I just smiled. It was all so fake.
For a guy as full of himself as Chad, relying on Ruth to smooth things over by sleeping around must’ve been brutal. But what choice did he have? He needed her. That didn’t mean he liked her.
The truth? Chad respected brains and ambition. Ruth was all flash, no substance. She wasn’t even close to his type.
Poor Ruth. Some things just aren’t meant for you.
In our last life, right after you dragged me down, Chad got himself arrested. Not even I could’ve saved him then.
That’s the price of picking a guy who plays dirty.
***
When Ruth found out I’d been admitted to Hemington University, she lost it. She called me, practically screeching with anger.
“Suri, you kept this from me on purpose!”
Then, like flipping a switch, her tone turned smug. “But it doesn’t matter. I’m already pregnant with Chad’s child. He said he’d marry me after I give birth.
“I’m about to climb the social ladder, and your family can’t even afford your tuition anymore. Ha!”
I hung up and headed to the living room. Benjamin and Miriam were there, both looking completely drained.
Without a word, I handed them a document.
It was a termination of adoption agreement.
Miriam froze. Benjamin, on the other hand, sighed in visible relief.
With the Carter family liquidating everything, cutting me loose must feel like a win for him.
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Chapter 9
He said, “Once we sign this, we’re done. Don’t use our family name again.”
He scribbled his signature, quick and cold.
When he finished, I said, “Benjamin, you gave me a home when I had nothing. Let me repay the favor.”
I grabbed a project proposal from the table and started breaking it down–laying out the risks, fixes, and potential wins.
Halfway through, his eyes lit up like I’d handed him a golden ticket. He smacked his thigh and grinned. “Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?”
I pulled out a business card and slid it to him. “This guy can help. Reach out to him.”
Benjamin hesitated, squinting at the name. Then his jaw dropped, and he collapsed onto the couch. “How… how do you know this man?”
I didn’t bother answering. I just walked out.
Behind me, his voice wavered. “Suri, wait! Forget the agreement–you’re still my daughter—”
But I was already in a cab, leaving him in my rearview mirror.
***
I started university just as planned, throwing myself into my studies and soaking up every bit of knowledge I could.
Meanwhile, word on the street was that Chad’s life was spiraling. Irina and Ruth were at each other’s throats, their fights so vicious that Ruth ended up losing her baby and her ability to have kids.
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