Chapter 2

With a single phone call, Sarah would drop everything she was doing to pick me up and take me home.

Although I had proposed marriage eight times over these eight years, she had turned me down each time.

Still, everyone believed we would eventually tie the knot.

So now, seeing her post a marriage certificate on social media with Quint' name instead of mine must have shocked everyone.

Quint is my brother, and not just any brother - he's my blood brother.

Ever since we were kids, he always took what was mine. Once he snatched something, no amount of crying would get it back for me.

My parents didn't like me and found me disappointing, so they never stood up for me.

I guess it's because when I was born, I nearly caused my mom to bleed to death.

That's why they say I'm bad luck.

I knew I wasn't the favorite in this family.

So from a young age, I studied hard, trying to prove myself.

But every time I brought home top grades, I'd end up getting beaten while my brother cried.

After this happened many times, I wisened up.

I never dared to score higher than my brother on tests again.

Eventually, I became known as the troublemaker and underachiever in everyone's eyes.

It wasn't until my four years in college that Sarah gave me a glimmer of hope.

She was the first person to help me, not caring about my looks or my past.I was working in the school cafeteria to make ends meet when Quint started giving me a hard time.

"Dashiell, you're actually cleaning up trays?"

"Are you so broke you can't afford food? Trying to scavenge our leftovers to eat in secret?"

As soon as he said that, laughter erupted all around me.

Even with my face mask on, I could feel my cheeks burning red hot.

Quint couldn't stand me.

To be precise, ever since he found out my grades were better than his, he'd been picking on me behind my back.

He pulled out a hundred-dollar bill and waved it in front of my face.

"I'll give you this whole bill if you take just one bite of the leftovers!"

I stayed silent, but he wouldn't let up.

Sarah was the student council president at the time.

She showed up and stood up for me, giving Quint a harsh scolding.

After that day, she started coming around to see me often.

She got me involved in student council and helped me find tutoring gigs to earn money.

She told me not to be afraid, that life was about being brave and moving forward with determination!

Sarah, I really took those words to heart.

My life won't stand still, and I certainly won't wait around for anyone!

Suddenly, my phone rang, interrupting my memories.

It was the voice of another company shareholder on the line.

"Dashiell, are you alright?I just finished up and saw Sarah's social media post..."

"Don't worry, Ms. Zimmerman. Whatever happens between Sarah and me won't affect any of the company's business."

As I said this, an idea welled up inside me.

"If you're willing, I can sell you all the shares I have."

Scarlett's voice suddenly choked up.

After a long pause, she dropped a quick "I'll think about it" and hung up.

I didn't even know when Sarah had come back.

Right after I ended the call, she suddenly appeared behind me.

Her voice, usually cool towards me, carried a hint of surprise.

"Dashiell, who were you talking to? What were you saying about selling something?"

My face remained expressionless, but my heart skipped a beat.

I chose not to tell her about my plans.

"It was Scarlett calling about some recent business contracts for the company, selling something or other."

"Doesn't she usually contact me about these things? Why is she suddenly reaching out to you?"