I suddenly remembered how Henrietta kept sowing discord between Jonathan and me.
When I wore a new outfit, she would say, “Thalia’s so lucky that she was born into a rich family. That’s why she can wear different clothes every day. She’s not like us, who have to save every penny. Don’t you think so, Jonathan?”
When I carried a new bag, she would say, “This must be from a luxury brand, right? Jonathan, have you seen this brand before? Me, neither. Thalia’s really seen so much more than we have because we’re from different worlds.”
Even if I were to order a cup of bubble tea, she would have something to say. “Whoa, this bubble tea is ten dollars a cup! I’ve never had anything like it before I bet the cheap drinks Jonathan and I have are beneath you.”
I’d tried to refute Henrietta, but Jonathan had never listened. He would only despise me more because of what she said. He would think I was showing off my wealth and looking down on him because he was
poor.
This had pleased Henrietta. I had everything except Jonathan, yet she and Jonathan were close. It was as if she’d gotten something that I would never have.
That made me realize something–Henrietta was just jealous of me. She was jealous that I came from a wealthy family, yet she wanted my money. That was why she’d gotten close to Jonathan.
She kept showing off the gifts he’d gotten her with my money. Once, I saw that the watch she wore was one I’d given Jonathan. He’d in turn given it to her.
She’d put on an innocent look and said, “Wait. I think this was a gift you gave Jonathan. He gave it to me because he didn’t like it. You don’t mind, do you? I can return it to you if you want, but I don’t think you’d want something I’ve already worn.”
I hadn’t dared to say anything because of how coldly Jonathan had looked at me at the time–anything I said was wrong in his eyes. I had no pride and dignity when I was with him. I didn’t usually buy gifts for others, but he clearly had no qualms over giving my gifts away.
I realized that it had been a long time since I’d bought something for myself. I’d saved my allowance to pay for Connie’s medical bills. Now, I was going to spend my money the way I wanted. I no longer had to save it for someone else.
I went to the mall after Jonathan was taken to the infirmary. I wanted to celebrate my escape from hell, and shopping was the best way to do it.
I didn’t expect to see Henrietta there, though. She should’ve been keeping Jonathan company at the infirmary.
I secretly followed her and saw her enter a luxury boutique that sold watches. Her face turned red with embarrassment as she told the salesperson that she wanted to return a watch.
I stood at the entrance and watched as she was rejected because she didn’t have a receipt. I would
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