Chapter 9 Marry Your Entire Family

• The two pulled and shoved each other in the corridor, and Ryan simply dragged Heather downstairs to a secluded back alley for fear of affecting his image.
• Only one street lamp lit the back alley, and hence, the dim space was barely visible.
• Once they were far enough, Heather flung Ryan's hand away and stood by a wall, saying nothing.
• Ryan, on the other hand, shoved his hands into his pockets and sighed as he lowered his head. "Actually… you've always been more like a buddy to me."
• "Why are you only telling me this now? Is it because you've decided to leave things the way they are now, seeing that you've been exposed?" Heather questioned with a hoarse voice.
• Ryan frowned reflexively and retorted, "Don't put it like that, Heather! We may have been to the same high school and also came from the countryside, but I'm an undergraduate with a promising future while you're just a junior college student. After graduating, all you'll be able to get is a stable and measly-paying job. Besides, you're merely thinking of investing in me when you've given me money in this past year so that when I've achieved a successful career, I'll marry you and let you live with me in this big city!"
• Ryan's words had Heather looking at him with incredulity. "Is this how you think of me?"
• "How else am I supposed to think of you, then?" Ryan retorted as he looked up at Heather. "You are practically that kind of girl!"
• "In that case, I want my money back! Give me all the money I've given to you in the past year, every single penny!" Heather snapped as she extended a hand to Ryan.
• After taking a gander at Heather, Ryan curled his lips and turned a little sideway. "See what I mean?! I'm a good judge of character. You really are that kind of girl! Whatever, I can't blame you for being born in the countryside. So be it that you have no ambitions, but all you ever think about is money!"
• "You…" Furious, Heather choked on her words as she pointed at Ryan's nose.
• Meanwhile, Ryan pulled his wallet out of his pocket and shoved all the money into the hand pointing at him.
• "Heather, you're not good enough for me. Your status, education, and background are all beneath me. Besides, if I ever marry you, I'd be marrying your entire family. Not only do I have to support you, but I'll also have to support your stingy mother, disabled father, and your good-for-nothing brother. Can you imagine how exhausted I'd be? Take this money for now and see it as my compensation for you. After I graduate with my master's degree and get a good job, I'll return all your money." Ryan sighed as he shook his head ruefully.
• However, Heather chucked all the money at his face.
• Her reaction got him stumped, but he didn't get upset over her insolent humiliation. Rather, he squatted down and picked up the notes one after another.
• Heather watched dazedly as Ryan picked up all the bills, shoved them back into his wallet, and even grumbled, "You rejected my money yourself. Whatever, I'm the one at fault first. It makes sense that you're pissed."
• "We've been schoolmates for three years in high school and have dated almost a year in college, Horton. But I can't believe, apart from being a two-timer, you're also this hypocritical!" Heather choked up.
• Never had she imagined that he was dating another girl behind her back when she worked and studied on top of taking care of him on the weekends. Worst of all, he had even started living with that girl!
• On the other hand, Ryan glanced at Heather and fell silent for a moment. He didn't know what to say, so he just left without another word.
• There's no reason for me to argue with this woman, is there?
• After all, he had been discovered, and from now on, they wouldn't cross paths anymore.
• In actuality, Heather was prettier than Roxanne, but her background wasn't as good as Roxanne's.
• Roxanne was from Wrewell, and her family owned a few properties here in Wrewell. Plus, her parents had some influential big shots looking after them in Wrewell as well.
• So he wouldn't have to work as hard if he married Roxanne, but if he married Heather, he'd probably have to work his life away!
• With such a comparison, Ryan would naturally despise Heather and like Roxanne.
• Tears finally fell from Heather's eyes as she watched Ryan's back slowly fading into the darkness.
• She couldn't cry when her heart hurt the most, and now that it was over, tears finally streamed down her cheeks.
• Love was such a beautiful thing, but why did he have to smash such a wonderful thing into dust?
• Ryan had loved Heather once. It was just that such love couldn't stand the test of reality.
• It was impossible for him to be in a long platonic love with her. Hence, he had to forsake her to achieve a better future for himself.
• Later, Heather returned to Ryan's dorm to collect her suitcase.
• Hansen and Ben were worried for Heather, but after seeing her brave smile, they comforted her and sent her to the coach station with Jace.
• As they bid goodbye, Jace said gravely, "Please forgive me, Heather. You're a lovely girl, and I don't want you to be kept in the dark about this. I'm sure you'll find a decent guy who loves you as much as you love him."
• "Yeah! Forget about Ryan. He's a sc*mbag! Don't get too upset!" Hansen echoed.
• Ben couldn't help comforting as well, saying, "Ryan may be a sc*mbag, but we're not! There are still decent men in this world. Don't ever give up on love, Heather. Just stay true to yourself!"
• "I will. Thanks, guys." Heather smiled with relief.
• At least these three guys were sweet to her.
• "I guess no one will help us wash our clothes ever again!" Hansen sighed.
• To that, Ben slapped Hansen's head. "You b*stard. Can't you wash your own clothes?"
• Heather couldn't help but burst out chuckling.
• "The coach is leaving. You better get on, Heather," Jace reminded. "Have a safe journey."
• Heather nodded at that and bid the three of them farewell before getting onto the coach that would take her home.
• Soon, the engine started, and the coach headed out of the station.
• Meanwhile, Hansen put one arm around Jace's shoulders and the other around Hansen's as the trio walked together.
• "Jace, you have a thing for Heather, don't you?" Ben asked.
• Hansen teased right at that, turning to his side to slap Jace's chest. "Surely he does. You've been crushing on Heather for almost a year now. I bet it wasn't fun for you to keep your feelings a secret!"
• "You guys are thinking too much. I just have a problem with Ryan," Jace dismissed plainly.
• However, Ben and Hansen smiled as they exchanged a glance.
• Though as clear as day, they would keep it to themselves!