Chapter 1

Austin brought her childhood friend, Glenn, home to care for him after he was paralyzed, always prioritizing him above everything else.

She completely ignored my feelings, even forcing me to help him bathe.

Six months later, I took in a homeless, disabled girl.

"She has mental issues and no one to rely on. She'll be bullied out there, so I couldn't bear to leave her."

Austin, who always demanded I be generous, flew into a rage.

"Jackson! Are you out of your mind?! You brought another woman home? And a mental patient? Are you that desperate?!"

I frowned, facing Austin's gaze, which felt like she was interrogating a criminal.

"Can you please get rid of your filthy thoughts? Can you show some compassion? Are you just going to stand by and watch a vibrant life die?"

Six months ago, Austin's childhood friend, Glenn, got into a car accident. Austin not only stayed with him at the hospital for a month but insisted on bringing him home.

I objected.

Austin shot back, "Glenn has no one here. I can't just abandon him."

"Can't you be a little more understanding? A little more empathetic? Stop making such a big deal out of everything!"

Now, I was just doing the same thing.

"How is that the same thing?"

Austin clenched her fists. "I'm going to the hospital to pick up Glenn right now. When I get back, I don't want to see this woman here anymore."

She slammed the door shut, thinking a show of anger would make me back down.

But I turned to the girl with a smile and reassured her, "Charlotte, I'll go run a bath for you and get some clothes ready."

"Thank you."

Charlotte nodded obediently, leaning on her crutches.

She had been filthy, her face covered in grime. After her bath and fresh clothes, I finally saw her face clearly.

Delicate and pretty, she was a natural beauty.

Only her body was too thin, like a withered branch.

So, I ordered a big meal for her, to help her regain some nutrition.

Just then, Austin returned, pushing Glenn's wheelchair. Seeing Charlotte eating on the sofa, her face instantly turned cold.

"Jackson!"

"What is the meaning of this? Not only did you let her stay, but you let her wear my pajamas? How disgusting is that? How unsanitary?"

Her reaction was extreme, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

"I'm sorry, I'll take them off right away."

Charlotte stood up nervously. "Please don't argue because of me."

"No need."

I grabbed her wrist, not looking up. "It's just a pair of pajamas, isn't it? What's the fuss? I'll return them tomorrow. I'll buy Charlotte some new ones then."

I remembered when Glenn first arrived, he took a liking to my only custom-made suit, which I only wore for important events.

Austin gave it to Glenn without even asking me. Who knew Glenn would relieve himself in it?

I was furious.

But Austin was nonchalant. "Oh, come on! Don't be so petty! It's just a suit, right? It's not like Glenn did it on purpose. You can just wash it yourself, what's the big deal?"

The next day, she even grandly bought Glenn five custom suits, which made my head spin with anger.

"Austin, don't blame Jackson. It's just that I've been staying at your place for too long, so Jackson is unhappy and deliberately found an actress to make you mad."

Glenn spoke up, looking remorseful. "I'm just a burden! I'll move out tonight. You two don't have to argue over me."

His eyes were red as he spoke, then he maneuvered his wheelchair to leave.

I glanced at Austin, curious to see her reaction.

No surprises.

Austin, just like before, anxiously hugged Glenn and comforted him softly, "Glenn, you're never a burden. You're a very important person in my life."