“Brother Bryce, I know I didn’t think this through. But the banquet’s already set, and my mom’s portrait is already here.”
“It won’t take long. Please, just let her memorial last for half an hour. That’s all I’m asking.”
I pushed him away coldly.
“No.”
“This is my home. Today is my birthday. What right do you have to hang a funeral wreath here and bring bad luck to me?”
It was just a light shove, but Carson lost his footing and staggered back, falling straight into Jenna’s arms.
“Bryce, haven’t you made enough of a scene?”
Jenna finally snapped. She shoved me hard, her voice low but seething with anger.
“Carson’s already been through so much. He’s only asking for a little, for Aunt Symonne’s memorial to last just half an hour. Can’t you even grant that?”
“You’re usually the understanding one. What’s with the pettiness today?”
I slammed into the sharp edge of the table behind me. Pain shot through my body, and a dark bruise bloomed instantly on my arm.
I almost laughed. Me? Petty?
So what, was I supposed to smile and bow while someone trampled all over me? Only then would I be seen as understanding.
"Jenna, stop being generous at my expense."
"If you’re so thoughtful toward your male assistant and want to hold a grand third death anniversary for his mother, find another venue. Why drag it into my birthday just to make me sick?"
I hadn’t meant to disrespect anyone. But respect should go both ways.
If others stepped over my boundaries first, I had every right to defend myself. I refused to be shackled by their moral blackmail.
I shot back with a cold smile, "If you’re so desperate to hold Carson’s third death anniversary, why not use your place? Your living room sounds just about right."
Jenna’s face twisted, her expression turning sour.
Before she could speak, Carson slumped to the floor in despair.
His shoulders trembled violently, tears dripping onto the black-and-white portrait in his hands.
“Mom, I’m sorry. It’s all my fault for being so useless.”
“My mom raised me alone since I was a kid. I once swore that when I made enough money, I’d throw her a grand birthday party. But before I could do that, she was gone. I just wanted to share Brother Bryce’s joy, and maybe bring a little happiness to my mom in the afterlife.”
“If Brother Bryce finds this inappropriate, then we’re the ones who disturbed him. I’ll take my mom and leave right away…”