Randolf’s POV
As we got older, it became our little secret, something only the three of us shared.
It symbolized forgiveness and being there for each other.
A single stroke across the palm meant letting the past go.
I didn’t say a word—just nodded in silent agreement.
That’s when Allen suddenly noticed something. Her sharp eyes locked onto my hand, and her face darkened as she blurted out, “Randolf! Where’s the tattoo? We promised you’ll only have it removed once you choose one of us! What happened?”
I turned to her and answered flatly, “It’s gone.”
She wouldn’t drop it, her voice rising in frustration.
“What do you mean it’s gone? Put it back! It’s not even Christmas Eve yet—you can’t remove it yet!”
“Enough!” Nella cut her off. She glanced at my right hand, her eyes full of meaning. “We’re going to get ready, Randolf. Don’t be late, okay?”
“Nella!”
I watched them walk away, and I couldn't help but feel sadder than I’d like to admit.
When did they become so heartless? How could they not grieve for Grandma?
I turned and headed back to my room, grabbing the expensive gifts I’d carefully picked out for them. Gifts for what I knew would be the last celebration we’d ever have together.
As I was leaving, my phone buzzed with a series of messages.
[Boy, you’re a loser who can’t even get to college, and you’re still trying to compete with me? LMAO!]
[Your two little childhood sweethearts already agreed to let me play the piano tomorrow. Guess what? They’re gonna dance to my music!]
[See? You’re nothing but a loser!]
[They’re mine now!]
I replied calmly. [You want them? They’re all yours. No one’s fighting you.]
He texted me back four more times.
[Oh, quit pretending, dude!]
[Are you mad? Think you can outsmart me?]
[So what if you saved them back then? I pulled a few strings, and now they think it was me. You can’t even afford the surgery to get that blade out of your chest, can you?]
[You’re a dead man walking, you pathetic loser!]
The familiar pain in my chest hit me hard again. I gripped the edge of the table, my fingers digging into it, turning white as I fought through the suffocating pressure.
Once the pain passed, I pulled out my phone and called the forest ranger office up in the San Francisco Peaks.
“Hi, I saw your job listing. I saw you’re really short on staff?”
“To be honest, my health’s not great, but I can work hard.”
“Can I join your team?”
The HR on the other end hesitated before asking, “How much hardship can you take?”
I answered without hesitation, my voice steady.
“A lifetime. I’ll dedicate my whole life to protecting the mountain range.”
By the time I got to the birthday party, it was already halfway through.
I’d been planning this for six months, booking the best restaurant in the city to make it perfect.
Under the spotlight, Nella and Allen stood on stage, both dressed in stunning white evening gowns, ready to perform.
Guests murmured in admiration all around me.
“Wow, Nella and Allen… They’re both absolutely gorgeous!”
“Right? I wonder which lucky guy they’ll choose.”
“Isn’t it obvious? Jeremy, of course!”
“He’s the one who paid for this entire birthday party for those two girls!”
I clenched my fists, my face contorting.
I planned this party! I paid for all of it! How did Jeremy end up getting the credit?
“Hey, don’t jump to conclusions! Didn’t they have a childhood friend who dropped out of school? Wasn’t it him?”
“Jeremy? That broke kid? How could he afford all this?”
“You seriously think Jeremy’s poor? I tell you what—I’m not making up a story! The twins said so themselves!”
A bitter smile crept onto my face.
So, Nella and Allen were the ones spreading these lies.
Was it because they went to college and got a taste of a bigger world? Is that why they’re ashamed of me now?
Anger churned inside me, my chest tightening again as the stabbing pain returned.
