Chapter 38
“Mom, Dad, didn’t I give you my scholarship money a few days ago? Can you return it to me? I need it to pay for my study abroad.”}
Both of them froze in place.
Dad hesitated, then gave a strained smile.
“Son, what’s so great about going abroad? Why are you chasing foreign dreams? Isn’t it better to stay in America, close to your parents?” He paused, then continued, “We’re just holding onto the money for you–for your own good. It’s not safe for someone your age to manage that much cash.”
Mom quickly added,
“Your dad is right.”
“You’ve been working part–time, haven’t you? Isn’t that enough to cover your expenses?“}
“I also heard you have a girlfriend. Is she the one encouraging this? Son, don’t be misled by someone like that. I advise you to break up with her now, before you get hurt.”
They both looked at me with an air of self–righteous concern, as if they were doing everything for my sake. But their words pierced deeper than any knife.}
That money wasn’t just a number. It was everything I had worked for–every sleepless night, every laborious shift, every skipped meal. I handed it to them, believing they had my best interests at heart.
I remembered Charles, swaggering around campus in designer clothes, getting picked up by private drivers, hosting parties in lavish villas. He once bragged in front of the whole class about spending over 100,000 dollars in a single evening.
Meanwhile, I–struggling to reclaim my hard–earned scholarship–was being lectured, as if I were asking for a favor.
In that moment, the truth burned inside me. Charles, their adopted son, was treated like royalty. And me, their real son–I was disposable.
They even wanted me to give up on the only person who cared about me.}
Throughout college, I was “the poor kid.” People kept their distance. No girl ever paid attention to me–except for Emily Young. She, too, came from a humble background. We understood each other without speaking. We hadn’t labeled our relationship, but we already saw each other as partners in life.
I forced a weak smile, hiding the heartbreak.}}
Dad reached out and patted my shoulder.
“Don’t think too much, son. You know how tight money is for our family. It’s better if we help manage your finances.”
Mom nodded along.”
“Besides, your past tuition was all on borrowed money. We still have debts to pay. Just focus on your studies and rest early–don’t let stress ruin your health.”
I nodded, my face blank, and returned to my room, feeling empty.
$ € £ 2 3 3 € 5 9 8 = 8 PE PRE D F = P P P F & F C F * 8 X 8 E
But just as I closed the door, I heard Dad’s phone ring.
There was a pause, then hurried footsteps.
I stepped quietly to the wall and listened. They had rushed into the bathroom, speaking in hushed voices.
“Charies, why are you calling now?” Dad whispered. “Didn’t I tell you not to contact us when we’re at home?”
“Dad, I need more money.” Charles’s tone was cold and impatient.
“But didn’t I just give you a card with 100,000 dollars?“D
“It’s gone. I threw a birthday party, ordered a few bottles of red wine, and now I’m out. I need another 100,000.”
Dad hesitated, clearly torn, but Mom nudged him firmly.B
“What are you waiting for?” she hissed. “Charles isn’t William. Even if he wants 500,000, we should give it. He’s the future heir of the Pierce family.“#
“Think about it. He’s smart, well–spoken, and presentable. That’s why we adopted him–to carry the family legacy.”
“And look at William,” she sneered. “That scar on his face from the fire? He’s not fit to represent the family in public.”
Dad paused, then chuckled with affection.
“You’re right. Okay, I’ll transfer the money to Charles now.“!
Behind the door, my body turned cold.
Their voices blurred in my ears, but one truth rang clear.}
I was never meant to have anything more than the crumbs.
