And Richard always insisted we go, using Ethan as an excuse.
His blind devotion to his parents was known across the neighborhood—everyone praised him for it.
At dinner, they laughed and joked while I sat silently by Ethan’s side, sullen and heavy-hearted.
Mrs. Miller Sr. noticed my mood and asked what was wrong.
I glanced at Richard, who glared back at me with wide eyes.
I shook my head and lied, “Nothing.”
But she pressed me, promising,
“Don’t worry, Anna, you can tell us. Your father-in-law and I will make it right.”
She patted Richard’s arm suspiciously.
“Is Richard bullying you?”
Richard’s face hardened, and he shot me a sharp look.
“You always stir up trouble.”
“My mom asked you a question—answer her! And don’t you dare accuse me falsely.”
I gathered my courage.
“It’s not Richard. It’s my brother. He went missing on the glacier.”
“What?” Mrs. Miller Sr. gasped, her face turning pale.
“You mean David?”
I opened my mouth to say “yes,” but before I could, Richard cut me off.
“No, not David. It’s her brother, Mark Green.”
The moment my brother’s name came out, both Mr. and Mrs. Miller Sr. let out a breath of relief.
So much for compassion.
Mr. Miller Sr.’s frown melted away.
“I knew it. David’s just on a trip to Alaska. He’s with a whole group, they’re watching out for each other—how could anything happen to him?”
Just a few days ago, both David and Mark had gone to the glacier. The difference was, David went for adventure, while Mark went for sightseeing.
But in truth, David Miller had concealed his real plans. He told his family he was just going sightseeing, when in fact, he had gone on an expedition.
To this day, the Miller family believed David was safe on a casual trip, while Mark was the one exploring. Naturally, they were convinced the missing person had to be my brother.
I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly to myself.
After Mr. Miller Sr. spoke, Mrs. Miller Sr. chuckled openly.
“Anna, you should really explain things clearly next time. You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
Richard gave me a disdainful look, then tattled to his parents.
“That’s just how she is. When her brother’s friend called, she wanted to rush all the way to Alaska to rescue him—using our joint marital assets.”
He emphasized that last part, as if afraid his parents might not hear it.
Mrs. Miller Sr. nodded gravely.
“Anna, you can’t spend Richard’s money to save your brother. You two still have a household to run.”