Chapter 3

Hearing this, Sergeant Carter was thrilled. He told me that not only was tuition free, but room and board were covered too. It was just tougher than regular college.

But I had suffered my whole life. What was a little more hard work?

After hanging up, I went home and slept.

I had a strong immune system, so I was mostly recovered by the next morning.

My parents came back, holding a small cake. But a slice was missing, like someone had already eaten from it.

"Ethan, we couldn't get you a cake yesterday, so we got you this today!"

"And here is the $200 we made last night. Take it. Don't worry, we'll get the rest of your tuition."

They handed me the cake and the money, but I pushed them away.

"I don't really like cake. Too sweet."

"As for tuition... I borrowed it from a friend. You don't have to worry."

They were stunned for a moment, but didn't push. They left the money on my nightstand for pocket money.

"We met a very generous boss. We're going to work for him for the next two weeks. Take care of yourself, Ethan."

"Oh, and watch out for scammers. If anyone tells you weird things, don't believe them. When we get back, we have a huge surprise for you."

Then, they rushed off.

Two weeks?

That was exactly when I was scheduled to leave.

A week later, fully recovered, I used the advance money Sergeant Carter sent me to get my military physical at the hospital.

But when I got back, the yard was a mess. My few cherished belongings were scattered all over the dirt.

Ryan was sitting in the yard, surrounded by several bulky bodyguards, looking at me with utter contempt.

Just like he did at the clinic.

I stood there, frozen.

"You don't know me, do you? I'm your brother. Our parents are actually the richest family in this city."

"But they don't like you. That's why they raised you like a beggar~"

His words felt like glass shards grinding into my heart.

"Look at this trash you cherish. It's all stuff I threw away. My dog's collar is worth more than all of this combined."

"I never understood how someone with such a trashy life could smile so much. Every time I see your face, I want to rip that smile off."

I did smile a lot.

I smiled at my parents, at my school bullies, at the cruel foreman.

Because life was hard, and smiling was my only defense.

My eyes burned, and my fists clenched to stop my body from shaking.

"Why? I'm their biological son. Why would they do this to me?"

Ryan smirked, laughing in my face.

"Why? Because they don't love you. You were just a mistake. They wanted to drown you when you were born, but our grandparents wouldn't let them. That's the only reason you're alive."

"But once they had me, grandparents finally let them dump you in the slums. I guess I'm just too lovable~"

"Anyway, I'm here because the family inheritance is being decided soon. I don't want anyone getting any funny ideas, so I'm here to warn you."

My mind went blank. I stumbled backward.

So, I was abandoned by everyone from the very beginning.

With a hollow chest, I forced out: "Don't worry. I won't fight you for the inheritance."

"You couldn't even if you tried. Mom and Dad love me, not you."

With that, Ryan threw a few hundred-dollar bills on the ground and swaggered away with his guards.

I didn't touch the money. I just silently packed up my ruined things.

Once I was done, I left the house I had lived in for eighteen years and checked into the military academy early.

A week later, my parents finally returned.

They were dressed in high-end luxury clothes, carrying countless expensive gifts.

"Ethan, come out! We have great news!"

"Actually, we are..."

My dad stopped mid-sentence.

The only thing waiting for them was a silent, empty house.