Chapter 17 How Wonderful It Would Be to Never See You Again
"You might not know, but Daniel and I grew up together. We've known each other for over ten years. In my family, I sometimes feel like an outsider, while my parents are the real deal. Their bond is unbreakable. Plus, I'm an only child, so everything my parents have is mine. No competition."
Sarcasm? Who couldn't do that?
"Jane, you've got it wrong. I didn't mean it that way. Daniel was worried about you, so I came with him to visit."
Maybe my words hit a nerve with Zoe. Tears welled up, and she bit her lip, looking at me like I wronged her.
I was just recovering at home. If Zoe didn't want to see me, she shouldn't have come.
I knew Zoe was jealous of my history with Daniel. Everyone at school knew about us. She couldn't stand that my family was well-off, but I didn't care. Given her family's issues, it was normal for her to resent others' good fortune.
But dragging my parents into this? No way I'd let anyone badmouth them.
"Zoe, did I say something wrong? We're just chatting. Why are you crying? Here, let me get you some tissues. If people see, they'll think I'm bullying you. Oh, Zoe, you're so pretty. You look so delicate when you cry, really beautiful."
I handed some tissues to Daniel, signaling him to wipe Zoe's tears. "Daniel, is Zoe on her period? She seems emotional. Hurry, wipe her tears before her makeup smudges."
I thought, 'You think you can be sarcastic? Watch me. I usually don't stoop to your level because of my past with Daniel. But if you take my tolerance for granted, my fighting spirit is beyond your imagination. Mocking Zoe might make Daniel mad, but I don't care. I'm done being submissive.'
Strangely, Daniel wasn't angry but looked surprised.
I used to respect Daniel so much that I listened to everything he said. Even if I disagreed, I compromised for him. Daniel probably thought I was a pushover.
I was known for my good temper, especially with Daniel.
But everyone has limits.
My parents were my line. I wouldn't let anyone slander them, not even Daniel's girlfriend!
They didn't come to see me; Zoe came to get back at me for Daniel picking me up from the hospital, and Daniel let her.
Zoe had a knack for manipulating Daniel.
I didn't get it. Since Daniel made things clear, I changed completely. I didn't cling to him, didn't seek revenge, and even gave up on National Capital University. I moved far away to live my own quiet life, letting them enjoy their romance. I thought I had done everything I could.
I didn't do anything wrong, so why did I offend Zoe? Why did she come to my house to provoke me?
Seeing Daniel not defending her, Zoe's tears flowed even more. She hugged Daniel's waist, buried her face in his chest, and cried, "Jane, don't be like this. I know my dad's in jail, and my family's not as well-off as yours. I can't match up to you. But I really didn't mean anything bad. I just wanted to see you and keep you company. If you look down on me, I'll leave and never bother you again."
I did nothing but respond to her provocation, and she cried like this?
Zoe should consider acting with those easy tears.
My irritation kept rising. I hated Zoe's fake performance.
"Daniel, thanks for coming to see me. You should go; I'm tired and want to rest," I said coldly, basically kicking them out.
No point in talking if we don't get along.
A perfectly good afternoon ruined by these two, what a pity.
Daniel's face darkened, eyes filled with anger. He looked at me, clearly mad I was kicking him out.
He looked at the sobbing Zoe, hugged her tenderly, and kissed her forehead, "Don't cry, it'll hurt your eyes. Jane, we came to see you out of kindness. What are you doing? If you really look down on Zoe, we'll stay away from you. You don't have to humiliate her."
The first part was for Zoe, the latter part for me.
I was angry, but his behavior made me see Daniel in a new light.
If Daniel were an ancient king, he'd be a foolish one, ruining the kingdom over a favorite concubine's whims. Zoe had been mocking me since they arrived. She started the provocation.
Daniel was smart; I didn't believe he didn't notice, but he still indulged her.
I just responded a few times, and in his eyes, it became me humiliating Zoe.
What about Zoe's saecasm? Did my parents deserve that?
Daniel wasn't the same Daniel anymore.
"Are you sure you came to see me, not to piss me off? Are you deaf? Didn’t you hear what Zoe said about my parents? Favor her all you want, but there should be a limit. I don't care what you say about me, but you can't talk about my parents. I don't want to argue. You should leave. Don't come again unless it's important."
Daniel paused, and Zoe, in his arms, clung to his waist, tears streaming down, looking pitiful, "Daniel, I really didn't mean what Jane said. She misunderstood me. You have to believe me."
'Keep pretending! Vicious woman.' I looked at the farce in front of me, regretting opening the door.
It would've been better never to see them again!
"Jane, Zoe's comments about Mr. and Mrs. Hanks were thoughtless. But she always speaks without thinking. Why be so petty? Are you blameless? You know her family went through a big ordeal and her parents separated, and you still talk about how good your life is in front of her. Aren't you just trying to provoke her? Jane, how did you become like this?"
This judgment was just short of calling me malicious.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
