On Grandpa’s birthday, I woke Dad up early to
head to the family estate. In the car, he was
anxious. “Are you sure about this gift?” he
asked, nervously. “He won’t be angry, will
he?”
I nodded, reassuring him. “Dad, we have a
backup plan, right? If Grandpa doesn’t like it, just say it was my idea. Then give him the
jade and other jewelry in the car.”
Besides being a loser, he was selfish.
Relieved, he said nothing.
“I hope choosing you is the right decision,”
Dad mumbled.
I scoffed inwardly. Dad, my choice was never
you.
Grandpa lived in a secluded mountain villa,
preferring the quiet life away from the city. I
told the driver to stop at the foot of the
mountain. We hiked up, carrying two large
bags. This was for a “surprise.”
We arrived at the back entrance of the house.
Dad looked at the apron I handed him with.
disgust, but put it on anyway. He was
skeptical. Could a twelve–year–old really cook
a whole meal? He turned green when he saw
the ingredients I pulled out.
“You said you’d cook a meal for Grandpa? Is
this it?”
I nodded seriously. “Yes, Grandpa will love it.”
Dad sighed. “I should tell the driver to bring
my jade…”
I ignored him and started cooking. In my past
life, thanks to Mom, I’d become a skilled
cook. In just a few hours, I prepared a large
feast.
Chase and Grandpa were both surprised to
see me, in an apron, serving the food. Grandpa’s eyes gleamed when I uncovered
the dishes. Dad, thinking Grandpa was upset,
quickly distanced himself.
“Dad, this was all Ashley’s idea! My gift is
this jade…”
Grandpa ignored him. “These dishes… they
く
remind me of my youth!” he exclaimed, full of
emotion. “You’re so young, yet you
understand my heart! Sit down and eat!”
Chase glanced at me, surprised, before
sitting down. Dad forced down some greens,
tasting nothing. Grandpa was delighted,
sharing stories from his past with each dish.
Chase and I listened intently; Grandpa
beamed at our interest. I knew my chance
had come.
After the meal, I knelt before Grandpa.
“Grandpa, I want to learn from Chase, to be
strong like you.”
Grandpa agreed happily. “It seems your gold-
digging mother didn’t corrupt you
completely.” “Starting next week, you will stay
at Chase’s villa, and the driver will take you to
and from school.”
I cheered and took Chase’s hand. “Brother, I’ll
depend on you!”
L
Chase stiffened and pulled away. But seeing
his reddening ears, I knew he was pleased.
Following him was a hundred times better
than staying with Dad. Chase, despite being a
bit psycho, craved love. He was lonely,
longing for siblings. In the past, he’d tolerated
Ashley’s antics, thinking it was his duty as a
brother. He didn’t realize she saw him as a
rival, constantly undermining him. Only when
she repeatedly provoked and sabotaged him
did he retaliate.
Dad vehemently opposed my decision,
insisting I should stay with him. Grandpa
chased him away with his cane. “If it weren’t
for me, that manipulative woman would have
squeezed you dry!” he roared. “You’re already
a useless fool. Do you want your only
daughter to follow your path? Get out!”
I successfully escaped Dad and moved into
Chase’s home. He was cold and eccentric,
く
but longed for affection.
That night, Ashley called, mocking me.
“Samantha, you’re so stupid! You should’ve
stayed with Dad. With Chase, you’re as good
as dead!”
Ignoring her, I went to Chase’s room, crying.
He was just out of the shower. His face
darkened at my intrusion. “Who let you in
here? Get out!”
I hugged his waist, sobbing. “Brother…Ashley
called me a bastard…”
A flicker of sympathy crossed his eyes. He’d
been called names too. He didn’t push me
away, but stroked my back. “You’re not a
bastard. You have me and Grandpa.”
Feeling his warmth, I choked out, “Brother,
will you really be my brother?”
He stiffened. “Yes.”
