"Giving you birth was my worst decision." Not the best thing you would like to hear the first thing in the morning.
Sitting on the bed, I stared at the floor with my shoulders slumped.
Before me stood the woman who had given birth to this useless me.
This is her third visit of the month and the reason for the third time remained the same.
She…was disappointed.
"Have you ever tried at least following your brother's steps? At your age, he had already started his own company and had stopped taking money from us the moment he joined the university. And here you are, twenty years old and yet depending on your parents."
Those words hurt more than I allowed it to appear on my face.
Did I not try to have my own start-up? Or was she not aware of it? But well, success is what is celebrated. Failures are forgotten or used as material for taunts.
"You used to be at least obedient. And that obedience has gotten you so many achievements." I didn't need to look up to tell that she was looking at the medals I got from archery competitions and piano contests.
I used to play piano once but now, I don't have the time…or more like, the enthusiasm.
About archery…Well, I don't come across any chances to show my how good I could f*ck up someone's eye.
"Kyle, look at me." She sharply said.
I slowly moved my eyes and found her piercing blue eyes staring back at me.
"When are you going to stop being so irresponsible? Just tell me the date and I will at least stop wasting my time coming over."
I shrugged, "Maybe fifty more years…but will you survive that long to see that side of me?"
Her eyes widened in rage and before she could have moved to slap me, I took my phone and bag and told her,
"I am getting late. Please lock the door before leaving." Before she could react, I sprinted out of the house and continued to run a few breaths until I knew her voice wouldn't reach me even if she shouted.
Once a little afar, I sighed and slowed down.
Shaking my head, I slung the bag over my shoulder and made my way to the university.
It was not far away, and since I was saving money, I avoided taking the bus.
My bus card was stolen, so I would rather give these legs some movement rather than ask my parents for some extra money for a new bus card.
As I walked, I thought about what she said.
As much as she believes I am nonchalant about my present and future, I wasn't. I am worried too because, unlike my God's favorite brother, I am not exceptional in anything.
Those achievements she mentioned? It was more of a pressure from their side that I took part in them.
And just because of their insistence on doing what their favorite child did, I left that house to live on my own.
Initially, I thought I would never ask for money from them, so I started my own streaming channel and also, a start-up using my savings.
But…here I am. Lowering my head and dumping my dignity I had to ask them for money once again…and when I said 'them' I had to ask my oh-so-perfect big brother for a monthly allowance so he could remind me of the difference between us.
Reaching the University, which was named after the founder, Arthur's Academic Union.
It was nothing too grand, but surely, if I graduated from here, honestly, I would get myself a good job, enough to feed me three times a day.
Heaving a sigh, I entered the campus.
Instantly, the buzzing of the other students surrounded me.
People are chatting and laughing in their groups.
I wasn't particularly a loner since many waved or smiled at me, but I just don't fit in a group. My hobbies are a bit weird and I am still the type to consider my school friends as actual friends.
So yeah, I am that kind of guy whom everyone knows but doesn't invite me to hang out with them.
Walking through the corridor, I glanced around, trying to find the person I was expecting to meet at the gate. But…she was late. Again.
I entered the classroom with clouds of gloom already surrounding me.
I heard many girls talking on my way to my seat.
"You think Edward would notice my perfume?"
"Like hell. He would probably throw away your chocolates thinking someone is trying to poison him."
"Well, he is so charming, no wonder he is always cautious." With a sigh, she added, "If I could, I would surely drug him and lock him up in my room for the rest of my life~"
Ah, yeah. That was one of the common conversations in the class.
The focus of mostly every girl in the class…or to say, on the campus, is that single guy whom every girl admires from afar.
As I sat down, I took out my phone and checked the last text I sent her last night.
[Should we meet at the station tomorrow at 7?]
She didn't read.
Even though I sent the message at nine…definitely not anywhere around her bedtime.
She just didn't check my message.
And it wasn't the first time.
I have started to notice this pattern for the past half a year.
After class, whenever I texted her, there was no response most of the time. Or even if she replied, it was just a short message stating she needed to go or her mother was calling.
I even tried calling her a few times, but she instantly disconnected the call, and sometimes her phone remained off.
As minutes passed, everyone took their seats.
I continued to wait.
Only two seats remained empty in the class.
I calmly sat there until the Professor arrived and told us, "Take out your notes. We are going to continue where we left off yesterday."
My hands moved but my mind was still occupied with her thoughts.
And not so long after, two people came rushing at the door.
One boy and one girl.
The first one was a guy who instantly stole every girl, including the Professor's attention; Ethan Lockhart.
And the other person...was...my girlfriend—Amanda.
So...they were together.
Our eyes met and for the first time, I couldn't continue to look at her for more than a few seconds.
I turned my gaze away as if I didn't know her.
But the fact is, my heart was shattered.
And I knew what exactly I should do.
°°°°°°°°
A/N:- New story. Add the book to your list.