Chapter 5

My mom grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him. "David. This is the son you raised.

"Look at what your son did to our daughter. Do you even care about me and her at all?"

My dad didn't even try to dodge. He mumbled, "Just hang in there for ten more months. ten months."

My mom gave him a look that screamed disappointment and frustration, like she couldn't believe he still hadn't learned.

"You better remember, ten more months. And James quit his job at the company. If you try to get him back, I'm divorcing you," she said, her voice cold and firm.

My dad gave her a sheepish smile.

"I won't bring him back, don't worry," he said.

That night, I couldn't hold it in anymore and asked my mom, "Mom, be honest with me. Is James actually Dad's illegitimate son?"

My mom smacked me. "What nonsense are you talking about? Don't make things up."

I was pretty much convinced now. James wasn't my mom's biological son.

After less than a month of resting at home, I went back to school and moved back into my own place. In the end, I still didn't get to take part in the performance.

One day, I bumped into Emily in the hallway. Turns out, she and James had actually rented the apartment right below mine.

I was convinced she did it to mess with me.

Whenever we crossed paths, we never said a word. She'd always give me these taunting looks, like she was daring me to lose it.

After another month or so, summer break finally rolled around. My mom sent the driver to pick me up.

As soon as I walked in, I could tell something was off. James and Emily were actually in my house, and my parents were sitting on the couch, their faces stormy with anger.

The air was so cold, it felt like all the warmth had been sucked out of the room.

My dad sat stiffly in the main seat, staring straight at James, not even blinking.

When my mom saw me, she rushed over.

"Soph, you're back. Go tidy up, we'll eat soon," she said.

"Wait, don't go yet. Come over and hear what's going on," my dad said, his expression softening as he waved me over.

My dad's expression softened as he gestured for me to join them.

Emily was visibly displeased by how my dad favored me.

"I'm carrying your family's baby, and you ignore me? Yet you treat this worthless daughter like she's precious? The baby I'm carrying is your grandson." she snapped.

I honestly have no idea what kind of place she grew up in. She actually still thinks girls are worthless. I can't believe it.

[Dad, Emily is pregnant, and we want to marry. She only asks for a 3 million-dollar wedding gift and a house. Our family can afford it.]

"Ask me again in eight months," my dad interrupted, his tone grim.

"Emily will be almost due by then." James, getting desperate, turned to my mom. "Mom, am I really your son? Why do you always favor Soph?"

Mom didn't answer, just stared at Dad, waiting for him to speak.

Emily suddenly stood up, cradling her belly. "Auntie, I'm carrying the Foster family's sole descendant. Sophie's a girl. She'll get married and leave the family sooner or later, so all the family assets will go to James in the end, won't they?"

My mom shot up from her seat, pointing at the door. "You two, get out of here, right now."

James squared his shoulders, refusing to back down. "Why should we? This is my home too."

My dad finally set his glass down and let out a long, heavy sigh.

"This isn't your house," he finally spoke up, sounding exhausted.

"James, we're not your real parents. We have no say in who you marry," he added.