Chapter 3
Just then, my parents rushed in, looking worn out from their journey.
"Sophie, are you okay?" my mom asked, worry written all over her face.
I hurried to wipe my tears and put on a brave face.
"I'm fine, Mom. Don't worry about me. The doctor already fixed my leg, I just need to rest for a while and I'll be good as new."
My dad patted Edward on the shoulder.
"Edward, thanks for taking care of Sophie," he said.
My mom chimed in, "Yeah, Edward's good. Sophie is lucky to have a boyfriend like you."
My parents knew all about me and Edward dating, but they never tried to stop us. In fact, they often said how lucky I was to have someone like him.
"You should treat him well."
Of course, that was all thanks to all the ways Edward looked out for me, both at school and in everyday life.
Edward gave an awkward, forced smile. "Mr. and Mrs. Nash, it's only right."
Did he even believe what he was saying anymore?
But honestly, he barely meant it anymore.
My parents started listing off all the ways Edward had looked out for me over the past six months.
Meanwhile, Edward's phone kept buzzing nonstop.
He kept looking down at his phone, then up again, totally distracted.
He was totally checked out, barely paying attention to my parents.
Honestly, the only person who could get him this distracted was Chloe.
My voice was icy. "Edward, if you've got something to do, just go. We don't need you here."
"Yeah, Edward, if you've got something to do, just go. We've got it from here," my dad said.
My parents didn't pick up on what I was really saying.
"You seem pretty tired, Edward. Once you're done with everything, make sure to get some rest," my dad said.
"There are some things I need to take care of at home, so I'll be leaving now.
"Sophie, I'll come visit you tonight," he added.
Edward grabbed his jacket and left in a rush.
But he never showed up that night. Instead, he spent the evening helping Chloe organize a fundraiser.
Thanks to the Sterling family's connections, they managed to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in no time.
Chloe's parents bought themselves a brand new house.
On the school forum, people started throwing shade at Chloe.
[That fire was pretty convenient, if you ask me.]
[Seriously. Why wait until the house is almost burned down before calling for help?]
[If you're gonna chase money, at least do it with some class.]
[Do it with some class?]
[Too bad for his current girlfriend, though.]
Less than half an hour later, all those posts were deleted.
On top of that, even the teachers and Edward personally jumped in to defend Chloe, making sure everyone knew she was innocent.
After that day, Edward never bothered to show up again.
He didn't come around until the day I was finally discharged, and of course, he brought Chloe along for the ride.
He pretended they were there to wish me luck, but Chloe looked pissed off the whole time.
My dad brought some homemade goodies from back home, planning to give them to Edward.
But then Chloe just blurted something out, and for a second, I couldn't help but think maybe those rumors about her were true.
"Mr. Nash, Edward's not into these country treats. You should just keep them for yourself," she said.
Seriously? The scholarship girl acting all high and mighty about country stuff?' I thought.
I figured Edward would at least play along for my parents' sake, but turns out I was just being naive.
Edward didn't accept the gift.
"Mr. Nash, I can get these anytime. You should just keep them for yourselves."
My parents were so embarrassed.
Chloe lifted her chin, her face full of smugness and defiance.
Edward dropped me and my parents off at home, then left without another word.
My dad let out a heavy sigh. "Guess we didn't really think it through... How could someone like Edward ever care about these country treats?
"Sophie, I'll go buy some proper gifts, and you can give those to him instead," he added.
"Dad, actually..." I started, but the words caught in my throat.
I knew my parents were always so particular about these things. There was no way I could talk them out of it.