My mother frowned as she took a bite of food.
"You're about to start your final year of high school, and your self-discipline is so poor. You shouldn't stay at school—you should move back home."
In my previous life, I had always rebelled against her. Upon hearing those words, I flipped the table over.
My stepfather, noticing my silence, sighed hypocritically.
"Don't be so hard on the child. We need to respect Susan's wishes."
He was always good at this.
I was rebellious and immature, and my mother wasn't good at expressing herself, which led to constant conflict between us.
My stepfather played the role of the peacemaker, but in reality, every word he said was adding fuel to the fire.
I was too naive to see through his schemes and believed he was the only one who truly believed in and supported me.
But not this time, Jeremy.
I pretended to be nonchalant.
"I'm not staying at school. Didn't Uncle Jeremy tell you?"
"He helped me rent an apartment near school, fully furnished with a computer, gaming console, and all sorts of makeup. Oh, and this too."
I pulled out the new phone he had given me that morning.
Jeremy's face instantly turned pale.
"Uncle Jeremy told me to keep it a secret from you, but if I'm moving back home, I guess I can't keep it hidden."
My mother's face turned dark.
"Did you buy this for her?"
Jeremy, trying to stay calm, quickly explained, "Susan needed a phone. I was worried about her."
Is this a regular mobile phone?!
My mother slammed her chopsticks down.
"And you rented her an apartment? Do you know how dangerous it is for a girl to live alone off-campus?!"
She stormed out, and Jeremy stumbled after her.
An hour later, they both returned, looking furious.
She had brought back all the items from the rental and questioned him one by one.
"Susan is about to start her final year of high school. Why did you buy her all this? What were you thinking?"
"The child is under a lot of academic pressure. I just wanted to help her relax. I'm sorry, Monica. I should have discussed it with you first."
"Jeremy, this isn't helping—it's spoiling her!" my mom snapped back.
"Monica, don't be upset. Your heart isn't in the best shape..."
"I'm Susan's stepfather. I don't know how to make her happy, but I was afraid that discussing it with you would just worry you more. Monica, I was foolish. I chose the wrong approach."
My mom softened a bit.