Chapter 2

On my way back, my phone rang. It was my father, Richard.

His voice was harsh. "Chloe, your mother told me you’re picking a fight with Austin over a house? Have you lost your mind?"

"He’s your brother. He’s going through a tough time. What’s wrong with letting him have the master bedroom?"

I sighed, feeling exhausted. "Dad, that’s the house Ethan and I bought for our wedding. We are getting married the day after tomorrow."

"So what if it's a wedding house? Aren't we going to be one family after you get married anyway?" Richard said impatiently. "Lily has to take care of the baby. The guest room is too small for them."

"You only need a place to sleep. What's the difference between the master bedroom and the guest room? Stop being so greedy. You're making our family look bad!"

My voice trembled. "Austin always came first since we were kids. Now I can’t even sleep in my own wedding bed?"

Richard snapped, "Stop digging up the past! It’s settled. Austin stays in the master bedroom."

"If you keep throwing a tantrum, don't even think about having a wedding. Don't embarrass us!"

He hung up.

I gripped the steering wheel, my tears blurring the road ahead.

When I got back to the small apartment Ethan and I were renting, he was working late on a project.

Seeing my pale face, he immediately asked what was wrong.

After I explained everything, Ethan's face darkened. "They moved in? Without our permission?"

"My mom said she’d pay fifty dollars a month for Austin's rent."

Ethan laughed out of sheer anger. "Our mortgage is $4,800 a month. The HOA fee is $300, and utilities are at least $500. What is fifty dollars going to do? That doesn't even cover the cost of cleaning the floors!"

He grabbed his keys. "Let's go kick them out right now. It's our house. No one has the right to occupy it."

I stopped him, hesitating. "If we force them out, my mom might actually ruin our wedding. She’s crazy enough to do it."

Ethan was silent for a moment, then pulled me into a hug. "Chloe, this is our home."

"I won't let anyone take away what belongs to us. Not even your family."

His eyes were filled with determination, and suddenly, I found my courage.

We didn't go to the new house that night.

Instead, Ethan contacted the property management and the local police, reporting that someone was unlawfully occupying our private property.

The police suggested we try to resolve it peacefully first, but said we could file a lawsuit if they refused to leave.

Shortly after, my Aunt Clara called.

"Chloe, your mother told me you won't let Austin stay in your house?"

"I’m not trying to criticize you, but the house is just sitting empty. Why can't you let your own brother stay there for a bit?"

"Your mom agreed to pay rent. Just let it go. Don't make things ugly for the family."

Then came Aunt Beatrice, my cousins, and even an uncle I hadn't spoken to in years. They called one after another.

Their message was exactly the same: *You’re the older sister. You’re doing well. You should support your brother.*

If I didn't, I was selfish, cold-blooded, and ungrateful.

Austin even sent me a voice message on Snapchat, his tone full of disdain: "Chloe, is this really necessary? It’s just a bed."

"When I make some money, I'll buy you a new one, okay? Stop being so cheap."

I typed back: "Move out before noon tomorrow, or I’m changing the locks and throwing your stuff out."

Ten minutes later, my mother bombarded my phone with calls, screaming the moment I picked up.

"Chloe Miller, you ungrateful brat! I raised you for nothing! Would it kill you to let your brother stay for a few days?"

"Do you have to ruin this family to be happy? Fine, act tough. Let's see how your wedding goes the day after tomorrow!"