Chapter 4

Gordon "tsk"-ed, annoyed, “You should’ve mentioned if you couldn’t eat something, otherwise it’s a waste.”

With that, he picked out all the mangoes from the cake one by one and pushed the remaining cake back toward me.

“Scarlett specifically asked Kate to make this cake to apologize to you.”

“She saw you liked orchids and specially emphasized an orchid design, thinking you’d like it.”

“Her words can be harsh sometimes, but she’s actually soft-hearted. You should at least eat a little, or she’ll be sad.”

My throat tightened. I didn’t even notice my fingernails digging into my flesh, drawing blood, as I murmured,

“But I’m allergic to mangoes.”

Gordon said impatiently, “That’s why I picked them out, right? Just eating a little won’t hurt.”

Just then, Scarlett suddenly pushed the door open:

“Audrey isn’t going to dislike the cake I had Kate make, is she? It takes this long to coax someone, she’s too high-maintenance!”

Before I could say anything, Gordon spoke first:

“It’s your gesture of goodwill, she’ll like it whether she wants to or not.”

“Good! Once you’re done coaxing her, come downstairs! I wasn’t happy with the designs on the first few cakes Kate made, come help me finish them!”

Gordon laughed, scolding, “Are you treating me like a trash can?”

“No way! I think of you as my best brother, okay?”

Gordon’s body stiffened. “You only call me ‘brother’ when you need something. I really owe you.”

He said that, but his joy was practically overflowing.

It turned out he really was just out of patience with me.

If it were Scarlett, he wouldn’t think it was a waste, and just her calling him “brother” could make him so happy.

Now, it seemed, no matter what I did, it only annoyed him.

The next day, I quietly moved out of the William home and into the school dorms.

I squeezed out only a little time for sleep each day. All my waking hours were spent either furiously studying or working multiple part-time jobs.

This feeling of being swamped kept me from thinking about anything else.

Until one day Gordon called me. As soon as I answered, I was met with a barrage of questions and accusations:

“Audrey, why haven’t you come home yet?”

“You used to be so sensible, and now you’re staying out all night!”

I said softly, “I told you before, I’m living at school.”

“Who gave you permission? Are you all grown up now, starting your late rebellion? Get back here now!”

I remained silent.

He waited for a moment and, getting no answer, laughed in anger:

“Fine, then don’t ever come back! I’d like to see how tough you can be!”

For the next while, I diligently attended classes, studied, and worked.

As the SAT approached, I started to feel like things were finally falling into place.

Three days before the SAT, Gordon suddenly called me.

His voice was hoarse on the phone, tinged with a rare weariness:

“Audrey, I’m in the hospital right now.”

“You haven’t been home in a long time. I want to see you.”

I instinctively gripped my phone tighter.

Since his heart had gradually drifted towards Scarlett, this was the first time he had softened his tone and tried to make peace with me.

Thinking of the early admission notification I had just received, and the money I had saved up during this time—enough for me to live independently.

I hesitated for a long time before finally saying, “Okay.”

This might be our last meeting, and I didn’t want to leave with any regrets.

I wanted to tell him I got into a northern school.

That I wouldn’t be a burden to him anymore, and I wouldn’t bother him again.

But I never expected that when I rushed to the hospital and pushed open the door, I’d be greeted by a heavy slap across the face.