I remained silent and did not feel like talking.
Without saying a word, I packed my stuff and left home.
While sitting on the bus and thinking about how my parents treated me, I was deeply upset. The way they treated Steven was worlds apart from the way I was treated. I’m not a saint and can’t tolerate such unfairness!
They are the people closest to me in the world and my everything, but they only care about Steven. Though I’m their daughter, there’s no place in their heart for me!
I was staring out at the scenery flashing past the window with a heavy heart. My eyes reddened, but I tried to keep the tears from falling as I comforted myself.
After so many years, I should’ve gotten used to it, shouldn’t I? So I shouldn’t be sad!
After a few hours of bumpy journey, I finally arrived at the bus terminal. I got off the bus and looked at the crowded terminal. Being alone in the crowd gave me a sense of loneliness.
I had been working in this city for so many years in order to provide my parents a better life. Yet, no matter how hard I worked to support my family, they still did not appreciate me.
Feeling depressed, I decided to walk home by myself instead of calling Michael.
Though Birchwood was far away from the bus terminal, I just wanted to be alone.
After a long walk with my suitcase, I couldn’t feel my feet at all. Totally drained of energy, I was extremely worn out.
I stood by the roadside and wanted to hail a cab. Unfortunately, all the cabs were occupied, and I failed to get one despite waiting for so long.
I glanced at my watch and grew anxious as the time ticked by.
Suddenly, a Rolls-Royce approached and stopped in front of me, letting out honks.
I frowned, gazing curiously at the car before me. Who’s this? And why is it blocking my way?
Seeing that the car stayed put, I decided to walk down the road with my suitcase as I waited for a cab. At that moment, someone lowered the car window and stuck his head out of the window. It was Michael.
“Anna?” He furrowed his defined brows slightly, and there was a hint of surprise in his eyes.
Immediately, my heart trembled upon hearing that familiar voice. When I saw his handsome face, my eyes widened in shock.
Why is Michael here? I didn’t call to inform him that I had arrived, did I?
“M-Michael, why are you here?” I responded awkwardly after keeping quiet for a while.
“Why did you come back so early? Didn’t I ask you to call me after you had arrived? You refused to listen, didn’t you?”
Michael opened the car door and got out of his car while walking toward me. He looked solemn in his pure black suit.
When our eyes met, I was so flustered that I did not know how to reply to such a statement.
In fact, I did not forget about calling him; I refused to do so instead. Since I was in a grim mood, I just wanted to be alone.
“I came back earlier, but I was afraid that you were busy, so I didn’t bother you!” I explained guiltily as my expression froze.
Upon that, Michael looked straight at me with his piercing eyes. For some reason, I had a feeling he could always see through my lies.
Following that, he responded coldly, “Is this your reason?”
I could hear the icy tone in his voice.
“Yeah…” Right away, I lowered my head and did not dare to look him in the eyes.
“Get in!” Michael frowned and glared at me.
Since he said so, I got into his car immediately as I thought he would be further angered if I refused him on the spot.
I had never seen him driving this car before. After getting into his car, I glanced around curiously. Wow, it’s so spacious and comfortable in here! Just how many cars does he own?
Oh well, I’ll never understand the rich. A car is just a means of transportation. Why in the world do they need so many of them? It’s not like they can drive it all together at the same time!
While sitting in the car, both of us kept mum. The atmosphere grew tense with the awkward silence. I looked out the window, wondering if I should find a topic of conversation to ease the tense atmosphere.
However, I could not even say a word when I stared at his cold and impassive face. I always felt that we had nothing to talk about.
While I was struggling to find a topic, Michael broke the silence and asked, “Why did you come back earlier? Didn’t you say you would come back at night?”
His voice was calm and emotionless.
“I didn’t feel comfortable at home, so I came back earlier.”
His question reminded me of the way my parents treated me. Once again, my heart sank.
“Why?” Michael turned to look at me with curiosity gleaming in his eyes. He seemed to notice that I was upset.
“Nothing! You wouldn’t understand the woes of a commoner!” I turned toward him and met his concerned gaze.
My heart trembled slightly, and I turned away hurriedly, avoiding eye contact.
A man like him must have been pampered by his parents to the core since young, like the way my parents treat Steven. Even if I told him how I felt, he wouldn’t understand, so I’d rather keep it to myself.
Much to my surprise, he was not angry, even though I did not tell him the reason. He did not say anything after casting a sideways glance in my direction with his brows furrowed.
“Michael…” After quite some time, I called his name and looked at him.
He responded calmly, “Yes?”
His voice was flat and emotionless.
“Please don’t send money to my family anymore!”
There was a sudden load on my shoulders as I thought about the one hundred thousand debt. No, I don’t want to owe him any money! I’ll work hard to repay it all!
“Anna, are you going to dissociate yourself with me now?”
As soon as I uttered those words, Michael slammed on the brakes and glared at me.
Due to the sudden force, my body was thrown forward abruptly. If it weren’t for the restraining seatbelt, my head would have hit the windscreen.
“It’s not like that. I just don’t think you need to give them money. Besides, they’ve misunderstood our relationship, and I’m afraid that they will ask you for more next time.”
I was unsure what would happen if my parents knew about Michael’s status. Yet, one thing that I was sure, was that Steven would definitely find ways to get some money from Michael. Unbeknownst to them, Michael and I were merely friends with benefits and nothing more than that. Hence, there was no way that I would allow Steven to take advantage of him.
