บท 99: I Don't Owe You
Following closely behind, Ashley waited for the couple to reach the end of the block before running past them and blocking their way from crossing the street. "Stop right there! How could you ignore me like that? So rude!"
"Says the person who took unauthorized pictures of others in the middle of their meal. Rude? We aren't up to par with you yet. Oh, you know what's rude? Randomly walking up to a table thinking you are welcomed there when you really weren't. Oh, and one more thing. Sitting at someone else's table with your eyes laid on someone else's dish is rude. You're the definition of rudeness."
Ginny scoffed at her cousin's use of vocabulary and rolled her eyes from annoyance. Normally, she would keep quiet and walk away when seeing her cousin and aunt in public. This time was different. She dared to challenge her in front of her boyfriend! How could she not defend herself?
"Ginny! How could you be so disrespectful to me? I'm your cousin! Do you remember who took care of you when you had no place to live in? My family! And now you're acting all rich and shit because you got yourself associated with Lily's family. Did you think you're all that fancy schmancy? You're nothing!"
Ashley lost a hold of her temper and started shouting in the middle of nowhere. As soon as her voice raised by a tad, Alan stepped in front of Ginny and shielded her from any incoming danger. He was afraid Ashley would lay her hands on Ginny.
Ginny smiled, "Interesting. How come I don't remember your family ever taking care of me? Should I remind you about the jewelries and clothes your family stole from mine after my parents died? You guys came over to raid my house and valuables! Take care of me? You guys were robbers! I could have sent your asses to jail!"
"Oh, and your parents only took me in for a week because they thought my parents had inheritance for me. They were thinking about all the insurance money they could get from my pocket since I was not eighteen yet! Once they found out that they couldn't get anything out of my parent's accident, they tossed me out."
"And yes, Lily's family did take me in. They were the ones who actually cared for me. So, tell me why I have to show respect to any of you, hooligans? And you? You're the one who should watch your mouth and actions. Unlike someone, at least I'm not going around daily trying to find a rich dude to get benefits!"
After saying what she had to say, Ginny pulled Alan away and walked towards the park. Ashley's face reddened from embarrassment. She never thought Ginny would expose everything on the spot, so she purposely raised her voice.
Ashley thought Ginny would be a pushover like other times and she could successfully make Alan hers after this. Unfortunately, she didn't know Ginny had always kept quiet because she didn't want to bother with the mother and daughter pair.
After the couple left her by herself, Ashley dialed her mother's number to complain.
"Hello? Mom? I saw Ginny just now! She got herself a rich boyfriend and didn't bother introducing me!"
Ashley's mother grunted, "What?! That spoiled brat really thinks that she is all that great just because she got herself into the Jiang family? Hah! She doesn't bother helping our family out with our business. And now she even has a rich boyfriend. What a great life she's living! I should pay her a visit, then!"
Nodding to the phone, Ashley let out a grin. "Of course! Let's see how she will reject us if we are camping day and night outside her home!"
- Park -
After walking deep enough into the park, Ginny turned around to make sure Ashley wasn't tailing behind. Seeing no signs of her anywhere, Ginny sighed in relief. "Sorry you have to see that. We've never gotten along, and they're not my family. I've already cut off my ties with them since forever."
Holding her hand in his, he responded with a nod. "It's alright. Everyone has their own family troubles. But is that how your cousin always harasses you?"
"Yeah. I'm used to it. If you think this is bad, then imagine my aunt and her combined. It's a huge headache. I almost had to file a restraining order on them last time to get them out of my sight. They wanted me to use my connection with Lily and Lily's parents to get money. I'm not the type of person who believes in free meals."
Dragging him over to an empty bench, she started talking about her background. "To be honest, I've never expected much from these family members. The only time I actually saw them was when my parent's got into an accident. I was young, but I could still distinguish greed from genuine."
"Anyways, they took everything from my house saying my parents can't use it right after their death. They saw me as a money tree and had their eyes on my parent's inheritance. Unfortunately, they couldn't get a cent from me. So, they tossed me out."
"Lily's parents were very close friends with my parents. When they found out about what had happened, they didn't think twice before coming to get me. After claiming my custody, they treated me like their daughter. Whether it's parent teacher conference or any school events, they wouldn't miss any of it. They were also the ones who paid for the funeral and arrangements for my parents."
Her eyes watered as she talked about the past. Alan rubbed her back as he continued listening to her. Letting out a few sniffles, she smiled.
"But these years were all happy with them. I still miss my parents, but I'm very grateful to have Lily by my side as a sister. I'm very glad I didn't have to be with my so-called relatives. Even though my aunt and cousin would come looking for trouble and ask for money, I could handle it. I'm strong in my own way."
Standing up from his seat, he stood in front of her and lifted her face. Using his thumbs, he wiped away her tears and whispered. "And now, you also have me. If they ever bug you again, I will come to you even if it's at two in the morning. As long as you need me, I'll be there for you."
Smiling, she wrapped her arms around him and rested her head against his chest. Since he was bending, his hand rested on the back of her head; gently, caressing her hair. Although she didn't look up to face him, she could feel the small pecks he planted on her head. He was comforting her naturally.
"It feels nice to have another person I could lean on." She mumbled.
"Then lean for as long as you wish." He chuckled.
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