Chapter 11


    Agnes calmly pulled her hand from Laura’s grasp, saying, “Ms. Laura, I won’t tell Dad, trust me.”


    She always addressed Laura formally as Ms. Laura, even though Laura had been part of the family for


    a decade now. Laura had never been demanding, but ever since she married Agnes‘ dad, the warmth


    Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    of the horhe vanished.


    Just as Beatrice had put it, Agnes felt like the odd one out in this supposedly happy trio.


    Laura suggested, “Your dad’s back. Let’s go eat in the dining room.”


    Preston was thrilled to see Agnes. Knowing she’d be home today; he had bought her favorite durian


    But Beatrice took the chance when Agnes wasn’t looking, and tossed the cake into the garbage. When


    Preston discovered, she innocently said, “Dad, that thing stinks like hell. It gives me a headache. Look,


    neither you nor mom likes durian, and we shouldn’t have to suffer just cause Agnes likes it. I still have


    homework to do.”


    Just as Preston was about to scold her, Laura intervened, “It’s just a cake. We can buy another one


    tomorrow. I made so many goodies today. It’s not worth dampening the mood over a cake. Agnes, you


    wouldn’t mind, right?”


    Agnes responded nonchntly, “It’s just a cake.“.


    That was her survival strategy in this family. Not giving a hoot about anything.


    Preston felt a pang of guilt seeing Agnes‘ indifferent demeanor. He remembered her as a lively and


    adorable kid, not like this. At the end of the day, he felt he had let her down.


    During dinner, Beatrice deliberately stirred the pot, “Dad, you probably don’t know, Agnes and Elton


    broke up.”


    Preston was taken aback, “Agnes, is this true?”


    She should thank Beatrice for being nosy, otherwise, she wouldn’t know how to break the news..


    Agnes confirmed calmly, “Yes, we broke up.”


    “Why? Weren’t you guys all lovey–dovey? I was even discussing with Mr. Taylor about letting you two


    get married right after graduation. Was there a misunderstanding between you two?”


    Agnes replied, “No Dad, there was no misunderstanding. Do you know Jenny? She’s pregnant, and


    Elton is the father.”


    Preston seethed, “That bastard Elton, how could he do such a thing! Agnes, don’t worry. I’ll settle this


    with the Taylors.”


    Beatrice added fuel to the fire, “Isn’t Jenny your good friend? The one from a poor family? You let her


    snatch Elton from you, how could you be so powerless? Elton chose a girl from a family like that over


    you. You really dropped the ball.


    An angry Preston snapped, “Beatrice, enough.”


    Defiant Beatrice retorted, “Everything I said is true. Agnes doesn’t look like a media mogul’s daughter


    at all. Her attire and manners are so country bumpkin–like. Elton has taste, and he was bound to lose


    interest.”


    Just as Preston was about to blow his top, Agnes put down her fork, “I’m full. You guys carry on.”


    With that, Agnes left for her room. Mentioning Elton still stung. He was her first love, a boy she had


    given her heart to for a decade. She could hardly believe Elton would betray her if she hadn’t seen it


    with her own eyes.


    After a while, the door opened, and in walked Preston.


    “Agnes,” Preston called out to her.