“I know you want the best school, and I won’t force you. It’s your brother who’s weak, and it’s us as parents who are useless. You go study, and we’ll support you—even if your dad and I have to pick garbage, even if your brother does too, we’ll support you.”
I sighed and signed the private school contract.
But this time, for the first time, I didn’t give in.
The blood on my face dried as the noise outside raged on. Ryan pounded on my door.
“Emily Carter, get out here! You made Mom and Dad suffer, and you still dare hide? You better get on your knees and apologize to them!”
“I knew it—your good girl act was fake. You’ve been waiting for this moment to take revenge, haven’t you? And Mom’s always bragging about you to everyone. Well, I’ll show them your true face, you ungrateful wretch.”
“Mom and Dad starved and saved all these years to raise us, and you’re this heartless? Raising you was a waste. And you still want to study? What’s the use of studying, huh? You can shove your books where the sun doesn’t shine. I despise you!”
The thin wooden door shook under his pounding.
His voice was hoarse, unhinged.