Chapter 5
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Evan frowned, giving me a cold look.
“That’s not happening.”
When I got home, I tidied up for a while before finally pulling my phone out of my bag. In just that short time, Austin had called me dozens of times.
Besides the calls, he’d sent a flood of messages.
“Left in a rush earlier. Totally forgot you were still there.
“I’ve sent someone to pick you up.
“Why aren’t you answering?”
“Nothing happened to you, right? Text me back.
“Are you mad?
“Forget it… I’ll come over myself.”
The last message had been sent just three minutes ago.
I thought about calling him back to let him know I was fine, but before I could, I saw the typing indicator pop up on
my screen.
A moment later, his message came through.
“Ruth’s not feeling well all of a sudden, I need to stay with her. How about I have the driver come get you instead?”
I stared at the message for a long time, then typed back, “No need, I’m already home.”
Austin immediately replied with a 17–second voice message:
“Finally! You scared the hell out of me. I thought something had happened. As long as you’re okay. I’m busy right now, so I’ll talk to you later.”
I let out a sigh. “Okay.”
It struck me then how much I’d heard about Austin and Ruth over the years.
He’d gone to ridiculous lengths to win her over.
He’d gotten into fights for her, gotten jealous, and done all sorts of crazy things.
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06.04
Chapter 5
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When they were 18, Ruth’s family was in trouble. Austin spent half a month begging his dad and even went on a hunger strike.
Only then did Sir Vancott agree–and paid a hefty price to help the Grimley family out. Not long after, Austin and Ruth got together.
Everyone said Austin was head over heels for Ruth.
During my first two years in Austin’s life, some people even said he’d completely lost his mind–just to spite Ruth, he’d willingly taken on the burden of someone like me.
But the Vancott family agreed to it without a second thought.
After all, they were just sponsoring my education. That kind of money wasn’t even enough to cover the cost of a few of their parties.
After that night, Austin didn’t reach out again. But I knew he was always with Ruth. He took her everywhere–skiing one day, chasing sunsets the next.
His close friends tagged along too. Gavin posted group photos of them on Instagram.
In every picture, Austin’s eyes were always on Ruth.
Someone left a comment.
“Austin really is a better match with Ruth.”
“Yeah, I bet someone still thinks she’s got a shot at being the queen bee. Guess reality finally caught up.”
I’d heard things like that plenty of times when I first joined the Vancott family.
Back then, Austin would lose his temper over it, and eventually, people stopped.
But this time, Austin didn’t seem to care at all.
He even replied underneath.
“Exactly. Glad you guys finally see it–Ruth and I were meant to be!”
Strangely, seeing those words didn’t break my heart.
Instead, I thought, so be it. Maybe it’s time to stop liking Austin, let them have their perfect match.
On impulse, I liked the post, then commented, “Next time, just say my name–Miley. No need for riddles. But honest- ly, I agree, they make a great couple.”
Less than two minutes later, when I refreshed, the post was gone.
Austin sent me two messages.
“It’s not a big deal. You’ve heard this stuff before. No need to get upset about it.
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Chapter 5
“Be good. I’ll take you shopping in a couple of days.”
Yeah, it’s not like it’s the first time I’ve been put down.
I come from nothing. I’m poor, so a few mean words don’t matter.
I tossed my phone aside and went to take a shower. When I came out, there were even more messages from him.
“Not texting me back?
“Fine.
“But don’t forget what you promised me.”
I stared at his messages for a while, then replied with a single word.
“Okay.”
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