Chapter 5

Early the next morning, I waited downstairs for Mia so we could go to her mother's house together.

But Mia said, "You go first. I have some things to take care of."

When I arrived, Mia's brother Tyler immediately pulled me to sit on the living room couch.

"Hey bro, I heard you got a big severance package when you quit. Think you could lend me some cash for my wedding?"

Before I could answer, Mrs. Thompson cut in.

"Stop pestering your brother-in-law about money. He has plenty of expenses of his own."

She was pretending to be considerate, but I knew she had other plans for that money.

Mrs. Thompson came over and took my hand. "I've had my eye on a house in the neighborhood. Tyler loves it and wants to use it as the marital home. You don't need to cover the whole cost - just contribute what you can. When Tyler becomes successful later, he'll take care of you in your old age."

"That sounds great! Your brother is looking out for your future," Mia chimed in. "Mom has sacrificed so much for this family over the years."

How laughable. I had barely quit my job, and they already knew exactly how much money I had and how to spend it.

Every sentence was about how much the Thompson family had suffered.

"Mom, I was actually planning to use that money myself," I said carefully. "I've been working non-stop for years. I thought I might do some traveling."

Mrs. Thompson and Tyler's faces immediately soured.

"Now Jack, don't be selfish," Mrs. Thompson scolded. "Spending it all on travel is such a waste. It's much better to invest in Tyler's future. He'll take care of you when you're old."

"Yeah bro, you know I see you as real family!" Tyler added.

Sure, "real family" - or just an ATM to withdraw money from whenever you want?

"Mom, I'll decide what to do with my own money," I said firmly.

Hearing this, Mrs. Thompson stood up with a frown. But she couldn't openly criticize me, so she busied herself in the kitchen instead.

Tyler couldn't say much either. He flopped on the couch and started playing on his phone.

"Bro, go sit somewhere else. You're in my way," he muttered, effectively kicking me out.

Just then, Mia arrived - with Ryan in tow.

Mrs. Thompson's face lit up when she heard Ryan's voice. She came running out of the kitchen, all smiles as she welcomed him inside.

Tyler put down his phone and offered Ryan a seat, rushing to brew some premium tea.

I remembered that tea - it had cost me a month's salary. I had bought it as a gift for a friend, but Tyler saw it and took it for himself. When I said I'd buy another one, Mia told me to just give the friend the second batch instead.

Mia glared at me. "What are you standing around for? Go help in the kitchen!"

Mrs. Thompson shoved an apron in my hands and pushed me toward the kitchen door.

When I finally brought the last dish to the table, I realized they had already started eating. They hadn't even saved me a seat.

Mia looked up at me. "There's no room. Just wait until we're done and eat the leftovers."

Mrs. Thompson and Tyler said nothing. Ryan kept drinking his wine.

Alright, you want me to eat your scraps? Then no one gets to eat!

I flipped the entire table, sending food and dishes flying everywhere.

I stormed out and slammed the door behind me, leaving only screams and curses in my wake.

Mia's voice was the loudest: "Jack, have you fucking lost your mind?!"