The villa seemed small from the outside, but it was actually quite large inside, especially with its high ceilings. Walking in, I immediately felt tiny under the luxurious chandelier, which flaunted the owner's wealth.
"Why did you suddenly move here? It's so hard to find," I deliberately avoided mentioning my brother's lottery win.
"Oh, this is a friend of Hyman's house. Their whole family moved abroad, so they offered us to stay here. We're helping them take care of the place," my mom said as she wiped down the furniture.
Whenever my mom lies, her eyelids blink incessantly.
"So how long are we renting out the apartment I bought? I'm planning to move back in."
My mom's hand paused for a moment, "That apartment was sold."
"How could the apartment be sold just like that? Why didn't you consult with me?"
"What's there to discuss? It's just a second-hand apartment!" My brother Hyman walked out of the room, dressed in a well-fitted suit that was clearly expensive.
"We moved in here, and the place needed some renovations, so we sold it to cover the costs," my mom said, looking innocent.
"So you just sold it, didn't you? The apartment I bought was sold without even asking me."
I looked at her, questioning.
"It's sold, so what? You keep saying it's yours. Where would you be without our mother? Buying an apartment is no big deal," Hyman sneered with disdain in his eyes.
"I paid for that apartment, and I can't even ask about it, can I? If you're so capable, why don't you buy one yourself?"
"Who says I can't? This place is..."
"Hyman, don't argue with your sister!"
My mom hurriedly interrupted, giving Hyman frantic looks.
Hyman realized he almost let something slip, so he shut his mouth.
"Since the apartment is sold, where am I going to sleep tonight?" I looked further inside, probing.
This villa must have at least five rooms.
"Nancy, you should stay at your friend's place tonight! This is someone else's house, after all. We can't just let you sleep wherever."
I stood up and looked at the two of them, suddenly feeling like strangers.
If I didn't already know that this villa was bought by Hyman, I might have believed them as I always did.
"Hah! There's no place for you to stay here, and we have no money to lend you either," Hyman snorted coldly.