Chapter 1

Every time before Sophia goes "camping", she always serves me a hearty meal the night before.

I know she has a big appetite.

To accommodate her, I work hard all night, trying my best to satisfy all her special preferences.

But the next day, she still takes three or five boxes of trial-sized products from the bedside table.

I'm not a fool. I know what this means.

But I thought she was just playing around, and everything would still revolve around our family.

Until she maxed out my credit card to buy six-figure camping equipment for her "best friend".

I finally couldn't take it anymore...

At 1 AM, Sophia still hadn't returned.

On SnapChat, Sophia's avatar was still gray, with her last message lingering from the evening:

"James, I'm going camping in the suburbs with Lucas. My phone might not have signal, don't worry."

This was already her tenth night out this month, and each time, the excuse was camping.

Ten times in a month.

Well done, Sophia, you really take me for a fool.

I laughed coldly as I tore up our wedding photo.

Sophia and I met on a blind date. I pursued her for a whole year before she agreed to marry me.

At our wedding, she said she wanted to be with me forever.

I believed her. I gave her everything I could, including the freedom she wanted.

But ever since Lucas came to this city, everything changed.

Lucas was Sophia's childhood friend. At first, they just hiked and watched movies together, but later it developed into business trips, travels, and even overnight stays.

Whenever I asked about it, she always brushed it off saying:

"We're just friends, you're overthinking."

When I asked too often, she impatiently said:

"Can't you be less petty? I've told you we're just friends. If you don't even have this much trust, how are we going to live together in the future?"

Lucas would always stand with his hands in his pockets, smiling nonchalantly and saying:

"Bro, don't be so narrow-minded. Sophia and I grew up together, we're like siblings. There's definitely nothing between us, don't be so dramatic."

I'm being dramatic?

Looking at his pretentious face, I wanted to punch him right there.

I remembered the last dinner party when Lucas directly held Sophia in his arms, feeding her as if no one else was around. Do siblings act like that?

I was sitting right across from them, feeling like an outsider, awkward and embarrassed.

My phone rang.

It was Sophia.

"James, my phone died while camping, I just charged it. It's raining outside, so I'm staying at Lucas's place to avoid the rain. I'll be back in the morning."

Sophia's voice sounded coy and tired.

No messages for 8 whole hours, was it really just simple camping?

I looked at the drawer where another ten boxes of trial-sized products were missing, my heart churning.

"Oh."

I tried hard to control my emotions, appearing calm on the surface while gritting my teeth inside.

"You must be tired from playing. Get some rest."

"Okay, honey. Love you."

Sophia's sweet voice made me feel nauseous.

At 7 AM, Sophia came back with her usual smile, holding coffee and bagels:

"It was too late last night, I didn't want to wake you, so I just crashed at Lucas's place. You don't mind, right?"

"I don't mind."

I answered calmly.

Of course I mind, but what's the use?

Some people are just despicable, their vile habits ingrained to the bone.

The next day was Lucas's birthday, and Sophia insisted on hosting a birthday party for him at our house.

"Lucas, happy birthday!"

Sophia's eyes curved into crescents as she handed Lucas an exquisitely wrapped gift box.

"See if you like it."

Lucas smiled as he took the gift:

"I like everything you give me, Sophia."

He opened the gift right in front of me. It was a men's watch.

Forcing back my anger, I smiled insincerely and said:

"Sophia, you're so good to your 'dear brother'. This watch must have cost a lot, right?"

Sophia glanced at me impatiently:

"What, do I need your permission to give my friend a gift?"

I was instantly filled with rage, slamming the table and shouting, hoping to awaken some conscience in her.

Giving gifts is fine, but why are you using my money?!

Sophia, you only make $3000 a month, yet you're always splurging. I'm the one supporting this family!

Yesterday you spent six figures buying him camping equipment, and now you've bought him a watch worth over a hundred thousand?!

I've had my eye on that watch for a long time, but I gritted my teeth and didn't buy it because of the mortgage!

Now, it's on that bastard Lucas's wrist?!

Great, just great!

After dinner, I sat alone on the balcony smoking, playing with the lighter in my hand, lighting it and extinguishing it repeatedly, my heart sinking bit by bit.

Sophia was video chatting with Lucas in the bedroom. Snippets of their conversation drifted out, things like "let's try something new tomorrow" and "I want to see you right now" - disgusting talk.

I laughed coldly. She just got back and now she's going "camping" with her "dear brother" again?

She hung up the phone and walked to the balcony with her usual fake smile:

"James, you're not angry today, are you?"

I blew out a smoke ring and said calmly:

"No, I'm not."

She came over and snuggled into my arms, cooing:

"I knew you were the best."

I stroked her hair gently, laughing coldly in my heart. Getting angry with someone like you?

Not worth it.