Chapter 8 Throw More Fuel on the Fire
Just when the situation was already as tense as could be, Lucas
decided to throw more fuel on the fire.
“It wasn’t how it seemed. I really got a call saying my dad suddenly took ill. I was so panicked that I didn’t even think about Kenneth. It’s all my fault. Even if Kenneth was faking it, I should’ve
asked Eleanor to take him with us, too. I just didn’t want you to
have a fight because of me. I…”
Harriet let out a cold scoff. “Since when has our mother–daughter
bond ever been swayed by an outsider? Eleanor, are you gonna be mad at me over what happened today?”
Her eyes were locked on Eleanor as if awaiting a response.
Eleanor pressed her lips together, remaining silent. Naturally, she
wouldn’t let a rift form between her and her mom because of
Lucas, but that didn’t mean she could stand by and watch him
being pushed around.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Harriet’s face, and she stopped seeking an answer from Eleanor.
By then, she already had a pretty good idea of what it would be.
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Victoria, having just been given a scolding by Harriet, wisely
kept her mouth shut. Meanwhile, Kenneth, listening to the whole argument, felt completely drained.
He really wanted to tell Harriet that it was all for nothing. Right at that moment, Eleanor and Victoria were firmly on Lucas‘ side. There was no way anyone could change their opinion of him.
“I’m feeling a whole lot better. Take me home. I can’t stand staying here another minute,” Kenneth pleaded.
Kenneth was actually in decent condition. Even though Harriet wanted him to stay in the hospital for further observation, she
couldn’t say no to his desire to leave.
Right in front of the three of them, she checked him out. Kenneth’s
face was deathly pale. As he shuffled past Eleanor, he didn’t even
bother to look her way.
A twinge of unease shot through Eleanor, but in front of Lucas,
she forced herself not to call out to Kenneth.
Kenneth was way out of line today. He even tricked my mom into
helping him pick on Lucas. If I go and show concern for him now, poor Lucas would be so heartbroken.
In truth, Eleanor suspected that Kenneth might have really had an
attack this time.
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I’ll buy those sneakers in a couple of days to make it up to
Kenneth.
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She believed this was the best way to handle the situation at the
moment.
What she didn’t realize was that Kenneth didn’t give a hoot about
the shoes anymore.
He no longer cared about the sneakers or their trust.
In Kenneth’s heart, the bond they once shared had shattered the moment they chose to believe Lucas, drove off without a second thought, and left him to fend for himself.
In the car, Kenneth slumped in the passenger seat. Harriet stole furtive glances at him every now and then.
Kenneth had his eyes closed, feigning sleep, yet he was still aware
of Harriet’s lingering gaze.
When the car came to a halt at a red light, Harriet could no longer contain her thoughts. “Kenneth, whatever you decide to do from here on out, I’ve got your back. And let me tell you, Eleanor and Victoria really crossed the line this time. I’ve been so swamped that I didn’t even notice there were issues brewing between you
kids.
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“I’m a bit worried that you might have a tough time adjusting to life abroad, even though your grandma will be there to look after you.”
Guilt gnawed at Harriet. Her dear friend had entrusted her son to her care, and yet he’d been mistreated by her own daughter. Harriet just couldn’t shake the feeling of self–reproach.
Kenneth, having lived under Harriet’s roof for so long, knew she had the best of intentions and was trying to make amends.
But he knew this mess wasn’t her fault. It was Eleanor and Victoria who had refused to trust him. He appreciated Harriet’s kindness, but staying in the country meant he’d still be caught up in the drama with Eleanor and the others.
He was utterly exhausted, and all he wanted was for this whole
ordeal to end.
“I get that you feel bad for me. But you’ve taken such great care of me all these years. I’m a grown–up now, and it’s high time I stepped up and took on some responsibilities. This time, it’s Mom’s plan for me to start getting involved in the family business,”
Kenneth explained.
With his words so straightforward, Harriet dropped her objections.
Having witnessed Kenneth’s growth over the years, Harriet saw
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him as her own flesh and blood.
Naturally, she always wished the best for him. Since he’d made his decision, she decided not to try and change his mind.
“Once you’re overseas, if you have any trouble adjusting, just give me a heads–up, and I’ll handle it,” Harriet told him.
Kenneth nodded with a warm smile and, just like in his childhood,
he filled the air with sweet words, lightening the heavy mood.
Back at the hospital, Eleanor still stood there, her eyes fixed on the entrance. Victoria, on the other hand, didn’t overthink things. She now had complete faith in Lucas.
Noticing Eleanor’s downcast mood, Lucas quickly apologized.
“It’s all my fault. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have had that fight with your mom. Actually, your mom’s right. I’m just an outsider. I don’t want to come between you two. Maybe I should go and say sorry to her tomorrow,” Lucas said, his face etched
with worry.
“It’s all Kenneth’s doing. If he hadn’t been causing a ruckus, you wouldn’t have been misjudged by Harriet. She’s just been led astray by him for the time being. That guy’s always playing the heart–conditions card to get people’s pity. Once we set her straight tomorrow, she’ll get it,” Victoria said, trying to soothe
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(14 min left
Lucas.
Then she gave Eleanor a little nudge with her eyes, signaling her
to chime in.
Eleanor rubbed her temples. For some odd reason, the unease in her heart didn’t ease up; instead, it got worse.
Victoria gently prodded her, bringing her back to the present.
“Yeah, my mom just doesn’t know the real deal. She’s always had
a soft spot for Kenneth. She’s just overly worried about him. We’ll
go talk to her tomorrow. You’ve had a rough day today. You should
head home and get some rest first,” Eleanor said, intending to
send Lucas home.
Lucas‘ eyes lit up briefly, then he nodded, looking genuinely
touched.
It wasn’t until Eleanor and Victoria had disappeared from sight
that Lucas made his way into the dingy alley. A dark cloud
seemed to hang over him.
He lashed out and kicked a trash can hard, and the loud bang
echoed through the alley.
The run–down neighborhood around him made it nearly
impossible for Lucas to hold back his emotions. On the surface,
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he might look put–together, but every night when he returned home and faced the shabby surroundings, he felt like a lowlife, scurrying around in the dark, afraid of the light.
The more he witnessed Kenneth’s privileged existence, the more his jealousy festered.
Why the hell does Kenneth get it all right from the start? And on
top of that, Eleanor and Victoria are always in his corner!
I’m gonna take it all away from him.
I’m green with envy of Kenneth, envious of his life, his family
background, and his good grades!
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