Chapter 3

3.

I walked to the bus stop and headed toward the coffee shop where I worked.

On the bus, I saw a young couple huddled together, looking incredibly happy.

The sight triggered more memories.

Looking back, those past few years were entirely one-sided.

Summer's affection was always verbal, never backed by action.

She kept me on a leash, giving me just enough hope to think I could be her boyfriend.

All while she was sleeping with other men behind my back.

If Snow Sinclair hadn't been telling the whole world that I was her crush, Summer would have kicked me to the curb long ago.

It was hard to wrap my head around how fake a person could be.

When I got off the bus, Summer was already waiting there.

I tried to walk right past her.

"Mason, wait! Let's grab dinner," she said, blocking my path.

I glanced at her and quickly looked away. "I can't. The shop is busy."

It was the first time I had ever told her no. The smile on her face stiffened.

I suddenly realized how good it felt to say no. No more internal struggle.

Summer snapped, "How much can you even make at a place like that? My parents gave you a huge allowance over the years. You don't need to embarrass yourself working here."

It was hilarious to watch her try to act like she cared while clearly being disgusted by me.

She must have been exhausted from all that acting.

After a moment of silence, I agreed to go to dinner.

Her face lit up instantly, her dimples showing.

"I'm taking you to Sinclair's Bistro. You're going to love it."

A predatory glint flashed in her eyes.

Sinclair's Bistro was owned by Snow Sinclair. Summer thought I didn't know that.

I didn't call her out on it and just nodded.

The Bistro was strictly members-only, with fees costing millions a year.

The Sterlings were well-off, but they weren't in the league that could afford to eat there regularly.

But when we arrived at the entrance, the hostess recognized me immediately and bowed.

Summer was beaming with pride.

She knew exactly why we were being treated like royalty, but she let me think it was her doing.

As soon as we sat down, she started her pitch.

"I met Snow Sinclair once. She's stunning, and I hear she has a heart of gold..."

Summer wouldn't stop talking about how perfect Snow was.

I sipped my lemon water in silence, nodding whenever she paused for a reaction.

"Mason."

The flattery stopped. She called my name and frowned at me.

"What?" I asked as the first course arrived.

She studied my face and shook her head. "Nothing."

I knew what she was thinking. She noticed my reaction to Snow had changed.

Usually, I'd get annoyed the second anyone mentioned Snow.

Her public pursuit of me had been so aggressive that it made me defensive.

A medium-rare steak was placed in front of me.

"I ordered it medium-rare just for you," Summer said, gesturing with her chin.

I looked at the bloody steak and felt a wave of nausea.

I had chronic gastritis. I couldn't eat undercooked meat.

Summer was the one who had taken me to the hospital for it years ago.

She had forgotten.

I quietly sliced the steak and pushed the plate toward her.

"Why aren't you eating?"

I could see the word "peasant" burning in her eyes.

Before I could speak, the door opened again.

A server brought out a well-done steak and a bowl of warm pumpkin soup.

"Compliments of the house, Mr. Grey. Please enjoy."

I was surprised, but it clicked instantly.

Snow must have given the order.

"Wow, the service here is incredible," Summer said, her eyes sparkling. "The owner must be as kind as she is beautiful. Whoever marries her will be the luckiest guy on earth."

I glanced at her, feeling a bitter taste in my mouth.

Summer knew exactly how I felt about her, yet she could still say things like that.

I took a spoonful of soup and looked her in the eye.

"You're right, sis. You're absolutely right."

Summer didn't stop there. She excitedly brought up the party happening in three days.

She claimed it was her first time hosting a big event and insisted I be there.

I knew the truth. It was Snow's birthday party. Snow had already sent me an invitation.

Snow had even invited Summer and her friends just to get me to show up.

I watched Summer's eyes glow with the desperate hunger for social status.

I decided to help her one last time.

Consider it my final gift to her for being there when I was a kid.

After this, Summer Sterling would be nothing more than a sister to me.

"I'll be there."

The moment I said yes, the greed in her eyes became impossible to hide.