Chapter 3

Chapter 3

After the funeral, I began packing my mother's things.

There wasn't much left.

A few simple outfits and some old pieces of jewelry.

When I saw a plain, jade-colored bracelet, my mind drifted.

This was the gift Lucas gave her the first time he visited our house. My mother cherished it like a holy relic, keeping it tucked away.

I stared at the bracelet, lost in thought.

Just then, a message from Lucas popped up.

"Jenna, I'm going to be busy with wedding photos and family portraits for a few days. I won't be home."

I didn't reply. I just let out a self-deprecating laugh and tossed the bracelet into the trash.

My mother thought it was treasure, but I knew the truth. It was a cheap piece of glass that would eventually stain your skin green. It was never worth much.

Late that night, I saw Lucas's new post.

It was a family portrait of him and Summer's family.

The caption was simple: "A happy family."

In the photo, Summer was leaning into Lucas's chest. They were looking at each other with eyes full of adoration.

I had almost forgotten that Lucas could be so gentle.

Or maybe he always was, but he only saved that side for the people he actually liked.

...

Two days later, Lucas finally called again.

He told me to come pick him up at the bus station.

I was confused because he had driven his own car when he left.

Why was he coming back on a bus?

When I arrived at the station, I saw why.

Next to Lucas and Summer was a crowd of elderly people from the countryside.

They were loud and cluttered, chirping away at the station entrance.

Lucas explained, "Summer's mother and her relatives are coming to the city for a trip. You need to help host them."

I didn't need him to tell me who they were.

The greed in their eyes was an exact match for Summer's.

I didn't say a word or make a move to help.

Summer walked over, her face glowing with triumph she couldn't hide.

"Sorry for the trouble, Jenna. Thanks for making the trip."

"I told Lucas we could just take an Uber, but he insisted you come. I feel so bad."

She reached out her hand with a fake smile. I looked at her with a blank stare, ignoring her completely.

Summer's face tightened in embarrassment, and Lucas's tone immediately turned sharp.

"Are you blind? Or did you leave your manners in the gutter?"

Before I could speak, Summer's mother―a bitter-looking old woman―grabbed Lucas's hand.

"Why is there only one car, Lucas? There are so many of us, we won't fit!"

"Should I call a cab?" Lucas started to reach for his phone.

Summer's mother stopped him.

"Oh, don't spend your money. Let this driver take a cab and leave the car for us. We're family, we should go first!"

Lucas looked at me, his eyes showing a flicker of hesitation.

I didn't care. I pulled out the car keys and tossed them to him.

"Fine. I don't mind."

Lucas looked relieved. He jerked his chin at me.

"Then get things organized. Don't keep my relatives waiting too long."

With that, the three of them hopped into the car and drove away.

Before they left, I caught the look of arrogance on Summer and her mother's faces.

They didn't realize that I had already checked out of this life.