His Unwanted Existence

Chapter 1

"Cara, let's eat," Aunt Samantha calls from outside.

I quickly closed the curtain in my window and rushed to the door. As I opened it, Aunt Samantha was already there, waiting.

"I'll follow you, Aunt," I assured her with a smile.

"Follow right away, dear, while the food is still hot," she reminded me, a reminder I promptly acknowledged.

I closed the door behind her departure. I returned to the window and gazed at their large swimming pool. Lucas was gone; he must have entered the house.

Since then, I've always watched him swim. I'm lucky because I can just peek from my room window to see him. I can't watch from below because I'll surely burn my ears with the spicy words he often says to me.

After fixing myself, I went down to the dining area. Uncle Luke and Suzy were already there.

"Can I go out, Daddy?" Suzy sweetly asked her father.

"Eat first, dear," Aunt Samantha directed at me. I sat beside Suzy, who was still waiting for Uncle Luke's response.

"Where are you going?" Uncle Luke asked her.

"Just to the mall, Daddy... with..." Suzy paused, seeming hesitant to continue.

"With whom?" Uncle Luke raised an eyebrow.

Suzy bit her lip. "With Zena," she replied, referring to the third child of Uncle Matteo and Aunt Zyrene.

"Anyone else?" Uncle Luke asked again, and Aunt Samantha also waited for an answer. I glanced at the dining entrance; Lucas hadn't come down yet.

"P... Perhaps Zafara and Tammarie will join us. They're asking for help with the prom preparations," Suzy answered. Zafara is Tito Zach's youngest, and Tammarie is the child of Tito Timothy and Aunt Tine.

Most of our friends are children of Uncle Luke's friends, so we practically treat each other like siblings.

"Just Zafara and Tammie? How about Kendall?" Now Aunt Samantha asked. Kendall is the only daughter of Uncle Kervy and Aunt Grace.

"Ma... maybe?" Suzy hesitated.

"If Kendall is coming, Ken will surely come too. It's a no, Suzy," Lucas interjected, just arriving.

I was astonished again by his arrival. His hair was still wet, making him even more handsome. Actually, even without it, he's undeniably attractive.

"Daddy," Suzy called to Uncle Luke, seeking help against her brother Lucas's prohibition.

"Suzy, don't be stubborn," Lucas ordered with authority while scooping rice.

Suzy fell silent and focused on her meal. My attention was all on Lucas. He's really strict with Suzy, even to the point that she complains to me about it. Instead of agreeing with her, sometimes I envy her.

My eyes widened when Lucas gave me a sharp look. His face was stern again, as if I were the reason his day was ruined.

"Stop staring at me," he ordered firmly. "Damn it," he added under his breath.

I lowered my head as well. I'm used to him anyway.

"Lucas, do you have plans today?" Aunt Samantha asked him.

I didn't even attempt to look at him; I kept my attention on my ears.

"Yes, Mom. I'll go with Uncle Axus and Eroz," he politely replied.

"You'll be racing again," Samantha said with a hint of concern.

"Don't worry, baby. Axus will be with him; nothing to worry about," Uncle Luke reassured.

Uncle Axus is Aunt Elaine's husband, Tito Luke's sister. He's a famous racer, and Lucas enjoys accompanying him, teaching Aunt Elaine and Uncle Axus's son, Eroz, about racing and cars.

"Just don't drive fast, okay?" Aunt Samantha reminded him.

"Alright," he replied curtly.

After eating, I went back to my room. I needed to memorize the periodic table. I don't know why, but I should have memorized this in high school, and I still can't remember it.

I was in the middle of memorizing when Suzy barged into my room.

"Lucas is so annoying!" she complained.

I grinned. "Where's your brother?" I teased her.

She just rolled her eyes at me and sighed. She's always like this when she's annoyed with her brother Lucas. Despite being twins and the same age, she can't stand him at the end of the day.

"Just let it be, follow his rules," I advised her.

"Oh, Cara! I don't know who your best friend really is, me or Kuya. You always take his side... probably because you have a crush on him," she pouted.

"Well, we can't do anything about it. You know what he said. That's it..." I reminded her.

She didn't respond to me, just lay down on my bed. "He allowed me to go out, but I have to go with him," she narrated while staring at the ceiling.

From the periodic table I was holding, my gaze slowly shifted towards Suzy. It seemed like she noticed, so she quickly got up.

"You, huh! You want to watch him, huh!" she teased, to which I just nodded shamelessly.

"But you're reviewing," she sarcastically pointed to the periodic table in my hands.

I immediately let it go. "Actually, I finished earlier," I assured her.

"Oh, I don't know about you... go get dressed," she said and quickly left my room.

I didn't waste any time and went straight to my walk-in closet to change. I opted for a simple baby pink polo and faded jeans. I admit I'm not like Suzy, whose body suits anything in her closet as if she were a model or an actress. In contrast, I would look like trash next to her.

"Where are you going?" Lucas asked coldly as I descended the stairs.

I slowly lifted my gaze to him. Once again, his cold and piercing eyes greeted me, reserved only for me.

"I-I'm g-going w-with Suzy," I stammered and gave a cold response.

"You can't come," he said coldly, blocking my way as he passed.

"But, Lucas..." I tried to stop him.

"I only invited Suzy to watch. I don't remember inviting you," he replied.

I faced him. "I'll just watch... I won't disturb," I reassured him.

He looked at me, his lips almost touching, seemingly annoyed and restraining himself. "If I say I don't want you there, I don't want you there! Understand!?" he said with a slightly raised voice.

I swallowed because my eyes were threatening to warm the corners. "Suzy said it's okay..." I intervened.

He closed the distance between us. "Just a little more, Cara... don't push it, understand!? Upstairs!" he shouted at my face.

I couldn't hold back my sob, so I ran upstairs to my room. Suzy knocked on my door several times, but I just said I wasn't feeling well, and she believed me only after Lucas called her.

"Girls, Lucas has your allowances. Take them," Uncle Luke said to us the next morning before getting into the car on his way to the office.

Lucas is no longer at home; he left for the university earlier. He's now in his third year of college, while Suzy and I are only in our second year. He got accelerated, so he started ahead of us. He's incredibly smart, able to keep up with higher years, and sometimes Aunt Samantha laughs, unsure if Lucas is still normal.

"Cara, just go home with Kuya later, okay?" Suzy whispered to me.

I raised an eyebrow. "And where are you going again?" I asked her. We were at the cafeteria.

"Ken will pick me up," she whispered, seeming to be thrilled.

"If your brother finds out again, you'll be in trouble," I warned her.

"Whoo... pretending like you'll have Kuya all to yourself again later... Ayyieee!" She teased me while poking me in the side.

I just sighed and focused on the book I was holding. Suzy has done this several times, leaving me alone with Lucas. She always thinks he's taking me home, but that never happens.

"Just wait for him here at the quad, you know the drill," she said, referring to her brother.

They're both smart, but Suzy tends to be attacked by laziness. Sometimes, in our quizzes, she scores higher than me even though she didn't review. Meanwhile, I, despite burying my nose in books, struggle to pass. Just my luck, it's so irritating!

Lucas wants to become a doctor, and that's fine. No problem for him, being smart and wealthy. I also wanted to take a medical-related course, but even Lucas told me not to attempt it, as I'll surely fail and just waste his parents' money.

I felt hungry a few minutes after Suzy left. I didn't get to ask if she got her allowance from Lucas. Sometimes, I miss getting my allowance from him. He can be so grumpy, handing it over with unnecessary comments.

"What can I buy here?" I pondered. Our cafeteria seems like you're eating gold for the price you pay.

Counting my coins, someone suddenly bumped into me, causing my coins to scatter. "You're such a big obstacle," Lucas said irritably.

I didn't say anything and knelt down to pick up my coins. "Suzy texted me to accompany you. How many times do I have to tell you not to let my sister boss you around?" he complained.

I just looked up while kneeling. "I'm not ordering her," I defended.

He didn't show any reaction. So, I knelt down again to pick up the remaining coins. "Excuse me..." I said when I noticed a five-peso coin under his foot.

"Lucas..." I called out to him, but he didn't budge.

"How long do you think my family should support you? Your life seems so enjoyable! You don't care about anything... everything's free for you, that's why you're thriving!"

He insulted me further. I was hurt, but I've grown used to it. It happens every day.

I ignored him and tried to retrieve the five pesos under his shoe, even though it was difficult. "Just leave," he pushed me slightly and lifted his foot before kicking where my money lay.

I felt sorry for myself, but there was nothing I could do. Everything he said was true.

Lucas didn't give me my allowance for this month. I'm broke, but thankfully, I have a piggy bank. I broke it yesterday; that's what's supporting my daily needs. The next allowance won't come for a while; I can't just sit idly.

I don't want to ask for extra from Aunt Samantha. She said if we're short, never hesitate to tell her, but they'll add it.

"Where are you?" Suzy asked me after school.

"We're doing a project with my classmates. I'll go home alone," I excused myself.

I plan to apply, even at fast-food restaurants or as a cashier in grocery stores. I'm embarrassed in front of Uncle Luke and Aunt Samantha. Though I haven't heard any complaints from them, I understand what Lucas is telling me.

I walked about three blocks before reaching the row of fast-food and small stores, mostly crowded with working students.

I decided to continue my search tomorrow after classes. I didn't want to spend, so I tried walking. In the middle of my walk, a black Mustang stopped on the side of the road and honked. I immediately knew who it was.

"Lucas," I called.

"Mom thinks I'm taking you home. If she asks later, say I gave you a ride," he ordered, and I just nodded.

I felt disappointed again, thinking he might give me a lift. Before leaving, he called me again. I was surprised when he threw something out of the window, and it landed on the ground.

"There's your fare," he arrogantly said and sped away in his Mustang. I looked at the money he threw, picking it up with closed eyes.

Chapter 2

Everyone was having a good time at the student lounge of the school. It resembled an open cottage, allowing them to be as noisy as they wanted. No one dared to challenge them because Tito Zach was one of the university owners. Of course, there was no objection to whatever Zeus and Zafara, Tito Zach's children, did.

"Another one, bro!?" Mikhael teased his brother.

Matthew grinned arrogantly at his sibling and shrugged. "Mind your own business, Matthew. Our sisters are here."

From my side, Suzy seemed irritated by the teasing. "Ken is really something, huh?" she asked me, blushing.

I nodded promptly. "Yeah, he's good... no issues, unlike someone." I teased her, and she playfully hit my arm.

I chuckled but quickly turned my attention back to my assignment. Luckily, my companions today had no problems; they were all intelligent.

"Ate Zena, join us on Saturday, okay?" Kendall requested, accompanied by Tammarie and Zafara, who were both graduating from high school. They had a graduation ball similar to prom, and they sought help from Zena and Suzy, who were older.

"Sure, sweetie," Zena replied with a smile.

I surveyed the whole cottage again and felt a strange sensation. A feeling that I shouldn't be here, that I don't belong with them. Looking at everyone, you could tell they had something to say about life and weren't just ordinary.

Matthew, Mikhael, and Zena, Tito Matteo's children, radiated authority. They were the type not born to be bossed around or be second to anyone. Kenneth, Kendall, and Keanu, Tito Kervy's children, were the same but with Ken taking the lead, thinking about what's best for everyone.

Thomas, Tammarie, and Theo, Tito Timothy's children, excelled in being religious, inheriting it from Tita Tine. Zeus and Zafara were overly spoiled by Tito Zach, but they feared his words. The only difference between Lucas and Suzy, who were supposed to be twins, was significant. Suzy seemed to have a long and happy life ahead, but I couldn't say the same for Lucas, with all the problems written on his perpetually grumpy face.

"Here's the pizza, guys," Ken announced, carrying three boxes of oversized pizza.

"Eat up, girls," he teased the three worried about their grad ball.

"No, big brother, we're not allowed to gain weight," Kendall protested.

"No, baby, eat," Ken said authoritatively but still within bounds.

Kendall pouted, but her brother just laughed it off.

"Kuya Zeus, do I need to eat, too?" Tammarie asked Zeus, her long-time crush.

"Do I have to worry about your food, too?" Zeus gruffly replied.

"Big brother is being grumpy!" Zafara retorted.

"Don't ask those who carry the problems of the whole world. Eat, Tammarie, one slice won't make you fat," Thomas advised his sister.

"Suzy, here," Ken said, offering the pizza to Suzy.

Naturally, my seatmate blushed again. She was about to raise her hand to get a slice when someone interrupted.

"Don't dare to eat pizza, Suzy Laine... do you want to get wider?" Lucas asked his sister, looking at me.

I just lowered my head. I was having a hard time understanding my studies.

I envied them. They were all princesses, the only daughters with protective and loving brothers. I was once a princess, but everything disappeared when Mommy and Daddy were gone.

Almost all the students were looking at us. How could they not notice? It's like you gathered the most handsome and beautiful students in our school, all popular with their own names in either sports or academics.

I received a text from our class president that our next professor wouldn't be able to make it. I immediately closed the book I was trying to understand since earlier. I stood up quickly because I still had something to do.

"Where are you going?" Suzy asked me.

"I'm just going to work on a project," I made an excuse.

"Alone?" She questioned.

I paused. "Uh... no, there are many of us," I lied to her.

"How will you go home later?" She asked.

I immediately stopped. "Uh... I'll just go home alone. Don't wait for me," I told her.

I didn't wait for her to respond. I quickly walked away from the cottage. I didn't bid farewell to the others there because they were busy, and I didn't want to be too important or say goodbye to them, thinking I was someone important. Also, I noticed that Lucas, the grumpy one, wasn't there anymore.

"Hey, Cara!" one of my classmates called me.

I closed my eyes tightly. He was one of the people I avoided seeing at school. I breathed a sigh of relief earlier when our class president texted that there were no classes, but it seemed our paths would still cross.

"Hey! Hi!" I greeted him.

He ran towards me. "I need to collect your contributions for our book binding. Only two of you haven't paid yet," he explained.

I bit my lip, holding my breath as I searched for my wallet. I had no money left; it seemed Lucas, the grumpy one, didn't intend to give my allowance this month.

"How much again?" I asked, trying to smile even though I wanted to cry in front of him.

"200," he replied with a smile, as if he thought I was asking for only a peso.

Exactly 300 pesos were left in my wallet, the last money from my piggy bank. "Here... sorry if it's only now," I apologized to him.

"It's okay... thanks," he said to me.

My shoulders almost slumped as I watched him walk away from me. My 200 pesos were wasted; that could have lasted me for three days.

I felt like crying as I walked towards the university gate. There, I saw Lucas talking on his cellphone, looking serious as if it were an important call. I stopped when a street child approached him. He casually took money from his pocket and handed it to the child. It was a hundred pesos. He briefly moved his cellphone away and said something to the child-I didn't exactly hear it, but perhaps he was giving the child advice.

I quickly walked towards him when he finished his call.

"Lucas," I called out to him.

The usual scowl and sharp gaze were what he gave me again. "What!?" he yelled angrily.

"Pwe...can I get my allowance now? I'm running out of money, there are a lot of expenses because of many projects," I explained. I wanted to talk to him like everything was normal, so I could interact with Suzy and their other friends.

He smirked at me, as if I said something wrong and he didn't like it. "You've been broke for a long time...thanks to my mom and dad, you have a house, food, and education now," he retorted, seemingly without end.

"I'll make sure to repay everything your parents did for me once I graduate and get a job," I told him.

He sneered even more, "with your stupidity?" he belittled me with a grin.

"That's why I'm studying...were you already a genius when you were born? I don't think so," I argued.

"Still, I'm not as dumb as you. Do you understand that?" he sharply replied.

I fell silent. "Fine, if you're not going to give me the money, forget it..." I was about to turn away, but he immediately grabbed my arm and threw something near my feet.

"There you go...just because of money, you're overreacting. You're annoying," he accused me before turning away.

I looked around, many were watching, but all I could do was pick up the scattered money Lucas had thrown at me.

Getting treated decently by him seemed like a major offense to him, something he probably wouldn't do anytime soon.

I got five thousand from him, which was substantial for me, but I still wouldn't stop looking for a part-time job. I tried my luck at nearby fast-food places not far from our university. I couldn't be close to school because Suzy might see me and mention it to Aunt Samantha and Uncle Luke.

"Where is your schedule more applicable?" asked the branch manager of the fast-food place I applied to.

"Afternoons are fine, my longest class is until four, and it's only on Tuesdays and Fridays. On other days, I finish class by one," I explained.

He nodded, looking at the form I filled out earlier; I wouldn't be a regular employee, just seasonal.

"Alright, you can start on Monday," he announced, and I was pleased. It was only Thursday, so I had a few days to prepare.

As I was heading home, Aunt Samantha called, asking where I was. They weren't used to starting dinner without everyone present at the table.

I just said I couldn't make it because I had a lot to do with my classmates. She agreed, but she had another request.

"Let me know when you're heading home, text me your address...Lucas will pick you up."

Even though I was almost freezing, I told her I could manage, but she insisted it was dangerous, especially at night.

I spent a few hours at a convenience store, eating there. I ordered cup noodles and bread, trying to save money because I needed to buy something.

After 8:30, I texted Aunt Samantha, letting her know where I was. I mentioned passing by the convenience store and that Lucas would pick me up.

I sipped on Zesto, watching the arrival of Lucas' black Mustang. He parked in front of where I was, opened and closed the door abruptly.

He glared at me sharply but quickly walked past me. I was surprised when he entered the convenience store and bought something.

I waited outside and looked at the clouds. No stars...my dad used to say that when there were no stars, there was a high chance of rain.

I glanced inside the convenience store. Lucas was still there in line. I also looked at his black car. It was fancy because he had his own source of money. He also worked at his dad's company, so it was impressive for anyone to be working in a company while still studying, especially in medicine.

He came out with ice cream cones. He also had a plastic bag, and I was surprised to see that it contained napkins.

"Do you have one now?" I asked him.

He gave me that killer look again. "Stupid! It's for Suzy," he shouted.

He quickly put the plastic bag inside his car and sat on the hood, eating the ice cream like a child. I didn't know where to stand.

"Where's my money? Is it gone already?" he asked without even looking at me.

I frowned. "It's mine now...because you gave it to me, right, or did you forget that you threw it?" I replied.

I saw his jaw tighten, "don't ever answer me like that, Cara," he said seriously, making me lower my head.

He took so long to finish the ice cream. I tried talking to him again even though his tongue was really sharp.

"Tomorrow is the death anniversary of Mom and Dad. Are you going? Can we go together?" I asked him.

"And who are you to ask me to go with you?" he asked rudely.

"Can't you treat me like a sibling for once? After all, we grew up together, or if you don't want that, at least treat me as a friend," I said to him.

He stood up and walked towards me. "And who are you to order me around?" he challenged me, as if he thought he was challenging someone to a fight.

"Suzy is my only sister, no one else...and if you're asking me to treat you as a friend, forget it...think, Cara, I don't want you here," he said.

Chapter 3

I had a cottage next to the swimming pool when Aunt Samantha suddenly called me out.

"Cara, what snack would you like?" she asked.

I was reviewing for our upcoming midterms; I needed to focus. I'm not like other wealthy kids who neglect their studies and still have a bright future. As Lucas said, I've been a beggar for a long time.

I smiled and declined, "No, Aunt, I'm fine."

"Your uncle Luke brought blueberry cheesecake. Would you like me to bring some for you?" she asked.

Again, I smiled, "Really, Aunt, I'm okay."

She nodded in agreement, about to leave when she returned to me as if she forgot to mention something.

"Oh, by the way, Cara, I put your new clothes in the cabinet. I saw your ATM card on top. Here it is, just in case..." she said, placing the ATM card on the table and left.

I couldn't believe Aunt Samantha's words. This card? In my cabinet? How come I didn't even know I had one?

Setting aside thoughts about the card, if that's the case, my allowance isn't with Lucas anymore.

I refocused on my Biochemistry book; various chemical structures were already tangled in my mind.

"Later, Mom," Lucas's loud voice came as he entered, seemingly talking to Aunt Samantha from inside their house.

He wore only trunks, ready for another swim. His poker face from earlier crumpled when he saw me, and I just lowered my head.

"Go inside; I don't want you here," he said seriously, not even looking at me while stretching.

I frowned, "But I was here first, Lucas."

He turned to me, giving me a sharp look. "Are you really stupid or just pretending?"

He approached me, pointing his finger. I gently pushed away his hand. "Stop it; you might hurt yourself."

His jaw tensed, as if he wanted to unleash his fist on any part of my face.

"I don't care if you were here first; I just want you to leave," he commanded.

"But I'm just here; it's not like I'm bothering you while you swim," I said.

His lips trembled with anger. "Learn your place, Cara. You're just a guest here; you have no right to any corner of this house. Shame on you!"

I felt tears welling up but decided it's getting old, so I just bowed my head and stayed silent.

"Go away!" he shouted in frustration.

"What's going on, Lucas?" Aunt Samantha suddenly interrupted, carrying a tray.

"Mom, I don't want her here! Please..." he complained like a child reporting to his mother.

"Cara was here first, and she's studying. She won't bother you while you swim, Lucas," Aunt Samantha explained.

Lucas scowled, as if his mother said something wrong. "Why are you always like that, Mom? I'm your son, not that outsider."

I saw anger in Aunt Samantha's expression. "Lucas, I don't like the way you talk. It's true, Mom... you always favor other people who are not even related to you," Lucas argued.

"Look, son, you're the man here; you should understand better. Treat Cara like a sister, just like Suzy..." Aunt Samantha advised.

Lucas angrily turned away. Such rough behavior, yet he never disrespected Aunt Samantha. He loved his mom and, of course, Uncle Luke, and even more his twin sister, Suzy.

How I wish... I could be like that too.

"I only have one sibling, Ma-just Suzy," he said, then walked out. He quickly approached the pool's edge and prepared to dive.

Aunt Samantha smiled at me. "Sorry, dear. Maybe there's something."

I smiled back and accepted what she offered. "Your uncle Luke said to eat," she said with a laugh.

"Thank you," I replied, feeling a bit shy.

"Suzy's fast asleep upstairs," she told me about Suzy, who was still sleeping.

I just nodded. If only I were as smart as them, I wouldn't need to burn the midnight oil here.

The sound of water splashing from Lucas's swimming was the only thing I heard. I kept eating the cheesecake while watching him.

I enjoyed watching him swim; it reminded me of Mom and Dad's movements. He surfaced, and my eyes were immediately fixed on his attractive body, accompanied by water droplets falling from his hair.

"Stop staring! Damn it!" he scolded me, making me bow my head back to my handouts.

I still saw what he was doing in my peripheral vision. He was now drying his hair with a towel, sitting on a beach bench near the pool, and took a sip of juice that Aunt Samantha probably gave him.

"Kids, did you have a snack?" Uncle Luke's loud voice asked as he came out.

Lucas immediately scowled at his dad's arrival. "I'm not a f*cking kid, Dad!" he irritably retorted.

"Watch your mouth, Lucas! I'll cut your tongue..." Uncle Luke threatened, making Lucas seem like a child being scolded and intimidated.

Lucas scowled even more, avoiding eye contact with his dad. I just laughed at Lucas's tantrum not far from us.

"Where's your mom?" Uncle Luke asked while settling comfortably in the chair opposite me.

"You're the husband; why are you asking me?" he replied, annoyed.

Uncle Luke couldn't respond as Aunt Samantha immediately appeared with a paper in her hand.

"Luke, let's go grocery shopping," Aunt Samantha called.

"Come here, baby," he said, teasing Lucas and tapping the seat next to him.

Tita Samantha immediately went to where we were, but Lucas still had a hostile look towards the pool.

"What did you do to your son again?" Tita Samantha asked.

Uncle Luke smiled and pulled Aunt Samantha to his side, embracing her. He laughed, "I just called him 'baby'... he didn't like it."

He kissed the top of Aunt Samantha's head. "It's your fault... you know he's a grown man now," Aunt Samantha scolded him.

Their position was intimate, making me feel a bit shy to look at them. They're so sweet.

"That was fast," Uncle Luke said with a smirk.

Aunt Samantha laughed, "Did you miss picking fights with other moms just for Lucas's playdates?"

Uncle Luke grinned, "You know what I missed?" He teased Aunt Samantha.

"What?" she asked.

Uncle Luke smirked and whispered something to Aunt Samantha. "LUKE!" she exclaimed, hitting his arm.

Uncle Luke was delighted, while Aunt Samantha blushed. "Let's go grocery shopping!" he suggested.

Uncle Luke grinned, "Just Lucas and Cara," nodding towards me with a wink.

"Is Cara okay?" he asked me, sitting comfortably in the chair across from me.

"Yes, Uncle," I replied politely.

He nodded, "Lucas, come here!" he called.

Lucas quickly approached us. "What now?" he asked his dad.

"Mommy's tired... go grocery shopping with Cara," Uncle Luke casually said, as if it wasn't planned.

As usual, Lucas widened his eyes. "No way!" he protested.

Uncle Luke settled into his seat, with Aunt Samantha supporting him. "What's the problem, Lucas? It's just grocery shopping!"

Lucas looked at me, as if blaming me for what was happening. My eyes widened, and I almost defended myself, but I chose to bow my head again.

"Come on, Lucas, it's just a little thing," Aunt Samantha gently said, presenting the list of items to buy.

Lucas sighed, "Give me a minute," lazily said, and immediately entered their house.

Uncle Luke laughed, and I saw him tighten his grip on Aunt Samantha's waist. "You just need to pamper your kids a little..." he said, smiling.

Aunt Samantha pinched and held Uncle Luke's nose. "You always tease our son, that's why he gets annoyed... you're both so stubborn," she teased her husband.

I knew they would start being sweet again, so as not to disturb them, I excused myself to go inside and fix myself.

I changed into jeans and a gray polo shirt. A quick comb through my hair and a touch of powder on my face, and I headed back to the living room.

"Here's my card, Lucas," Uncle Luke said, handing his card to Lucas, who was in a maroon v-neck and brown shorts.

Lucas nodded, taking his dad's card. He glanced at me. "Do I really have to bring her?" he asked his dad with a hint of irritation.

"Be grateful that Cara is accompanying you," Uncle Luke said.

"Tsk... I'm so embarrassed!" he complained and quickly left the house.

"Excuse us for a moment, Uncle Luke," I said.

"Take care, especially you. But don't worry, Lucas won't eat you," he teased.

The guard opened the gate, and the engine of his black Mustang roared to life. I watched it, unsure if I should go inside.

I jerked up when it honked, and the passenger seat window rolled down.

"What the hell are you waiting for!?" he shouted at me.

So, I hurriedly got into the car. "Too important," I heard him mumble, sounding like he deliberately wanted me to hear it.

We were silent until we left the subdivision. "Uhmmm..." I was about to speak when he immediately countered, "Just f*ckin shut up."

But I'm persistent, sorry. "I just wanted to ask if you're the one who put the ATM card on top of my cabinet," I asked gently.

"So what..." he asked dismissively without even looking at me.

"In that case, it's your money you gave me," I added.

He grinned, "don't mind it, it's just loose change... not important, just like you." He said it mockingly, giving me a sidelong glance.

"If that's the case, thanks then... I'll just pay you ba-" I couldn't finish my sentence as he immediately interrupted me.

"Whoa... what are you going to pay me? Money that also came from my parents? You're really shameless, aren't you?" He insulted me.

I sighed, wanting to tell him that I planned to get a part-time job, but I wasn't sure if it was right for him to know. I didn't want him to think I was seeking pity from him.

I didn't attempt to speak again until we reached the mall owned by Uncle Luke, which means it's Lucas's as well.

The guards and employees quickly made way for him, greeting him as he walked with both hands in his pockets, striding into the supermarket with a confident air, almost as if there was a fashion show happening. Almost everyone stared at him.

"Good afternoon, sir Jimenez... I'll assist you to one of our sta-" an employee started to say, but Lucas stopped him.

"No need... I have a helper," he said, glancing at me.