom, why are you always taking Jake’s side? Just because he’s a boy?”
Grace snapped, “Don’t start something out of nothing. You’re the one in the wrong, and now you’re trying to twist the issue? If you’ve got the nerve to argue with your brother, why don’t you go win Xavier back? How long has it been since the divorce? When’s he going to marry you?”
Yulia didn’t say a word.
Grace didn’t expect a response anyway; she grabbed Jake and led him upstairs.
“You’re all sweaty; hurry and wash up, or you’ll catch a cold. When you’re done, I’ll have the kitchen make your favorite, braised chicken wings.”
Yulia watched their backs disappear up the stairs, her heart aching.
Jake turned around and made a face at her.
She was livid.
Even though her family was fairly well–off, her parents clearly favored Jake. All they ever cared about was him.
She was never lacking for material things, but emotional support had always been in short supply.
From a young age, her parents made their stance crystal clear, “Yulia, our job is just to raise you to adulthood. All of the family’s assets belong to Jake. Don’t get any ideas. Don’t think about fighting him for anything.”
Jake never respected her as his sister; he always called her by name, constantly made up stories to get her in trouble, and made sure their parents scolded her.
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Chapter 52 Jake Started It, Obviously
The only time her family started treating her a bit better was after she got involved with Xavier.
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For the first time, the affection that had always been reserved for Jake was shared–just a little, with her.
But when they found out Xavier had married Becky, they’d exploded. They’d scolded her viciously and even threatened to cut ties with her.
Thankfully, Xavier and Becky’s marriage lasted only two months.
Her family saw hope again and began treating her better.
But whenever she and Jake got into a fight, their parents always took his side first.
Sometimes, she couldn’t help but think how much better things would be if she were an only child.
Xavier had just reached his car when a slender figure darted out from the side and threw her arms around him.
He froze for only a second before pushing Yulia away.
Yulia clung to him, crying, “Xavier, don’t push me away. Just hold me.”
Xavier firmly pulled her off. “Yulia, calm down.”
Tears streamed down her face; she looked heartbreakingly fragile. “Xavier, is it really that hard just to hold me?”
Xavier gave her a long, measured look. “It’s not appropriate.”
Yulia let out a bitter laugh. “What’s not appropriate? We’re lovers.”
“That was in the past. We’re not anymore.”
“Do you have to be this cruel? You know how I feel about you. I still love you. You’re divorced now, why won’t you accept me? I know you still have feelings for me.”
Xavier was silent for a moment before saying, “There’s no future for us. I thought you understood that.”
Yulia shouted, “Well, I don’t!”
“Alright then, I’ll make it clear today.”
Yulia looked at him in panic and suddenly shook her head wildly. “I don’t want to hear it! I don’t want to hear it!”
Then she turned and ran.
Xavier’s brow furrowed.
Nearby, Kevin was bursting with gossip on the inside, though he tried to look calm. Mr. Bolton just said it’s over with Ms. Yulia. They’re not together? My God, I thought they were practically engaged. But, why? Could it be because of Ms. Quinn? Very likely. After all, Mr. Bolton was a responsible man. To give Ms. Quinn’s child a proper home, he was choosing her over Ms. Yulia
Kevin’s imagination ran wild./
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Chapter 52 Jake Started It, Obviously
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Xavier got in the car. Seeing Kevin still frozen in thought, he frowned. “Well? You getting in or not?”
Snapping out of it, Kevin climbed in at once and started discussing work with Xavier.
The car drove for a while. Xavier glanced out the window.
“Randall, stop at the intersection.”
Randall answered and pulled over.
Xavier opened the door and got out.
Kevin looked confused. “Where’s Mr. Bolton going?”
Randall replied, “Ms. Quinn works at the traditional medicine clinic just ahead.”
Kevin looked over. Sure enough, Xavier was walking toward the clinic. So it’s true, Mr. Bolton is stepping up as a responsible man. He’s going to be with Ms. Quinn for the sake of the child.
“Randall, have you seen Mr. Bolton’s kid?“.
Randall chuckled and nodded. “I have. The little guy looks just like Mr. Bolton–super cute.””
Kevin pursed his lips. Well, Becky really knows how to breed.
It was a slow day; there weren’t many patients. Becky wasn’t as busy. After seeing her last patient, she took off her mask and tossed it in the trash, then carefully washed her hands before stepping out of the consultation room.
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