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“My best interests?” I point to myself, voice rising.
“Let me tell you what’s in my best interests—to not have a relationship with either of you. I’ve never been happier than when I didn’t have to see you. Yeah, Sage didn’t graduate from college. I never even attended!“ I throw my hands in the air, growing more agitated.
“Watch it, son,” my dad warns.
I shake my head, snorting.
“I’m no longer your son,” I say deathly quiet.
My father’s back straightens as he looks at me with a shocked expression.
“It’s not like either of you were ever really parents. Children are not accessories to complete your image of what a successful family should look like. We have feelings, and we bleed. We’re humans, you know?” I stare at them with disgust. “Sage didn’t finish college because she got sick, not because she didn’t want to. She couldn’t continue because of her health, but you two were so judgmental that you didn’t bother to learn the truth.” My fists are balled by my side, shaking furiously with anger.
“It’s the same disease that’s currently making her sick because of you.” I point at my mom. “Excuse me for not giving a . . .” I take a deep breath to reel in my anger. “For not caring about your opinion on the matter.”
“Sick?” My mom asks. “I’m sure that’s not true. People like her would lie about anything to get what they wanted. She only wants your money.”
Another humorless laugh escapes me.
“You’re incredible.” I lower my voice. “I approached Sage and asked her to pretend to be my girlfriend so you two would see I was settling down and transfer control of the trust fund after that ridiculous stipulation you added. You know what, though? I don’t need your money if it comes with conditions. I’ll find a way to start my non-profit, and I’ll be successful. Not because it’ll make me millions but because I’ll be helping make the world a better place, something neither of you knows anything about.”
My blood is pumping, my heartbeat echoing in my ears. A combination of anger and sadness makes my eyes water as I stare at the two people who are supposed to love me unconditionally.
The door swings open, and Hudson appears.
“What’s going on?” He crosses his arms.
“Wonderful,” my mom scoffs. “Just the person we were missing.”
Her attitude toward my brother because he decided to live his own life is maddening.
“He’s your son!” I yell. “Or are we adopted? Because that’s the only explanation here.”
“That’s ridiculous,” she scoffs. “Birthing both of you cost me a lot in surgeries.”
“Let’s go, Tristan.” Hudson grabs my arm and drags me away.
I pull away, though, not finished.
I stare at my father, the man who should be an example to me. Then, I look at my mom’s arrogant face.
“Sage didn’t deserve for you to attack her that way. She is sick. Call the hospital and weasel information out of them like you do for everything else. It’s on your conscience, not mine. I refuse for you to hurt the woman I love, so consider this my notice. I’m done. The Remington name isn’t mine any longer. I’m embarrassed to be associated with the two of you.“ I shake my head, turning around.
“Ready?” I look at a stone-faced Hudson.
He nods, sadness filling his eyes before he swings his arm around my neck.
“Come on, little brother.” He’s the only person who’s ever loved me unconditionally.
With a renewed sense of peace, I take a deep breath, mugginess from the rain stagnant in the air. It’s cleansing.
“Thanks for coming with me.” I smile at Hudson.
“Always got your back.” He returns the smile, clapping my back. “Let’s go home.”
I nod, knowing that everything will work out. I shouldn’t have wanted the trust fund. I hate that Sage won’t get her cut, but I doubt she’d even accept it at this point. She’s stubborn like that, another feature I love about her.
“Woman you love, huh?” Hudson smirks.
