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610words
The manager spoke into his radio, then bowing and scraping in front of my father.
“Mr.Sterling,why didn’t you let us know you were coming?We didn’t even prepare a proper welcome ceremony!”
Ethan’s parents and Chloe were stunned.Ethan’s father growled,”What are you talking about?I said kick these broke people out!You’ll lose my business!”
Chloe huffed,”Exactly!Do you know how much you’ll lose?”
The manager looked at them like they were idiots,his face dripping with disdain.
Ethan stood frozen,muttering,”Mr.Sterling…the Sterling I’m thinking of?”
“You bunch of blind fools! Can’t you tell who the real cash cow is? I—”Ethan’s mom ranted,but Ethan grabbed her,staring at me.
“You’re the Sterling heiress?”
I didn’t bother to pay attention to him and let several big and strong security guards drag them away.
My mother said calmly,”In the future, they are not allowed to enter any Sterling-owned stores.Understood?”
The manager nodded eagerly.
“Wait.”
I suddenly spoke up.
Ethan looked hopeful.”Abigail,I knew you wouldn’t be so heartless.Please,put in a word!”
I walked over,expressionless,and yanked the card from his hand.
“Plead for you?Am I that pathetic?”
The next day, I packed my luggage and moved back to the Sterling estate,then contacted the property manager and realtor to sell the house.
I’d saved to buy a small villa to live with Ethan,filled with our memories.Now,it only disgusted me.
I just didn’t expect that when I came back, I would see Ethan’s parents moving in with luggage.
The living room was crammed with bags,designer clothes,jewelry,and supplements—all bought with my money.
I gave them$10,000 monthly, fearing that the old couple would be wronged,but they still complained. One day it was hospital bills,the next a cousin’s wedding they needed to chip in for.
I thought they were in genuine need.
Unexpectedly ,they squandered it all.
Seeing me,they plastered on fake smiles.
“Abby,you’re here!Since you and Ethan are getting married soon,we figured you’d be busy with kids later,so we moved in to help you out.”
Ethan’s mom grinned awkwardly.”That whole thing was just a big misunderstanding – don’t sweat it. For men , it’s normal to stray sometimes. But those other women are just like hotels—you’re the home. Ethan will marry you. A wife needs to have magnanimity.”
“Chloe’s got cancer and doesn’t have many days left. We have watched her grow up since she was a child and couldn’t bear her dying alone,so Ethan’s keeping her company.A woman must be generous to keep a man from getting annoyed,got it?”
Ethan’s dad added,”You’re not young.If Ethan doesn’t marry you,who will?You’d be stuck with divorced dads.Where else will you find a catch like Ethan?Trust me,stop making a fuss.A good life with him beats anything.”
I almost burst out laughing.
The realtor and property manager were dumbfounded,asking,”Ms.Sterling,you said you’re selling the house. But now…are you still selling?”
Ethan’s parents panicked,jumping up and pointing at me.
“Selling?Ethan didn’t tell us!Did he agree?”
I said coldly,”It’s my house. I can sell it if I want to. It has nothing to do with Ethan”
Ethan’s dad’s face reddened.”Nothing to do ?You two are a couple! What’s yours is his. You’re selling his house without permission. Do you believe that I’ll sue you?”
I smirked.”Go ahead.I paid in full.My name’s the only one on the deed. Let’s see who the court sides with.”
Ethan’s mom choked,then collapsed on the floor,wailing.
“You heartless woman,tricking my son’s feelings and stealing his money!”She glanced at the realtor,scrambling to the door.”Is this your sidepiece?Everyone,look!She’s cheating on my son and wants to sell his house!”
“Dad,Mom,what’s wrong?”
Ethan appeared at the door with an impatient expression, looking at the people behind me warily.
“Who are you? This is my house!I’ll report you for trespassing!”
