I Couldn’t Afford My Parents ‘Time Chapter 04

I Couldn’t Afford My Parents ‘Time Chapter 04

On the day of the graduation party. I packed my bags early. 

A few clothes. 

My diploma. 

My academic records. 

And the acceptance letter I had never gotten the chance to show them. 

I left early and stored my luggage at the hotel front desk. 

Mom and Dad showed up much later. 

Melody walked between them in her new dress. 

Dad carried her bag. 

Mom kept reminding her not to step on the hem or get it dirty. 

Mrs. Carter walked over with a smile. 

Hazel graduated too, right?” 

Which university did you get into?” 

Before I could answer, Mom waved her hand and cut me off. 

“She’s planning to attend some local college. 

Then she pulled Melody closer. 

“Our Melody is taking the SAT next year.” 

“Her teacher said she has a chance at a top–tier university.“, 

“We’ve already found her a private tutor.” 

Dad smiled and added: 

“As long as Melody gets into a top–tier university…” 

Her mom and I will take her on a month–long trip for free.” 

Melody cheered and threw herself into their arms. 

Everyone around them said how lucky she was. 

Mom smiled from ear to ear. 

Standing beside them, I suddenly wanted to leave. 

To be far away from them. 

Mom thought I was jealous. 

For once, she gently patted my shoulder. 

Don’t compare yourself to Melody.” 

She smiled as if she were rewarding me. 

Work hard at your part–time job.” 

“When you save up $10,000…” 

“Mom will spend an afternoon watching a movie with you too.” 

“Whatever you want to watch, I’ll let you choose.” 

I looked at her. 

I didn’t say anything. 

Melody could get into a top–tier university. 

And they were willing to take her on a free month–long trip. 

But I had to save $10,000 just to earn two hours of my mother’s time. 

And everyone thought that was fair. 

After the party started, I sat alone in the corner. 

There were still thirty minutes before check–in. 

I ate a little food. 

Then Mom suddenly walked over and held out Evan’s WhatsApp QR code. 

“Add him.” 

“Someone who got into a top–tier university must have their own way of studying.” 

“Ask him more questions.” 

“Then organize everything and teach Melody when you get home.” 

I didn’t take it. 

“No need.” 

Mom’s expression immediately darkened. 

“What kind of attitude is that?” 

“Are you seriously jealous of Melody?” 

Dad walked over too. 

Melody is taking the SAT next year.” 

Her future comes first right now.” 

Don’t make a scene here.” 

Melody lowered her head and spoke softly. 

Forget it.” 

I’ll work hard on my own.” 

If Hazel doesn’t want to help me, I’m sure she has her reasons.” 

Mom immediately pulled her into her arms. 

“You’re just too kind.” 

“That’s why people always take advantage of you.” 

The guests who didn’t know the truth all looked at me. 

As if I really were the cruel older sister who didn’t want her younger sister to succeed. 

Evan frowned, looking like he wanted to say something. 

I shook my head at him. 

There was no need anymore. 

In one more hour, I would finally leave this place. 

Where Melody went to college… 

How Mom and Dad planned to celebrate her… 

None of it mattered to me anymore. 

After eating a few more bites, I picked up my coat and walked 

toward the hotel front desk. 

The staff brought out my stored suitcase, 

pulled up the handle. 

At the same time, my phone lit up, 

[Your flight is about to close boarding. Please arrange your 

travel time accordingly.] 

Suddenly, Melody’s voice came from behind me. 

Hazel.” 

“Why are you taking your suitcase?” 

Mom turned around. 

Her face was full of impatience. 

Where else would she be going?” 

Probably to her part–time job at the restaurant again.” 

Good.” 

She can make more money then.” 

She still owes us $600.” 

After saying that, she turned around and grabbed more food for Melody. 

But Dad kept staring at my suitcase. 

His expression slowly changed. 

The restaurant was close to our house. 

Going to her part–time job didn’t require her to bring all her belongings. 

He suddenly pushed his chair back and rushed over. 

“Hazel!” 

Dad grabbed the suitcase handle. 

For the first time, panic appeared in his voice, 

“Where are you really going?”