My parents sneered. “Unbelievable. You’re helping this ungrateful brat play a show?”
“We already said that if he didn’t come back yesterday, then he’s no longer a part of the Miller Family. Do you think we wanted to make him a part of our family? If it weren’t for blood, what is he? Even my son-in-law is worth more than him.”
Mother’s voice got louder. If my sister hadn’t grabbed her arm, she would have slapped Mike.
For a moment, I forgot I was only a spirit.
I rushed forward and tried to stand in front of Mike to protect him. But Mike did not move away.
He gave Justin a disdainful look and smiled with scorn. “When we were in college, I already knew you weren’t a good person.”
Justin’s eyes filled with red. He looked stunned.
“So it turns out I was right.”
“Enough!” my sister cut in. She let go of our mother’s hand and faced Mike with a cold gaze. “You may take his things, but if you speak ill of Justin, don’t pretend you care about our families’ friendship.”
“Fine, then. I wish my parents would cut ties with you right now!” Mike shouted, holding my things tightly and staring at Justin.
“You protect the one who got your own son killed. It’s only a matter of time before you ruin a business partner, too.”
“You…”
Smack!
A slap landed on his face without warning and my belongings fell to the ground.
My spirit stood in front of Mike, screaming even though no one could hear me, “Isabel, stop!”
“You really are just like him,” my sister said, looking at Mike as if she could see through him to me. Her eyes showed the same disgust.
“Do you think being born rich lets you do whatever you want? My husband being from the countryside doesn’t give you the right to insult him.”
“Mike, when my husband was bullied back then, you joined in with those boys, didn’t you?”
Mike stared at her in disbelief. “What are you even talking about?”
Justin, voice full of wronged pain, said in time, “I was born with less, Mike, but that doesn’t mean I deserved to be bullied.”
“Don’t use your background as an excuse. Do you think I dislike you because of where you’re from?”
“There were many people from small towns in our class and yet most of them achieved success by working hard. You, however, stir trouble everywhere.”
Tears fell from Justin to the floor. “Mike, how could you…”