When Ariana saw the cut on my forehead, the smile on her face froze.
She immediately rushed over, eyes full of concern, "What happened? Does it hurt?"
I forced a smile, "Just scraped it accidentally, it's nothing. Strawberries are so expensive, why waste money?"
She said, "How could this be a waste? Ernest, if I could, I'd give you all the best things in the world. You've already suffered enough being with me. I work hard just to give my darling a good life."
I didn't respond, her sweet words were as moving as ever. But paired with the scent of Lance's cologne on her, it all felt absurd.
Ariana didn't notice anything unusual and casually glanced at my phone, then chuckled, "Other guys are into pretty girls, but you're looking at sick old lady? So old and ugly."
I froze, "You don't recognize her?"
Ariana looked confused, "Nope. Is she one of your relatives? Then we should bring a gift and visit her sometime."
"Oh, right, Ernest, I've got a part-time job tonight, I need to head out now, can't stay for dinner. Be good and wait at home." She ruffled my hair, got dressed and left.
But I was left frozen in place, stunned by what she said.
She was the one who took me to the hospital, pointed at that photo of the unconscious old lady and told me with a sorrowful look that it was her mother. But now she said she didn't know her?
I secretly followed her in a taxi. I saw her enter a luxury mall, change into a dress worth tens of thousands, then head to a hotel.
From the lobby, I saw Lance in a tailored suit, clinging playfully to an elegant and regal-looking lady.
That woman's features somewhat resembled Ariana's and as Ariana approached her and handed over a gift, she said, "Mom, your daughter wishes you a happy birthday."
A powerful sense of absurdity washed over me, I didn't know whether to feel angry or heartbroken.
Back then, Ariana was worn out by medical bills and debt, constantly worried about her mother's condition, eyes always filled with sorrow.
I felt sorry for her and decided to share the burden. For three years, I worked non-stop, only eating and sleeping when I had to.
As soon as my paycheck arrived, I'd send it to her. I often starved because I had no money left for food, surviving on water. I fainted several times at work but didn't even dare go to the hospital.
And now I learned, that so-called 'critically ill mother' was just a lie she made up. Her sorrow came only from Lance going abroad.
Then what about the hunger I endured, the sweat I poured out, what were those worth? It was laughable.
Halfway through the banquet, Mrs. Thomas suddenly made an announcement, "Thank you all for coming to this old lady's birthday party. I also have a happy piece of news to share. My daughter Ariana and Lance Basinger have been childhood sweethearts and are a perfect match. Now that Lance is back, we'll hold their engagement party in three days. I hope to see everyone there."
Guests immediately offered congratulations, but someone asked with doubt, "Didn't I hear Ariana already has a boyfriend?"
Mrs. Thomas's face darkened and she snorted, "Some low-born pauper dares dream of marrying into the Thomas Family? My daughter was just playing around with him. He really thought a wild duck could become a phoenix? He should take a good look at himself."
Her mother said again, "Ariana, what do you say?"
Ariana stayed silent for a moment, then smiled faintly, "Mother is right. He is just a wild duck. Let's do as you say."
