6
293words
Lily pressed,”since you sold the apartment and have the money, did you buy a new house?”
Mom snapped,”Lily,what’s that mean?Buying a house isn’t like buying groceries!”
Judy’s face fell.”What now?School starts soon—we can’t live on the street!”
“Lily,we’ll deal with formaldehyde, we can just make do with it.”
Lily hesitated.”Freshly renovated places aren’t safe…”
I cut in,”I know a formaldehyde remover—you could move in tonight.Why make Judy rent when we’ve got space?Looks bad for the family.”
Judy grabbed Lily’s hand,accusing,”Lily,are you ashamed of us?Don’t want us in your home?”
Lily had to pretend. “N... no. How could I dislike you? Aunt, you can move in tomorrow.”
After she agreed, my aunt immediately asked me to take her to buy formaldehyde removal spray.
I’d already picked one,waiting for this moment.
Judy thanked me profusely.
Lily grudgingly took us to her condo.
After treatment,Judy marveled at the fresh air,gushing gratitude.
Lily’s face burned red,muttering,”We’re family,but fair’s fair.Rent here’s$150 a month.Two people—$200.”
Judy froze.Lily had clearly acted like relatives could stay for free before, but now she was actually asking for rent.
I feigned shock.”Lily,you didn’t mention rent!Mike’s the only breadwinner,supporting Noah’s school.How can you charge family?”
Judy,leveraging her elder status,scolded,”Charging your cousin?That’s a Perry family disgrace.You’re money-grubbing!”
Lily face turned red and then pale from the humiliation. The way she looked at me was as if she wanted to cut me into pieces.
I smirked inwardly.Last life,you did this to me.Feel it now.
She choked out,”I can’t let you live free…”
I soothed,”Noah will repay you when he’s in college.”
Judy nodded.”My boy’s a star—top schools guaranteed.He’ll honor you.”
With things said like this, Lily agreed.
Noah would give her a”surprise”alright.
