Chapter 3

Both Dad and I were startled by Bernadette's reaction.

Dad instinctively propped himself up to stop her, but she had already turned back toward him with a gentle smile.

"Don't worry, Dad. Vince is just throwing one of his tantrums again. Let me have a word with him. You get some rest, and we'll come visit you again next time."

Dad furrowed his brows, hesitating as if he wanted to say more. "Bernadette—"

But Bernadette simply dragged me straight out the door.

I stumbled from being yanked so hard and nearly slammed into the doorframe.

"Bernadette, let go. What the hell is wrong with you?"

Ignoring me completely, she turned and shoved me into the car. Then, she let out a sigh and asked, "Why are you breaking up with Emma?"

I sat in the passenger seat, filled with grievance.

Ever since I was little, Bernadette had always been the one who protected me the most.

She was abroad when Dad was being abused at home. The moment she heard the news, she bought a plane ticket and flew back immediately.

After she saw the wounds on my face, she went to confront Mom that very night and nearly killed her with her bare hands.

Afraid of triggering Bernadette, I left out the most hurtful parts.

"Bernadette, Emma cheated on me."

Bernadette chuckled softly and said calmly, "I know. Is there anything else?"

I stared at her in disbelief. "You knew?"

She gave another faint laugh and started the car. "Vince, you're not a child anymore. My company, the clothes on your back, the food on your table, and even Dad's nursing home—you think any of that exists without Emma?"

I never expected her to say something like that. My eyes prickled with tears instantly.

"But she cheated on me with Scott!"

Bernadette let out a scornful laugh. "So what? You're my brother, and so is Scott. It's not like he's some random lowlife, so why are you so hung up on this?"

The air seemed to freeze solid.

I looked at her in disbelief. "Bernadette, have you lost your mind? Scott is Mom's illegitimate son! How is he any kind of brother to you? Have you forgotten how you used to say you'd hate cheaters more than anything?"

The car pulled into the villa complex.

Bernadette glanced at me and said gravely, "Vince, sometimes, I honestly think you're laughably naive. Only you men are allowed to cheat, and we women can't? At least Emma's better than Mom. She doesn't hit or yell at you, and you'll always be the one she comes home to. Isn't that enough?"

Not wanting to argue with her anymore, I simply said coldly, "Bernadette, you traitor! Stop the car. I want to get out."

A flicker of hesitation crossed Bernadette's eyes, and she softened her tone. "Vince, just listen to me. We'll talk when we get home."

Just then, the front door swung open.

Eyes crinkled in a smile, Scott came running out of the villa with his arms wide toward Bernadette.

"Bernadette!" He hooked his arms through hers. "You promised to take me out to buy a birthday present today. I've been waiting at home for ages."

Emma walked in behind Scott, wearing that cream dress I had ironed for her.

She looked at Scott and said dotingly, "Slow down. What if you fell?"

Then, she lifted her head, her gaze landing on me. Her expression immediately froze.

Scott flashed a smile at me. "Bro, you're here too."

That was exactly how Malcolm had addressed Dad back then.

"Bro, don't be mad, but Emma and I are in love. For real."

A wave of nausea churned in my stomach.

Bernadette glanced at Scott, then said to me, "Vince, it's Scott's birthday today. Why don't you head back first?"

I stood there, feeling like I'd just been slapped across the face.

Scott reached up and smoothed down his hair, deliberately letting me get a clear look at the ring on his finger.

"Today's Vince's birthday too, right? Perfect. Let's all have dinner together. The more the merrier."

Emma and Bernadette looked at me, their expressions awkward.

"Vince, stay and have some cake," Emma said.

I let out a bitter laugh and turned to leave. "No, thanks."

A figure suddenly appeared behind me, and I froze.