Chapter 3

Scarlett rolled her eyes:

“You make it sound like living in the William house is a hardship for you. No princess life, but acting like a spoiled princess!”

“Now you’re trying to get attention this way.”

Gordon’s face darkened. “What are you throwing a tantrum for?”

I said softly, “I’m not throwing a tantrum. I just think dorm life would be better for my studies.”

But Gordon’s tightly furrowed brow didn’t loosen:

“I know you. Why now? Why not before? You’re just mad about that cake, aren’t you?”

“Fine. If you really want a cake, I’ll have the kitchen whip one up for you in a bit.”

After saying that, he didn’t bother with me anymore, instead laughing as he used a tissue to wipe a bit of cream from the corner of Scarlett’s mouth.

“Still acting like a kid, getting cake all over your face.”

“In Mom and Dad’s eyes, I’m their baby who never grows up. Got a problem with that?”

“Alright, alright, you’re their baby who never grows up.”

I couldn't stand it anymore and silently went upstairs.

After applying for dorm accommodation with my teacher, I looked at the carefully arranged room, a little lost in thought.

The expensive and exquisite teddy bear on the bed, the valuable orchids on the window frame, the delicate bookshelf on the top shelf within reach, the soothing night light on the bedside table…

Each item was something Gordon had carefully arranged for me when I first arrived at the William home.

Even the room's layout had been specially renovated to match my old room at home, fearing I wouldn't get used to it.

He had said:

“This will be our home from now on. Our family was poor before, and I couldn't even afford to buy you a proper bookshelf.”

“Now that we have the means, I want to give you the best. I won’t let you suffer any more hardships.”

How happy I was then.

We moved into a big house we’d never dared to dream of;

No longer worried daily about utility bills and daily expenses;

No longer afraid that the roof would leak on a rainy day, or that the house would be flooded when we woke up.

Gordon also wouldn't have to work tirelessly day and night, scrambling to save up for my tuition.

I thought everything was finally going to get better.

But I never imagined that all of this would ultimately cost me him.

A sudden knock on the door.

When I opened it, a beautifully wrapped cake box suddenly appeared before me.

Gordon peeked out from behind it. “Happy Birthday, Audrey!”

Meeting my still red eyes, a flicker of guilt crossed his face:

“Sorry, I just remembered it’s your birthday today.”

For a moment, I thought I saw the brother who once had eyes only for me.

I held the cake that had been placed in my arms, like a traveler almost frozen stiff in the harsh winter suddenly encountering a warm fire.

I followed him into the room, my heart wavering uncontrollably.

But that flicker of hope shattered again the moment I opened the cake box and saw it packed with mangoes.

My lips trembled as I whispered, “Gordon, did you forget? I’m allergic to mangoes.”

Gordon’s brows instantly furrowed at my words.

For a long time afterward, I couldn't forget the way he looked at me then.

It was the look someone gives something troublesome.