My Birthday, My Downfall novel Chapter 65

Aunt Stevens's business partners also praised me in front of her.

With either envy or admiration, they'd say, "your stepson is really impressive. He's bound to become something great in the future." Aunt Stevens would always smile, "This child is indeed outstanding, I didn't misjudge him."

In the blink of an eye, my high school life was almost over.

Aunt Stevens asked if I wanted to study abroad, thinking it would broaden my horizons and improve myself. But as soon as the suggestion was made, Father rejected it firmly.

"Go abroad? With him? Don't waste our money!"

I was stunned. I hadn't realized until now that in Father's mind, I was still the son not worth investing in. He looked down on me deep down.

Hearing this, Aunt Stevens frowned. I'm sure she could sense the tension between Father and me.

Aunt Stevens was a strong and smart businesswoman, but unfortunately, she couldn't have children.

She must have been drawn to Father because he was obedient, easy to control, and knew how to flatter her. He was perfect for her. That's why she had always treated him generously, which made me think in my past life that Father was the successful, wealthy one.

And Father probably married Mom because she knew how to cater to his ego. Later, he got involved with Aunt Stevens, which is why he abandoned Mom.

Aunt Stevens comforted me, "It's fine not to go abroad. Besides, I'm not at ease with you going alone. With your grades, top schools in Canada will definitely want you."

I thought about it and agreed. Besides, the education resources in Canada weren't inferior to those abroad.

So, the idea of studying abroad was put on hold.

Time passed slowly. I knew my brother's life with Mom wasn't going well, and he would come back to Dad eventually. I just didn't expect him to come so soon.

One day, after finishing several sets of practice papers, I came downstairs just to see my poor brother holding onto Father's hand, begging, "Dad, please take me in for a while. I really have nowhere else to go."

Father looked at him with pity, quickly saying, "Bryan, come in. How could I not take you in?"

Though Aunt Stevens was unwilling, she agreed in the end, for Father's sake.

After my brother moved in, Father naturally devoted himself to him.

My brother smirked at me, "Yeah, bro, hurry up and pack up. Get out of the room!"

I, of course, refused to give up my room and immediately rejected him.

But my younger brother and dad were still relentlessly dragging me out of the room.

"What's all the shouting about?"

Just as we were locked in a standoff, Aunt Stevens hurried in, frowning.

I spoke first, explaining the situation to Aunt Stevens and telling her that my brother wanted to stay in my room.

Aunt Stevens shot an unhappy glance at Bryan and then looked at Dad. "Jordan, how can you be so clueless! Bryan is your son, but isn't James your son too? If you keep spoiling Bryan like this, he's bound to go down the wrong path!"

Dad's face turned crimson instantly, as though Aunt Stevens's words had hit a nerve. He abruptly looked up and retorted loudly, "What are you talking about? Why can't my son live in a good room? Besides, I can spoil whoever I want! They're my sons, not yours!"