Chapter 3
I was completely baffled, staring at the video clips Ashley had shared.[]
According to the video information, the family photo was taken last Christmas in Chicago.]
But on that day, my dad was with me and my mom in Miami for Christmas’s Eve. He never left our side, so he couldn’t possibly have been in Chicago taking photos with Ashley.
Yet the man in the video was undeniably my dad–even the mole on his forehead was identical.]
I racked my brain but couldn’t figure it out, so I called my dad’s secretary.[]
I subtly asked if my dad was having an affair.
This secretary was my mom’s former student and had been managing my dad’s schedule for years.[]
If my dad was cheating, she would definitely know.[]
When she heard my question, she was surprised, then burst out laughing:[]
“Olivia, your dad is famous for how much he adores your mom. How could he possibly be cheating?“]
But if Dad wasn’t cheating, then what was going on with Ashley?
I wanted to call my dad immediately to get to the bottom of this, but considering the time difference, it was probably midnight where he was. It could wait half a day.[]
Tomorrow was Saturday anyway, and the townhouse my dad had bought for me near campus had just been renovated.]
I decided to go home for the night and have my mom accompany me to check out the townhouse the next day.[]
But when I arrived at the townhouse with my mom, we found Ashley hosting a party for about fifteen people on the front lawn.[
Seeing me, Ashley looked contemptuous:[]
“I was wondering why you didn’t dare come back to the dorm last night. So you were planning to stalk me? What? Did you come to apologize in person?“]
I was puzzled.]
“Apologize for what?”
At that moment, the student council president walked over and pulled me aside
“Olivia, Ashley already showed us around her house. There are even photos of her parents‘ wedding inside. Don’t embarrass yourself.“]
“If I were you, I’d quietly move out of the dorm. Why come here and humiliate yourself further?“}}
Chapter 3
I was speechless.
“I haven’t done anything wrong. Why should I move?“]
“Besides, I’m busy today and don’t have time for arguments. Please don’t bother me.‘
With that, I took my mom’s hand and headed toward the townhouse.[]
“D
My parents‘ twentieth wedding anniversary was coming up in a week, and I had custom–ordered a traditional dress for her.[]
I wanted to have her try it on early to make sure it fit perfectly.[]
But we had only taken a few steps when a girl blocked our path:]
“Olivia, have you no shame? This is Ashley’s house. She didn’t invite you, so why are you barging in?“[]
I was getting impatient:[]
“This townhouse was my dad’s gift for my 18th birthday. Since when did it become Ashley’s?“]]
Hearing this, Ashley sneered:[]
“Olivia, your shamelessness knows no bounds. Yesterday you claimed my dad was yours, and now you’re saying my house is yours too? How can anyone be this disgraceful?“]
As she finished speaking, the fifteen or so people at the party began pointing and whispering about me.[]
My mom was completely confused and asked what was going on.[]
I was about to explain when the student council president suddenly handed me a phone in the middle of a call.]
I took it and realized it was my faculty advisor:[]
“Olivia, due to your serious violations of university policies, the administration has decided after careful consideration that you should take a gap year. The paperwork has been processed, and your belongings have been packed and left with the dorm supervisor. We hope you’ll comply.”
I was totally so angry that I laughed.[]
