Chapter 135

"I'm fine, sis. Just feeling a bit down. I couldn’t reach you, so I got worried.” “Don’t worry about me, seriously. I’m doing okay. What worries me is you—drinking at home all day like that, it’s not good!” “Relax, I’ve made up my mind. I'm heading out to look for a job now. I’ll take care of both of us.” “Justin, that’s not what I meant. I don’t want you to wear yourself out. I just want you to be happy.” “But if I don’t find work, then what do we live on, huh? Are you planning to depend on Jason forever?" Justin’s tone was sharp and rising. Denise was caught off guard, a dull ache creeping into her chest. “If you want to rely on Jason for the rest of your life, fine—but I don’t! I can’t handle living off something that feels like it was exchanged for your dignity. It makes me feel... disgusting!” he snapped. Denise froze. She hadn’t realized how intense Justin’s resentment toward Jason was—it shocked her. “Justin, don’t talk nonsense like that. This is just temporary. Once I graduate