When I got home, the whole family was celebrating inside the mansion. Knox and Raya were at the center of attention. Raya leaned on Knox's shoulder, her smile sweet and genuine. My dad watched them with a gentle expression, saying, "Seeing you two get married today fulfills one of your mom and my greatest wishes."
"Unlike Theo, who never gives me a moment's peace! It's this late, and I still don’t see him!" Mentioning my name brought annoyance and disdain to his eyes.
I still remember the day Knox drove drunk and killed someone. My mom was clutching her chest, eyes red from tears, pleading, "Please, Theo, Knox has depression. Being in that environment will destroy him."
My usually stern dad, with a voice verging on pleading, said, "Son, I can't let down Jonathan. Just do this one favor for your old man!"
My sister bit her lip, cradling the unconscious Knox, "Don't worry, I’ll take good care of Mom and Dad."
Even my fiancée, Raya, squeezed my hand, eyes full of sincerity, "Theo, rest assured, I will wait for you to come back!"
Their desperate pleas and my mom’s threats of self-harm left me no choice. I took the blame for Knox and was sentenced to three years in prison.
Once released, I thought that after such a significant sacrifice, I would earn my family’s gratitude and understanding. But returning home on that first day, I realized everything had changed.
It was as if they’d forgotten all I had done for them. Their gaze was now cold and filled with disdain. Dirty, notorious, immoral, incompetent, evil… Those harsh words pierced my heart until it was full of wounds.
They despised my current status, thinking I was a criminal tarnishing the Graham family’s name.
"Hey, Theo! Why are you just standing at the door without saying a word? Come in already!" Knox was the first to spot me, intentionally raising his voice.
Instantly, all laughter halted, and every eye turned to focus on me.
