I glared at Vivian with pure hatred. I couldn't hold back anymore—I rushed forward and shoved her hard.
"Why? I've already given up everything, and you still have to do this to me!"
She slammed onto the ground.
But what greeted me was Dad's vicious kick.
Sharp pain exploded through my side. I crumpled to the floor, curled up, my face deathly pale.
"How can you be so vicious? You actually dared to hurt Vivian."
Mom looked at me with the same disgust.
"Vivian was just being kind. You treat her like this—I won't let you off."
My heart went cold.
I stared at the photos scattered at my feet—the ones Mom and Dad had just thrown in my face. Vivian's "evidence" of Ms. Sanchez's supposedly improper private life.
The photos were obviously photoshopped.
A simple check would've revealed the truth.
But they didn't bother. They chose to believe Vivian. They chose to help her hurt me.
"Good thing you're not our daughter," Mom said, her face twisted with disgust. "So embarrassing."
Dad wouldn't even look at me.
I stayed where I was, steadying myself until the pain dulled enough to move. Then I stood up and limped out.
Only after I left did Mom glance at my retreating back, a flicker of doubt crossing her face.
"Honey, are we pushing her too hard? How is she supposed to live?"
A trace of helplessness crossed Dad's face, but he quickly brushed it aside.
"We put money in her card every time. That's enough for her to finish school. After Vivian's college entrance exam, we'll bring Alex back and make it up to her properly. She'll understand."
Mom nodded and said nothing more.
After leaving school, I went to Ms. Sanchez's place to pack my things.
She tried to convince me to stay. Even after everything, she still wanted to help me.
But I knew the truth—as long as I was around, I'd be a thorn in Vivian's side. I couldn't drag Ms. Sanchez down with me.
In the end, I left.
Time passed quickly.
The college entrance exam came and went.
Dad and Mom called immediately, ready to pick me up and bring me home.
I didn't answer. Not once in ten calls.
With no other choice, they contacted Ms. Sanchez.
"Mr. Cox, didn't Alex already get driven to death by you? Why are you still calling me?"
